Pixel 11 Pro XL in Germany: I paid nearly €1,600 and most of the features I bought it for aren't available

I recently bought a Pixel 11 Pro XL in Germany for nearly €1,600, and I'm honestly getting pretty frustrated with how many of the headline Pixel features are either unavailable here or simply don't appear on my phone.

A huge reason I chose Pixel over Samsung/iPhone was Google's software and AI features. But I'm currently missing things like:

* Magic Cue / Proactive Assistance
* Automatic Call Screen / AI answering calls for me
* Call Notes / AI call summaries
* Hold for Me
* Direct My Call
* Live Translate during phone calls, including German ↔ English
* Some of the more advanced Call Assist / AI calling features

That's the part I find ridiculous. I'm not complaining that some random experimental feature isn't available. These AI and calling features are a major part of how Google markets Pixel and were genuinely one of the main reasons I bought the phone.

The hardware is clearly capable of running them, yet depending on where you live, a €1,600 Pixel can have significantly fewer features than the exact same phone somewhere else.

**For other Pixel 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro XL owners:**

1. Has anyone successfully unlocked region-restricted Pixel features by changing system region/language, SIM, Google account region, VPN, etc.?
2. Is the UK currently the closest thing to getting the complete Pixel feature set or US? (I live in Germany)

I'd especially love to hear from people in **Germany/EU vs UK** because Google's feature availability is becoming absurdly difficult to understand.

https://redd.it/1w1wnbj
@reddit_android

Android phones, gesture or navigation bar, which is better, do you use, and why?

I just switched to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra from an iPhone 16PM and I just found out you can switch your navigation bar with the 3 buttons, Task, Home and Back to a gesture based control very similar to IOS . I just can't decided which one is better I like the buttons because it's easy but the gesture feels more normalized.

https://redd.it/1w1pn54
@reddit_android

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Is Selling So Well That Samsung Is Raiding Parts From Other Products
https://www.androidheadlines.com/2026/08/the-galaxy-z-fold-8-is-selling-so-well-that-samsung-is-raiding-parts-from-other-products.html

https://redd.it/1w2bah3
@reddit_android

Compact premium smartphone: A megapixel monster with a huge battery — Oppo Reno 16 Pro review
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Oppo-Reno-16-Pro-review-Compact-premium-smartphone-with-200-MP-camera-and-huge-battery.1382957.0.html

https://redd.it/1w2e5iz
@reddit_android

Pixel 11's Tensor G6 and Pixel 10's Tensor G5 still fall behind in performance per watt, testing shows
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Pixel-11-s-Tensor-G6-and-Pixel-10-s-Tensor-G5-still-fall-behind-in-performance-per-watt-testing-shows.1381970.0.html

https://redd.it/1w2mtlr
@reddit_android

Bigme B6 Pro launches with 6-inch color E Ink display, 4G, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Bigme-B6-Pro-launches-with-6-inch-color-E-Ink-display-4G-8GB-RAM-and-256GB-storage.1382960.0.html

https://redd.it/1w2ssyz
@reddit_android

Open-source VoLTE/VoWiFi implementation for LineageOS on Samsung devices targeting both Exynos and Qualcomm Snapdragon models
https://github.com/krazey/ims

https://redd.it/1w32udg
@reddit_android

Motorola Edge 70 Max review
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_edge_70_max-review-2991.php

https://redd.it/1w2uw4y
@reddit_android

I've finally found a good alternative to MTP for transfering files between my phone and my PC!

Hi everyone!

I've had an android phone for a couple of months now, absolutely love the freedom it gives me. Without a doubt, buying this phone is the best upgrade I've experienced ever since buying my first phone.

I've always thought that transferring files between your computer and your phone should be as easy as plugging the phone into the computer. The default way to do that seemed to be MTP, but it's incredibly slow and clunky, as has been noted on many other posts.

I've tried adbfs and some of its forks. While the experience was better, I still found it was slow, and I had trouble accessing any large file.

I was then really surprised to discover madbfs. It looks like a complete rewrite of adbfs, now fast enough so that the files feel like they're stored locally. I've used for a couple of months to manage the files on my phone, and I've found it works amazingly.

Sadly, it's only available on Linux, as it relies on libfuse, and it's only a CLI application. Which means it does take a little bit of technical know-how, but the tradeoff is completely worth it IMO. You could probably get it to work on Windows or macOS using something like WinFSP or MacFUSE.

