Google to unveil Pixel 11 series in celebrity-filled livestream, adds notification light

Google plans to stream its Pixel 11 launch tomorrow evening with comedian Trevor Noah hosting a lineup that includes basketball player Stephen Curry, podcaster Alex Cooper and DJ Peggy Gou. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. ET, follows a pre-order countdown that ends eight hours earlier, meaning many enthusiasts will already know the device details before the broadcast.

The company has continued its recent strategy of revealing key specifications ahead of the live show, a shift from the previous year’s format that featured late-night host Jimmy Fallon and focused more on celebrity segments than technical details. Last year’s livestream attracted 8.4 million YouTube viewers, a significant increase from the prior year’s 1.4 million.

Among the limited new hardware details released, a notification light built into the camera island of the Pixel 11 Pro has drawn attention. The light, positioned where the flash normally sits, appears to function as both flash and a multicolored indicator. Google has not confirmed its capabilities, but leaks suggest it could illuminate during interactions with the AI assistant or incoming calls, echoing the customizable LED notifications found on earlier Nexus devices and recent Nothing phones.

The addition marks a return of a feature that Google phased out after the Pixel 2, and it may appeal to users who prefer a discreet visual cue for alerts. Aside from the light, the Pixel 11 series is expected to include the usual upgrades such as a newer chipset, camera improvements and refined design elements.