What do you want Google’s ‘Pixel Glow’ lights to do?

Ben Schoon | Apr 19 2026 - 9:00 am PT

We reported earlier this week that Google is working on a laptop revival, as well as new “Pixel Glow” lights that would be coming to phones. But, what do you want that to do?

This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is a part of 9to5Google’s rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox early!

In Android 17 Beta 4, we spotted evidence of a new Pixel laptop in the works, but what’s got me even more interested in this new “Pixel Glow” feature.

Google working on Pixel ‘laptop’ and ‘Pixel Glow’ lights that are also coming to phones

Google’s early code describes the feature as using “subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when it’s face down.”

Advertisement - scroll for more content

But, right now, there are only two known uses of this:

Calls from favorites: Subtle lights when your favorite contacts call you
Speaking with Gemini: Hands-free interactions using visual feedback

Those both seem useful, but I feel like the door is wide open to other ideas.

For one, Google could revive the idea of a classic notification LED, potentially giving the user customization over what the lights do when specific types of notifications come through. This used to be pretty standard in Android phones, and it’s something I’d love to see return. Another thought that crossed my mind was charging status – so long as it has a do-not-activate mode for overnight use, having the lights indicate your charging status from a distance would be pretty sweet. These are both perhaps the most useful ways Nothing has found to make its own Glyph lights useful, and I can see Google doing something not all that different.

I am glad to see that Google seems to have some ideas around how to use this. Getting visual feedback from “Pixel Glow” lights when talking to Gemini is nice, like a smart speaker, and lighting effects for favorite callers is a step on the path back to that notification LED replacement.

But, as mentioned, I feel like the door is wide open here. So, with that, I’ll pass the floor over to you. In the comments on this post, let us know what you want to see from “Pixel Glow.”

This Week’s Top Stories

Android 17 Beta 4

The last major beta release for Android 17 has arrived, packing a handful of tweaks as we prepare for the full launch soon.

Walmart’s new Google TVs are coming

Following its usual messy launch schedule, Walmart’s new Google TV devices are coming up quick. The Onn 4K Streaming Stick and Onn 4K Pro (2026) are both showing up on store shelves and even online, suggesting a full debut is mere days away.