Hope this helps someone!

https://redd.it/1w2pr4q
@reddit_android

Pixel 11 Pro XL vs iPhone 17 Pro Max / Samsung S26 Ultra / Xiaomi / OnePlus - BATTERY DRAIN TEST!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksGhKA_LFLs

https://redd.it/1w2ri8d
@reddit_android

13 years after release, the Google Nexus 5 receives experimental VoLTE and VoWiFi support via aftermarket development
https://xdaforums.com/posts/90706603

https://redd.it/1w3b22g
@reddit_android

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 4 makes APK sideloading safer with one-time permissions and streamlined inline prompts
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-17-qpr2-beta-4-apk-sideloading-permissions-3704842

https://redd.it/1w3dv8b
@reddit_android

Juan Bagnell - My Summer with the Vivo X300 Ultra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9JXjS8exYo

https://redd.it/1w3orr2
@reddit_android

Google TV Streamer gets $50 price increase
https://9to5google.com/2026/08/31/google-tv-streamer-increase/

https://redd.it/1w3sixx
@reddit_android

Switched back to button nav love it. Hope it stays

I've been using gestures navigation in some form in and off pretty much since Android phones started using on screen buttons. I liked that I got more screen real estate out of a 16:9 device, plus the futuristic feel I guess. Got a OnePlus 6 back when it came out, with the option natively for both types. I switched between the two a bit, but ultimately stuck with gestures, especially as the animations got better and better.

Recently gave buttons a proper go for the first time in years, and after getting over the muscle memory, I'm loving it again! They both have their merits but I forgot how nice it is to use. Feels snappier and more intuitive. The only concerns really are that I feel that developers don't give it as much consideration as they should and that it slowly dies out. There's the odd app that doesn't really account for it properly, and OnePlus themselves (on my 13) have clearly stopped caring about it and can no longer long press the back or recent buttons to do anything, for example.

Either way nothing important to share or to ask about, just thought I'd give button nav a bit of love!

https://redd.it/1w3hduk
@reddit_android

POCO Unveils POCO F9 Series with All-Round Flagship Power and 185FPS Gaming Experience
https://www.mi.com/global/discover/article?id=6346

https://redd.it/1w4bm0n
@reddit_android

GrapheneOS: We have good news about the Pixel 11. It still has at least bare minimum support for MTE at a hardware level. We think they removed most of the hardware acceleration from the CPU cache to save money. They ruined the performance so it ended up being fully disabled in firmware.
https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/117194007157499435

https://redd.it/1w4gocx
@reddit_android

September Android Drop: Helping you keep track of important items, ease motion sickness, and more

Hi Reddit!

Today, we're announcing multiple new Android features as part of the September Android Drop. From keeping track of important items in Find Hub to reducing motion sickness during your ride, these new features are designed to help you stay connected effortlessly. 

Here’s what’s coming in the September Android Drop. Starting with what’s new:

# 1. Keep track of important items with Find Hub

Soon, you’ll be able to keep track of important items, like your spare keys or passport, with the new remembered items tab in Find Hub. Just say, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer,” and it automatically logs the item and location. You can opt to add a photo to make it even easier to find your item later. When you need to find it later, just ask Gemini for its location or check your remembered items tab in Find Hub.

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/1aur7m3x7ymh1/player

This feature will roll out soon and will be available on devices running Android 16 or later in all markets and languages where both Gemini and Find Hub are supported.

# 2. Help reduce motion sickness during your ride with Motion Assist

Keep using your phone from the passenger seat while reducing motion sickness with Motion Assist, which adds subtle bubbles to your screen that sync with the vehicle’s movement. It’s designed to help bridge the gap between what your eyes see and the movement of the vehicle. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/gu01k2xy7ymh1/player

You can set Motion Assist to turn on automatically while you’re in a moving vehicle or add a shortcut to toggle it from Quick Settings. You can also customize the bubbles’ shape, color, and opacity to match your style. 

Motion Assist is rolling out starting today and will be available globally on devices running Android 17 or later.

# 3. Use Google Keep to collaborate with friends on notes right from your chat

Share and update notes right inside Google Messages so the whole group is on the same page. From grocery lists to vacation plans, you can effortlessly collaborate on notes without switching between apps. Just hit the + icon in Google Messages to bring Google Keep into your conversations.

https://preview.redd.it/ye7otkms7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=fe40f5bc02d3a2ed3e9d64b4578b98809c5745aa

This feature is rolling out starting today and will be available globally for Google Messages users in RCS chats. The Google Keep app and extension are also required.

# 4. Personalize your chats in Google Messages with custom backgrounds and themes

With the new Chat theme feature in Google Messages, you can personalize your chats with distinct backgrounds and colors. Pick a wallpaper or use your own photo, and your text bubbles will automatically match — or you can change the colors to suit your personality. Set a latte theme for your coffee buddy or use a beach photo for the vacation group

chat. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/osn33ae08ymh1/player

The Chat theme feature is available to use now in Google Messages for RCS chats. Chat themes are only visible to the user who created them and not other chat participants.

