Pixel Phones Get Smarter

Introduction

Google is working on new features that will make Pixel phones more useful and convenient to use. With the upcoming Made by Google event, where the Google Pixel 11 series will be launched, news has emerged about two labour-saving Android features in development.

Device Help Feature

A new experimental Device Help feature is being constructed within the Gemini app. This feature allows users to describe their issue in natural language, and Gemini will figure out a fix. For example, if a user tells Gemini that their screen is too yellow, the app will examine the device’s settings and inform the user that the Night Light feature is likely to blame.

This feature appears to be operating under the Labs label, which means it’s still under development. However, it could be genuinely useful, especially with Google’s recent confirmation that its Google Assistant will be discontinued on September 4.

App Launch Shortcut

In another report, it’s been discovered that Android 17 QPR2 Beta 2 contains references to an App Launch Shortcut. This feature will allow users to launch apps directly from their lock screen, similar to how they can access the camera or torch without unlocking their phone.

Discovered code suggests that there will soon be more lock screen shortcut options, as well as the ability to add more than one app shortcut at a time. This could be seen as Google addressing an inherent limitation of its Pixel UI compared to its third-party Android partners, such as Samsung and its Galaxy series, including the Samsung Galaxy S25.

Quick Affordances

References to Quick Affordances have also been found, which are described as interactive UI elements that appear on the lock screen. Scanning a QR code or drafting a message could become much snappier on a future version of Android, and it looks as if Pixel users will benefit first.

These new features will make Pixel phones more convenient to use, and with the upcoming launch of the Google Pixel 11 series, it’s an exciting time for Android users. Other brands, such as Apple, with its Apple Watch Series 10 and iPad Air M2, will have to keep up with Google’s innovations.