December 15, 2025, 9:58 AM EST. Compared with older Nexus phones, the Pixel offers unique features like Call Screening and Now Playing, but the author lists seven borrow-from-others ideas to improve Pixel: individual app volume control, volume-button behavior when the screen is off, Photographic Styles, Widget Stacks, Media controls in Live Updates, a dedicated routines app, Pop-up windows, and Motion gestures. The pieces argue for per-app audio silencing, easier media control without unlocking, and more customization options inspired by iOS and Android skins. Implementing these could make the Pixel feel more flexible without sacrificing its distinctive experience.