# 5. Use Guided vision to understand things around you

Share your camera in Gemini Live to hear descriptions of what’s in front of you. Guided vision can help with things like reading the fine print on a food label, ordering from a menu in a dimly-lit restaurant, or locating household objects. If your camera isn't lined up, you get instant voice feedback on how to reframe – guiding you to adjust your camera, pan across a space, or center an object so you get the exact answers you need. For quick access, add guided vision to your Accessibility shortcuts or enable it directly from the TalkBack menu or Gemini App Settings. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/x8f4ygz18ymh1/player

Guided vision was designed for and with the blind and low vision community and is coming soon to phones running Android 9+ in countries where Gemini is available. 

Guided vision can make mistakes. It is not intended as a medical device, mobility aid, or substitute for safe-travel guides. Don’t use it for navigation or obstacle detection.

\----------------------------------

In addition to these new features in the September Android Drop, we’re also highlighting the following features, some of which you may already be using (but if not, try them out!)

# 1. Elevate your photos with a single tap in Google Photos

With AI Enhance in Google Photos, you can make complex photo edits with just a tap. AI Enhance analyzes your photo and makes the most impactful corrections instantly, like fixing lighting, colors, and cropping. Whether you're dealing with tricky shadows or dull lighting, you get crisp, natural-looking results without the tedious editing.

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/z24u3wn48ymh1/player

AI Enhance is available to use now in Google Photos.

# 2. Make complex photo edits in Google Photos by just asking

Take the complexity out of editing and transform photos with one quick ask. To edit with Ask Photos, simply type or use your voice to describe the changes you want to see – from fixing a harsh glare to removing background distractions. Make your pictures look just how you want them to without the need for professional editing.

https://preview.redd.it/81l06sms7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=4d18f3b734c203a6c07da5c4548192674f4d5ea4

Edit with Ask Photos is available now for eligible users aged 18+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, India, Japan, France, Italy, Australia, and Spain, in English, French, German, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Marathi, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu.

# 3. Get answers to questions through a real-time conversation with Search Live

Get answers through a back-and-forth conversation with Search Live, now available anywhere AI Mode is available. Have a back-and-forth conversation using your voice and get real-time audio responses, or share your camera to ask about what's in front of you. Whether it’s installing a floating shelf or solving a tough math problem, get help with

links to keep exploring.

https://preview.redd.it/q728zqns7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=c3789ad72f61f5e552967ccbe011052d7014e543

# 4. Create new images from anything you see with Gemini Live

Point your camera and ask Gemini Live to transform your surroundings with Nano Banana. Talk and ask to see your sleeping dog as a Renaissance painting, swap your bedroom walls for a fresh sage green, or turn a history timeline from your textbook into an annotated visual guide – your idea comes to life as a new image in seconds.

https://preview.redd.it/rjg6mens7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=1adda7b162f2de0e8813f21d744d52091572506f

This feature is available now on devices running Android 10+.

# 5. Remixing images in Google Messages gets even better with Nano Banana 2

Remix in Google Messages now uses Nano Banana 2, so you can combine multiple photos and create realistic images with clear text and enhanced world knowledge. Make a party invitation or put your friend on a movie poster, and if you’re both using Google Messages, you can remix the same image back and forth – without leaving the chat.

https://preview.redd.it/2fx48jns7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f45e911a2d3de7ba86dd3b4b65e726b7157cde1

This feature is available for users aged 18+ in select countries and languages.

# 6. Talk to Gemini Live during your next drive with Android Auto

Brainstorm your biggest ideas or learn something new right from the driver's seat. With Gemini Live on Android Auto, say “Hey Google, let’s talk” or tap the Live icon to start chatting freely in a back-and-forth conversation. Interrupt at any time to ask a new question or change the topic – all completely hands-free so you can stay focused on the road.

https://preview.redd.it/gto5vlns7ymh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=a4cacfd751f05ef4944bb5dc51570fc2a2114360



Gemini Live in Android Auto is available in all supported Android Auto countries and languages for devices running Android 11+.

\------------------------

Head over to android.com/drop to learn more about these Android features as well as explore features introduced in past Drops!



https://redd.it/1w4jtwn
@reddit_android

Google Workspace Updates: Transitioning Google Meet room hardware to focus on Android (AOSP)
https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/09/transitioning-google-meet-room-hardware-to-focus-on-Android-AOSP-ongoing-ChromeOS-support-unchanged-and-up-to-September-2030.html

https://redd.it/1w4ov56
@reddit_android