I would choose HiLight over the Pixel 11 Pro's temperature sensor every single time.

      During the recent unveiling of the Pixel 11, Google introduced its new HiLight feature. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical, but what piqued my interest more was the replacement of the temperature sensor. This feature is one that very few people remember or utilize, despite its uniqueness to the Pixel lineup at the time.

      The hardware eventually evolved to measure body temperature, and I can appreciate the engineering feat involved in fitting such a capability into a smartphone. Nonetheless, I seldom found reasons to use it in my daily life. While I wasn’t immediately enthusiastic about what would take its place, I have no objections to this trade-off.

      HiLight is an RGB lighting system that operates while the phone lies face-down. You can assign a specific color to your favored contacts, prompting the Pixel to illuminate when they call via the Phone app or WhatsApp. If you ask Google Assistant a question, the light changes patterns to indicate when the assistant is actively listening. The technology itself is quite straightforward, but the concept holds more depth upon closer examination.

      Google

      How Google’s new initiative optimizes that circular design

      According to Google’s description, HiLight aims to help users "stay present" by reducing distractions. Relevant information is conveyed through colored lights, removing the need to interact with the display. When my phone is face-down on my desk, it typically signals that I’m trying to focus. The existing Flip to Shhh feature enhances this experience by activating Do Not Disturb mode when the Pixel is screen-down. HiLight brings a thoughtfully curated connection to the outside world.

      Instead of entirely blocking notifications, users can remain aware of what's genuinely significant to them. This means I can overlook most alerts while still being aware of important calls. Technically, I could achieve this through notification settings, Focus Mode, and other configurations, but all of those still require looking at the screen. HiLight’s objective is to streamline the process using just colors.

      Google

      There’s no need to unlock the phone or check the caller’s name. Perhaps even more beneficial is that it eliminates the potential for social media distractions when the display lights up.

      Notifications can demand more of your focus than you might realize.

      This feature was not created to extend the previous versions of LED notification lighting. A study from 2026 published in Computers in Human Behavior investigated how social media notifications impacted 180 university students engaged in a cognitively demanding Stroop task. Researchers discovered that a single notification resulted in a temporary decrease in cognitive processing lasting around seven seconds, with personally relevant alerts causing the most significant interruptions.

      Google

      The study revealed that total daily screen time was a relatively weak predictor of distraction levels. In contrast, the volume of notifications and how often individuals checked their devices were stronger indicators. Researchers posited that fragmented smartphone usage may have a greater impact on attention than the mere number of hours recorded in weekly screen time reports.

      A subsequent study from 2025, published in the European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, provides additional context. This study examined young adults with their phones either present or absent, finding that the passive presence of a phone didn’t notably impair attention. The connection between smartphones and concentration appears more complex than simply stating that having a phone nearby disrupts focus.

      Google

      Considering all these findings, HiLight suddenly appears much more appealing to me.

      HiLight's limitations may actually be beneficial.

      HiLight has faced some understandable criticism. At its launch, Google limited the feature to interactions with Google Assistant and calls from designated favorite contacts. The company has mentioned that more functionality is on the way, including message notifications from frequent contacts, but broader support for other apps remains uncertain. Regardless, I hope Google shows some restraint.

      I would prefer that only a select few people or events capture my attention while I’m occupied. Family members might share one color, while others could be those I’m anticipating updates from. Google has taken a concept that Android devices used years ago—the notification LED—and refined its application to address a contemporary issue. While the temperature sensor could provide temperature readings, I would still choose the feature that assists in determining whether my phone deserves my attention at all.