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Google’s upcoming Pixel phones are for the fans, even if its launch event isn’t
The Verge • • general
Key Points:
- Google’s upcoming Pixel 11 launch event will feature Trevor Noah and a lineup of celebrities, continuing the company’s trend of celebrity-focused presentations aimed at broader audiences rather than tech enthusiasts.
- The Pixel 11 series will be revealed before the livestream, with preorders starting eight hours prior, meaning dedicated fans will likely know all the details before the event begins.
- A notable hardware update is the return of a notification light on the Pixel 11 Pro, integrated into the camera island and potentially serving multiple functions, marking a revival of a feature Google last included nearly a decade ago.
- Notification LEDs, once common on Nexus and early Pixel phones, had fallen out of favor with the rise of always-on displays, but Google’s reintroduction may appeal to longtime fans who value customizable notification cues.
- While other hardware features like headphone jacks or microSD slots are unlikely to return, the notification light signals Google’s nod to its heritage amid modern design and marketing strategies.
