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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google will formally unveil the Pixel 11 lineup on Aug. 12.
- The brand new Pixel Glow function may very well be the spotlight.
- Pixels want an AI kill change and higher magnetic equipment.
Google has formally scheduled the Pixel 11 occasion — Aug. 12. In lower than a month, we’ll see what Google has in retailer for this yr, together with a redesigned Fold, the Pixel Watch 5, and the Pixel 11 telephone lineup with the highly-touted Pixel Glow. Pixel Glow is a multi-colored LED gentle function on the rear of the telephone. It was initially thought this may be a lightweight strip across the digital camera bar, however the newest leaks present a round gentle that lives within the present flashlight place.
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I have been a Pixel consumer because the first telephone debuted in 2016, and I am nonetheless firmly on group Google. Nonetheless, I really feel like Pixel telephones are beginning to turn out to be a bit of stale in comparison with the modern powerhouse they as soon as had been. Google is promising rather a lot for its subsequent telephone sequence, and whereas I do know some (possibly even most) of my wishlist will not occur, here is what I would like to see on the Pixel 11 occasion.
What I would like from the Pixel 11
1. Discover a method to maintain the thermometer
First launched with the Pixel 8 Professional in 2023, the built-in thermometer has turn out to be one in every of my favourite Pixel options. I take advantage of it typically for a fast verify if my youngsters aren’t feeling effectively, and it is come in useful fairly just a few occasions if I am out with household or buddies and somebody wonders if they could have a fever. It is a improbable “take a look at what my telephone can do” trick, and I am unable to depend what number of occasions somebody requested how I did it.
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A number of leaks of the upcoming Pixel 11 Professional point out that the temperature sensor is being dropped to make room for the Pixel Glow function. It is not clear precisely what telephones are getting Glow (no less than the Professional), however I hope Google can discover a method to finally make these two options coexist if the shiny new lights are coming to the entire Pixel 11 lineup.
2. Most performance for the Glow function
If Google goes to kill my favourite function for Pixel Glow, I hope it isn’t only a gentle present for notifications. The brand new lights do look cool, and it looks like this may very well be a pleasant method to maintain your telephone out of your palms (by deciding if the color-coded notification is value your consideration), however I would prefer to see Google to get probably the most use potential out of Glow — capabilities like a digital camera timer, charging standing indicator, connection to Android’s “At a look” notifications to see how shut your rideshare or supply is, or a delicate fill gentle for images.
3. Extra Pixelsnap equipment
If there’s one space I’m jealous of Apple, it is MagSafe equipment. I’ve added a generic metallic ring to my telephone case and a magnetic holder to my automotive, and I really like snapping my telephone in sight once I want it. Google launched this to the Pixel 10 lineup with Pixelsnap, however I wish to see greater than only a charger and stand.
4. Add an AI kill change
Whereas I am not all-in on AI on my telephone, I do use a few of my Pixel 9 Professional’s AI options (specifically the picture enhancing, video enhance, and Gemini). As corporations maintain injecting AI into each conceivable nook of our tech, some shoppers are beginning to push again. If Google might embody an AI kill change — one thing like “Native processing solely” or “Traditional mode,” it could win a few of these followers. Body it as a privateness measure, or as a method to save battery life — customers ought to have a method to flip AI completely off.
5. Ditch lithium-ion batteries
A number of telephone producers, notably Motorola and OnePlus, have ditched conventional lithium-ion batteries for silicon carbon. The largest names, although, like Apple, Samsung, and Google, have but to observe go well with. A change to silicon carbon couldn’t solely repair battery issues which have plagued Google telephones for years now, however it could additionally permit for a bigger battery capability with out making the gadget cumbersome (for comparability, these producers can match 6,000mAh to 7,300mAh batteries whereas Google caps out at 5,100mAh). This might lead to costlier manufacturing prices and a brand new provide chain, however it could place Google on the entrance of the pack.
