The upcoming Pixel phone may feature a luminous back, based on insights from Android 17’s code.

      Google aims to keep your eyes up and your phone face down.

      If you recall the Google Pixel C, which stirred some controversy, you might remember its light bar at the back that displayed Google’s colors and battery status.

      It appears that Google is set to reintroduce this feature with a few updates. A recent APK teardown of the most recent Android Canary and Android 17 Beta versions has uncovered mentions of this feature within the code.

      According to 9to5Google, the teardown indicates that Google is developing a new hardware feature named Pixel Glow. Initially referred to in the code as “orbit” and “light_animations,” it has been officially designated Pixel Glow in Android 17 Beta 4.

      The feature’s description in the Settings states that it “utilizes subtle light and color on the back of your device to notify you of important activities when it’s placed face down.” Google's marketing approach emphasizes staying present without losing connectivity.

      So, what functions will Pixel Glow serve?

      Currently, there are two confirmed scenarios for its use. The first involves calls from preferred contacts, where Pixel Glow will gently illuminate instead of sounding a ringtone when the phone is face down.

      The second scenario occurs while interacting with Gemini, providing visual feedback for hands-free communication. The Settings also include a caution note for users sensitive to light, advising them to use Pixel Glow carefully.

      Regarding the placement of the lights on the phone, that remains uncertain. Leaked renders of the Pixel 11 Pro XL do not show a specific cutout, but the Camera Bar seems like a plausible location.

      The settings page indicates that Pixel Glow will not activate if flash notifications are enabled, suggesting the lighting feature may be integrated near the camera bar and is disabled to avoid interference with the flash function.

      Is a Pixel laptop on the horizon?

      This is where it becomes intriguing. 9to5Google discovered that the Pixel Glow Settings page checks whether the device is a desktop, implying that this feature may also be included in a Pixel laptop. Mentions of an “ic_laptop_light” icon in this week’s Android code further support this notion.

      Google has previously produced laptops, including the Pixelbook and Pixelbook Go, and although both had impressive hardware, they struggled due to high prices and software constraints.

      With the current rising costs of RAM and SSDs, and the MacBook Neo priced at $599, Google will face significant challenges to succeed in this market.

      In other news, Casely is recalling nearly half a million power banks due to a fire hazard. If you possess a power bank, it is essential to verify if it is among the affected models. Casely has announced a recall affecting around 429,200 units of the Casely Power Pods through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The lithium-ion battery within these power banks can overheat and catch fire, presenting a serious risk of burns and fires.

      Why was the Casely power bank recalled?

      Chinese repair shops have reportedly found ways to address unsightly dents on iPhones. In China, dents, scratches, and various other damages can be effectively removed from your iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, yielding impressive results.

      With the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, Apple returned to an aluminum frame to benefit from better thermal conductivity and lightweight properties. However, while this practical adjustment is sensible, aluminum is softer than titanium, and thus more prone to showing damage. Dropping it from a reasonable height onto a hard surface will leave marks. Nevertheless, aluminum is significantly easier to repair. Unlike titanium, it responds well to skilled technicians, and Chinese repair shops are capitalizing on this to perform remarkable repairs.

      A $400 discount on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 makes this ambitious Android phone of 2025 significantly more affordable.

      The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is currently available for $1,719.99 through a limited-time offer, a $400 reduction from its list price of $2,119.99 for the 512GB model, which is worth waiting for. Foldable phones have evolved considerably over the past two generations, and the Z Fold7 strongly demonstrates that this form factor has progressed beyond being just a novelty.