Pixel devices have consistently represented Google’s perspective on Android and serve as a medium to highlight its own applications and technological innovations. Today, this vision includes Google’s consumer AI offerings. Google aims for Pixel users to integrate its AI into every facet of their daily lives with the latest devices.
While many are discussing AI as a significant shift, companies understand that the most effective way to connect with consumers remains through their smartphones. Google strives to convince people that its phones and AI features are superior. They even enlisted Jimmy Fallon to promote this idea.
In terms of hardware, there weren’t significant changes in the Pixel lineup this year.
The most noteworthy addition was likely the telephoto camera on the standard Google Pixel 10 Pro. Another significant feature is Pixelsnap, Google’s equivalent of MagSafe with Qi2 charging, which enables a variety of accessories, like chargers and stands.
I’ve been using the Google Pixel 10 Pro for the past few days, a device that boasts a brighter display, increased RAM, and an advanced camera.
The company placed a strong emphasis on the new Tensor G5 chip in its announcement, which this year is produced by TSMC rather than Samsung. Google highlighted that this new chip enhances AI performance and is capable of running the latest Gemini Nano model. (We can’t provide a thorough review of its performance yet, as we’ve only used the phone for a few days. Stay tuned.)
The software features from Google have long been a hallmark of Pixel devices, and with AI, this emphasis becomes even more pronounced.
System AI features
Numerous companies are highlighting the use of AI technology during their device presentations. Nevertheless, customers frequently receive only a limited version of those assurances when they first use the device. For instance, I have been using a Pixel unit from India, which means certain AI features are not readily available to me.
It’s worth mentioning that Daily Hub, a feature that provides a summary of your day along with other content recommendations, as well as the ability to make conversational edits in Photos, are currently exclusive to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Magic Cue stands out as one of the key AI features introduced this year. It is intended to intelligently pull information from one application to another.
This feature aims to present information such as restaurant reservations, flight information, or hotel bookings in a contextual manner. For example, if you mention lunch plans with a friend, it might suggest lunch spots, or it could display flight details when you’re in contact with airlines.
During testing, Magic Cue presented me with a contact’s information when I received a text inquiring about someone’s details.
It also provided recommendations for “Love Is Blind” when I opened YouTube, based on previous screenshots and messages. Additionally, it offered a coffee shop suggestion when I accessed Maps.
However, when I received a text asking whether I had ordered cat food, Magic Cue failed to utilize context from Gmail regarding a delivery confirmation email.
Currently, the feature functions effectively across various Google applications, such as Messages, Gmail, Keep, Calendar, Screenshots, and Contacts.
It will be fascinating to observe its development, whether other applications can integrate it, and the extent of context it will be capable of accessing. This potential closely resembles what Apple hinted at for an AI-driven Siri in 2024, which has faced challenges, as the update for Siri is postponed until at least 2026.
As of now, Magic Cue appears to be off to a solid beginning, but only prolonged use and evaluations will determine its overall performance.
Call translation is another important AI feature making its way to Google Pixel 10 Pro, particularly beneficial for those who interact with individuals speaking different languages or have international coworkers. Google highlighted that this feature not only translates languages but also maintains your voice in the target language. While this claim mostly holds up, the selection of languages available for translation is somewhat limited.
Personally, during a call with a French-speaking friend where I used English, the experience was satisfactory for both participants. However, my experience with the Hindi-English call was less favorable. (To be fair, Hindi translation is still in its preview stage, but it often doesn’t meet expectations.)
Gemini Live, which can pinpoint objects visible in your video, proved to be a mixed upgrade on the Google Pixel 10 Pro. It accurately recognized my Sprigatito toy, advised me on which spoon to use for measuring coffee, and provided tips on cleaning the AirPods Pro 2.
However, it incorrectly identified the Pixel 9 Pro XL as a OnePlus device and mistakenly indicated that the SIM tray was located on the left side.
There are several other AI enhancements integrated into the system, including the option to incorporate music into your voice recordings, which may appeal to musicians; the capability to share screenshots and voice transcriptions with NotebookLM, which is now a default app; and tools for voice editing and writing within G board.
Also read:
