Whenever users turn on the flashlight of Google's Pixel phones, it usually feels either too dim or too bright. The newest Android Canary build (2510) of Google has added a long-press tile feature in Quick Settings that will allow users to set a "Flashlight Strength" window, as per the latest findings of Android Authority. It includes a slider shaped like a beam that is similar to the one that Apple has introduced in iOS 18. This move finally brings manual brightness control to Pixel phones. This update will resolve a long-standing issue for the users.
A slider that speaks Apple's language
The update will allow a long-press of the flashlight tile, which will allow users to access the brightness control interface instead of just turning the light on or off. The slider allows the user to adjust LED intensity very precisely, thus giving more control over the torch than before. The UI employs an unmistakable "beam" design just like in the latest iPhones. Google officially added support for flashlight strength control back in Android 13 via APIs, but it is only now that it is implementing this feature in the user interface. This change is a rare instance where Google seems to be not only learning from Apple's minimalist grace but also refining its functionality.
What it means for Pixel users
According to 9to5Google, Pixel users who have been using third-party applications such as FlashDim or Magnifier to adjust flashlight brightness will be very happy with the company's decision to introduce the new feature. The user will not require additional apps or complex methods to control the brightness of their torch. The feature can only be accessed through the Canary (developer preview) channel, which means it is not ready for regular use. Google has relied heavily on the extensive preview stage before bringing it into a stable release, likely in the upcoming QPR (Quarterly Platform Release). The users can either test the feature or wait for the reliable update to come through.
The flashlight update for Google might look trivial, but it is a clever move for both the user and the design department. It represents a new approach that is easy to use and adds to smart control. For Pixel users, the official possibility of adjusting flashlight brightness instead of relying on third-party hacks means a significant upgrade and for the entire Android platform, it indicates that even basic features like the torch can be redesigned effectively.
