Google teases Pixel 11 Pro with new circular light feature

Google is offering an early glimpse of a new circular light feature on its upcoming Pixel 11 Pro smartphone ahead of the device's formal unveiling scheduled for August 12. The company released a teaser video this week highlighting the phone’s horizontal camera bar and a circular indicator positioned beside the three rear lenses that emits a rotating pinwheel of colors.

The purpose of the feature, which some reports refer to as "Pixel Glow," has not been officially explained. The teaser's narrative promotes the company’s "Ask more of your phone" campaign by listing popular Google services such as Gmail, Maps, Search, Calendar, Gemini, and Photos. The video suggests adopting Google hardware is "the next obvious move" for users of these software services. This has led to speculation that the indicator may be tied to the phone’s software or on-device AI features, potentially serving as a visual cue for notifications or background processing activity.

Industry rumors indicate the Pixel Glow light could function as a color-coded notification system, similar to the Glyph interface found on Nothing brand phones, providing alerts when the phone is placed face down. Other observers have...