Google is now rolling out Android Canary 2610 to Pixel phones. Currently rated for use only by developers and enthusiasts, the update brings notable changes to the Wallpaper & Style menu.
The interface now features a refreshed carousel highlighting theme packs and custom icons, while omitting Emoji Workshop and AI wallpapers from this specific view.
Additionally, the older "Live Effects" tab has been chopped up and segmented into three categories – Weather effects, Animate, and Shape effects. This should give users much more granular control over how their home screen looks.
Besides, a new Featured button has also been added to the top of the section. When tapped, it takes users to the top of the menu for easier access and quicker navigation.
Beyond cosmetic UI changes, the update also hints at a highly requested HiLight feature for the Pixel 11 Pro series. When the LED notification feature debuted, it lacked integration with third-party messaging giants, restricting alerts to standard Google Messages.
However, hidden code strings discovered within this Canary release explicitly mention WhatsApp. Once fully active, users will receive subtle, customizable LED light animations whenever favourite contacts message them on the Meta-owned platform.
As always, users who are already on the previous Android Canary 2609 will receive an OTA update. However, those on stable Android 17 builds, Android 17 QPR1, or Android 17 QPR2 Beta builds will need to manually flash 2610 using the Android Flash Tool.
As always, flashing this experimental Canary image comes with standard risks, as rolling back to a stable public release later will trigger a complete factory data wipe. The features in this build should appear in future Android 17 QPR releases or Android 18, so stay tuned.
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