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?

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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.”

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.”

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.

• Android 17 Beta 4 rolling out for Pixel as last scheduled release
• How to install the Android 17 Beta on Google Pixel
• Here’s everything new in Android 17 Beta 4 [Gallery]
• Android 17 delivers the first new Easter egg in three generations – here it is [Video]
• Android 17 brings a bit of Pixel Watch whimsy to your notification shade

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.

• Walmart’s new $60 Onn 4K Pro Google TV box is launching soon, here’s every detail
• Walmart’s new 4K Google TV stick might actually be $20, no Dolby Vision
• Walmart’s Google TV Streamer competitor starts hitting store shelves for $60 with a big downgrade

• Google’s new Fitbit band has continued hiding in plain sight, software too [Gallery]
• YouTube Music rolls out split-view Now Playing redesign on Android, iOS
• Gemini app starts rolling out Personal Intelligence globally
• Google One discount takes 50% off YouTube Premium for a year
• WhatsApp web could soon get almost 50 new themes
• Google announces ‘Skills’ for Gemini in Chrome to quickly run custom workflows
• Google launches native Gemini app for Mac
• Huawei kicks off the wide foldable trend with Pura X Max ahead of iPhone, more
• Google Pixel makes up 5% of foldables in North America – Apple will hit nearly 50%
• YouTube Shorts are a lot easier to ignore with this new setting [Gallery]
• The Oppo Find X9 Ultra is a stunning camera phone I’m thrilled is launching ‘globally’ [Gallery]
• OnePlus cutting staff in Europe as it reviews ‘product strategy’ as global shutdown looms
• Review: Fender’s Elie 12 is a do-it-all party speaker with party tricks

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