WhatsApp messages now activate HiLight on Pixel 11 Pro devices running Android 17 QPR2, 9to5Google reported on November 13.
The update arrived as part of the November 2026 Pixel Drop released this week. Google Messages received official HiLight support during the rollout, allowing users to assign a specific color light to contacts for incoming calls and messages.
Shenaz Zack, confirmed the WhatsApp message integration through a brief video posted on Twitter/X. WhatsApp calls already supported the feature from launch, but the new software update extends the custom lighting to direct messages.
“HiLight already worked with WhatsApp calls and now, it works with WhatsApp messages, too, doing the heavy lifting so my favorites get the VIP attention 😄”, Zack told 9to5Google.
HiLight already worked with WhatsApp calls and now, it works with WhatsApp messages, too, doing the heavy lifting so my favorites get the VIP attention 😄 pic.twitter.com/ouLROk1FeF
The functionality relies on Android 17 QPR2 and is rolling out directly to Pixel 11 Pro hardware. The update follows earlier beta testing of the custom notification lights that began in September.
Google Calculator adds unit conversion and Gemini-powered tools
Google Calculator v10.0 introduces a built-in Unit Conversion module and a Gemini-powered Pixel Solver tool as part of the November 2026 Pixel Drop, Android Authority reported. The unit converter supports over 130 currencies with live exchange rates, alongside everyday and technical measurements like length, temperature, data, and fuel efficiency. It is set to arrive on the Pixel 6a and newer across all regions.
Gemini Intelligence Expands to Pixel 10
The November Pixel Drop expands Gemini Intelligence features to the Pixel 10 family, excluding only the budget-oriented Pixel 10a, Ars Technica and GSMArena.com reported. Pixel 10 owners gain proactive suggestions, such as sharing an ETA with a single tap, alongside multi-step task automation for rideshare, food delivery, and travel apps. Gboard gains Rambler, an AI-assisted voice input system designed to remove filler words and handle mid-sentence corrections.
Home screen customization also improves on Pixel 10 and older devices through a Nano Banana model that unlocks 10 new icon styles. Extreme Charging Mode, which pauses background app updates to accelerate charging speeds, expands to the Pixel 10 series. Meanwhile, Call Screen on US Pixel 11 devices now uses Gemini to question unknown callers conversationally.
Questions about Pixel device features and updates
Which devices support WhatsApp messages with HiLight?
The feature requires a Pixel 11 Pro device running Android 17 QPR2.
What does the Calculator unit conversion tool support?
The module supports over 130 currencies with live exchange rates, as well as data, fuel efficiency, power, energy, pressure, angle, and force units on the Pixel 6a and newer.
What languages are added to Notification Summaries?
Notification summaries now support German, French, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, and Traditional Chinese on Pixel 9 and newer devices, excluding the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a.