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Google Pixel 11 looks like another minor evolution in leak, slightly thinner [Gallery]

Over the past two generations of Pixel, Google has built its smartphone brand into one of the few brands able to find (relative) growth in an increasingly-stagnant arena. Today, we’re getting our first look at this year’s Pixel 11, and despite being an anniversary release, it’s looking like we’re getting a third take on Google’s current design.

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Google’s Pixel Launcher could take the hard work out of setting up your home screen

Google released Android 17 Beta 3 yesterday with a handful of interesting additions, but as is often the case, the coolest features are the ones typically hidden just below the surface — or, in this case, behind some secret flags. The company appears to be working on a new way for Pixel users to automatically fill their home screen with suggested apps, widgets, and more, and it could completely change how you layout your smartphone’s launcher.

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Google Pixel’s AI icons are a poor substitute for real personalization on Android

With this month’s rollout of Android 16 QPR3 and its associated Pixel Drop, anyone rocking one of Google’s growing collection of Pixels is finally getting access to something we’ve waited on for a long time: custom app icons. Unfortunately, using this feature is locked behind a basic set of generative AI tools, and compared to what you’ll find on other launchers — from both first and third-party developers — it’s just not good enough.

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Pixel homescreens are getting custom icons, but Google’s keeping them locked to AI

If there’s one big complaint about Google’s Pixel UI experience, it’s the lack of customization. Rivals like Samsung and OnePlus offer easy theming tools with deep personalization options, but on Pixel, your icon options are primarily limited to Material You’s dynamic colors. That’s finally changing with today’s Pixel Drop, though it might not be exactly what you’ve been wanting from Google.

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