If you like customizing your Pixel phone, Google has just announced a bunch of new features that might interest you. The November Pixel Drop is bringing a new AI-powered tool that lets you create your own home screen widgets, alongside more customization options for app icons. There’s also a useful upgrade to HiLight, which now works with Google Messages.
Google is letting you create your own widgets with AI
Home screen widgets are nothing new on Android, but Google is now making it possible to create your own using AI. The feature is called Create My Widget, and it works pretty much how you would expect. All you need to do is describe what kind of widget you want, and Google’s AI will create one based on your requirements. And if you don’t know exactly what to ask for, Google also has a bunch of curated recommendations that you can choose from.
Create My Widget is rolling out to Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 series phones, including the foldable models, in select regions and languages. Google is also bringing the feature to Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5, but that will happen sometime later.
More ways to customize your Pixel phone
Another feature getting some attention in the latest Pixel Drop is Custom Icon Styles. Google introduced the feature back in March, and it’s now adding 10 new styles for users to choose from. The company has also upgraded it to the Nano Banana AI model, which promises better-looking icons. Unlike Create My Widget, the new icon styles are available on Pixel 6a and newer phones in all regions and languages.
Finally, Google is also expanding HiLight to work with Google Messages. If you’re unfamiliar with it, HiLight lets your phone glow when it’s lying face down. And now, it can also alert you when someone from your favorite contacts sends you a text on Google Messages, so you don’t have to keep checking your phone. The feature is available on Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The November Pixel Drop starts rolling out on November 10.