All articles tagged with #google pixel
Android Authority explains how the Pixel 11 Pro (MSRP $1,099) can be bought for roughly $159 out of pocket after stacking four promos: a Google Store trade‑in credit (up to $600 off), a $150 coupon, $200 Google Store credit, and an extra 10% Google Store credit from Google One, with the promos expiring August 27 and the final price including tax.
Pixel users can unlock six handy features by enabling settings: Smooth display for 120Hz (Settings > Display & touch), Now Playing for local song recognition (Settings > Sound and vibration), Automatic Call Screening (Phone app > Spam and Call Screen), Private Space (Settings > Security & privacy), Adaptive vibration (Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics), and Face Detection for smarter auto-rotate (Settings > Display & touch).
Google’s Pixel 11 introduces Camera Looks, a suite of pre-capture photo styles (Editorial, Velvet, Classic, Digi, Black Tie, Minimal) that let users tailor how images are processed before capture, moving beyond simple filters. The feature mirrors Apple’s Photographic Styles and could push Apple to expand its own options, with the piece arguing for a coveted “Minimal” style to preserve a more authentic look.
Google has started delivering ads through the Pixel’s My Pixel app, but you can mute them by using Android’s notification controls: long-press the My Pixel icon, go to App info > Notifications > My Pixel, and switch off the New products and offers category (you can keep other categories on). Disabling the app is possible but may remove some features, so the article guides keeping useful updates while silencing ads.
The Pixel 11 Pro’s price hike and RAM downgrade are framed as part of Google’s plan to push more frequent upgrades by wrapping AI features—like Gemini and Rambler—into software that may require newer hardware or paid services, potentially sidelining older Pixel devices and signaling a broader, sometimes questionable, upgrade path across Android.
HiLight Studio, a third‑party app by Dhananjay_Tech, lets the Pixel 11 Pro’s HiLight LED do rainbow pulses, waves, and other colors and animations, with adjustable timing, brightness, and presets. It isn’t on the Play Store yet and requires sideloading and enabling developer options to run.
Google's Pixel 11 series is now officially on sale in many regions (with foldables limited in some markets); the article lists country launches and compares 11-series pricing to the Pixel 10 across the US, Canada, EU, and UK, notes that the Pixel Watch 5 is launching alongside, mentions carrier deals, hands-on impressions, and teases Google's September 15 event for Googlebooks and Android-powered laptops.
Android Authority finds the Tensor G6 delivers CPU/TPU gains but still trails flagship rivals in raw CPU/GPU power and sustained gaming, with the Pixel 11’s RAM downgrade hurting long-term performance; no ray tracing keeps gaming behind rivals, so buy the Pixel for Google’s features rather than top-end performance.
Google updates the Pixel Thermometer app with a white background and blue gradient icon to align with Google's new gradient design, and switches the health data connection option from Fitbit to Google Health; the update (version 1.0.947990598) is rolling out to Pixel users via the Play Store, with no major feature changes beyond the icon and branding.
The Pixel 11 Pro Fold remains an iterative upgrade rather than a bold leap: it’s thinner and lighter with a brighter display and a stronger main camera, plus software tweaks like Camera Looks, Bubbles, and Creator Suite, along with IP68 durability and faster Qi2 charging. However, it is still bulky with a visible crease and a design that feels dated next to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and upcoming foldables from Apple. Priced at $1,899 with limited storage options, it’s solid but not a future-forward leap, and Google’s HiLight notification glow falls short of expectations despite the upgrade.
Android Authority argues the Pixel 11 line abandons Pixel’s historic value by raising prices (base Pixel 11 to $899, Pro/Pro XL and Fold higher), erasing the long‑standing value edge as Samsung and Apple push similar flagship pricing. The piece notes the overall cost pressure from RAM shortages and the AI boom, suggests Google could have absorbed more costs to keep Pixel affordable, and warns that pricier Pixels reduce consumer options even as features like HiLight and software updates continue.
Google is reportedly testing an AI-powered Battery Usage Summaries feature for Pixel phones that runs on-device using Gemini Nano to analyze only apps actively used in the last 14 days, excludes system apps, and provides personalized tips to improve battery life. It appears in Android 17 QPR 2 Beta 3 and can be toggled in the Battery Health menu, but isn’t fully functional yet and may require Gemini Nano-capable hardware (likely Pixel 8 or newer).
Early Geekbench results for the Pixel 11 Pro XL show a roughly 14% single‑core and 20% multi‑core uplift over the Pixel 10 Pro XL, thanks to the new Tensor G6 and Titan M3, but the Pixel still trails the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (about 3,082/10,381 in scores). The Pixel 11 line, including the non‑XL, shares core specs, and Google is targeting an August 20 launch with pre‑order promos like a $200 gift card for Pro models; as with all early benchmarks, take the numbers with caution until official reviews arrive.
Android Authority reviews five Pixel 11 alternatives: Samsung Galaxy S26 offers top-tier performance with a Snapdragon chip and a lighter, thinner design; Pixel 11 Pro provides a premium camera/display experience at a higher price; Pixel 10a is a budget-conscious option with solid basics; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the compact foldable pick with strong internals; Motorola Edge (2026) delivers good cameras and a big battery at around $600, making the Pixel 11 less essential depending on priorities.
Google is continuing work on its Pixel double-tap-to-lock feature, with Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 adding hints of a dedicated settings page and the possibility to turn off the display by double-tapping a free area on either the home or lock screen, though the gesture isn’t publicly available yet.