Publications_digital digest_Top Highlights from Google IO 2024 (1)

The Tonight Show Starring the Google Pixel 10 Lineup

Made by Google 2025: Jimmy Fallon hosts a night of AI, laughs, and the Pixel 10 spotlight 

Imagine a tech launch that feels like front-row seats at a Taylor Swift concert, and that’s exactly what Google delivered. On August 20, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, Jimmy Fallon took the stage as host for Made by Google 2025, bringing his charm and humor to a night stacked with surprises.

“This feels less like a tech event and more like Saturday night at my house, except with way better Wi-Fi,” Fallon joked. From tech demos punctuated with jokes to a surprise pop of Stephen Curry showing off AI-powered basketball coaching, it was part variety show, part keynote, and all epic. 

But the real spotlight was on the Google Pixel 10 lineup. This wasn’t just about specs; it was about storytelling. Google turned hardware rollouts into acts, weaving AI into every layer of the Pixel ecosystem. From the Pixel 10 series to a durable new foldable, futuristic earbuds and watches, smart home assistants, and athlete-powered innovations, it was clear: this year’s theme was “AI (and fun) everywhere.”

Ready for a breakdown of every headliner? Let’s go. 

Pixel 10: A smarter standard 

The regular Pixel 10 sets a high bar for what should be a “standard” smartphone. It comes with a 6.3-inch Actua display that hits an impressive 3,000 nits peak brightness, making it perfect for sunlight readability. The polished satin finish on the aluminium frame and the glossy glass back add a premium look that doesn’t feel out of place next to pricier models. 

Under the hood, it runs on Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, designed to handle advanced AI features without draining the battery. The standout addition here is the 5× telephoto camera, a first for the non-Pro Pixel tier. On the software side, Gemini Nano powers new features like Magic Cue, which anticipates what you want to say, Camera Coach for real-time photography tips, and Pro Res Zoom for sharper shots at long distances. And like the rest of the lineup, the Pixel 10 gets seven years of OS and security updates. 

Price/availability: $799. Pre-order is on Aug 20; in stores on Aug 28. Colours: Obsidian, Frost, Indigo, Lemongrass. 

Pixel 10 Pro: Premium with AI perks 

For those who want more, the Pixel 10 Pro delivers. It features a brighter Super Actua display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a more refined design with a polished frame. The Pro steps up performance with 16 GB of RAM, a bigger battery, and Google’s exclusive AI features. 

What really makes it stand out is the triple-camera system with up to 100× ProRes Zoom. Google demonstrated this on stage with Fallon joking that he could “almost read people’s texts across the room — not that I would!” The Pro models also come bundled with one year of Google AI Pro, giving users advanced editing tools and creative features like studio-grade photo edits powered by Gemini. 

Price/availability: $999. Pre-order is on Aug 20; it will be in stores on Aug 28. The colours are obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, and Jade. 

Pixel 10 Pro XL: Big and bold 

The Pro XL is all about size and stamina. With a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, it’s built with maximum screen real estate for streaming, gaming, or productivity. It carries the same Tensor G5 processor, triple cameras, and AI extras as the regular Pro. It also supports 25W wireless charging with Qi2.2, the fastest wireless option in the Pixel range. Despite the larger display, it promises the same strong battery life of over 30 hours. 

Price/availability: $1,199. Pre-order is on Aug 20; in stores on Aug 28. Colours: Obsidian, Porcelain, Moonstone, Jade. 

Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Folding with confidence 

Foldables have always felt a little fragile, but Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold aims to change that. Its dual-screen setup combines an 8-inch interior display with a 6.4-inch cover screen, both running Super Actua Flex technology that’s brighter and tougher. The gearless hinge design adds durability, and it’s the first foldable with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. 

With Tensor G5 inside, it gets the full AI package: Gemini Live for conversations, Auto Best Take for group photos, and Instant View for quick notifications across screens. A bigger battery and Qi2 wireless charging via the new Pixelsnap system make it more practical for long days. 

Price/availability: $1,799. Pre-order now; in stores Oct 9. Colours: Moonstone, Jade. 

Pixel Watch 4: Fitness meets function 

The Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t just look better, it’s smarter in every way. The domed Actua 360 display is brighter, sharper, and has 10 percent more active area, all while fitting into a compact, curved design. Google added a larger battery that stretches usage to 40 hours, plus a redesigned interior that allows for easier repairs, including battery and display replacement. 

The Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor boosts performance, and safety features like satellite-based emergency communication add extra peace of mind. Health tracking also gets a major step up, with dual-frequency GPS for precision runs, advanced heart-rate sensors, sleep pattern analysis, and skin temperature tracking. 

Price/availability: 41 mm $349 (Wi-Fi) / $449 (LTE); 45 mm $399 / $499. Pre-order Aug 20; in stores Oct 9. 

Pixel Buds 2a: Affordable ANC 

Google’s A-series earbuds just graduated. The Pixel Buds 2a are the first in the budget line to include Active Noise Cancellation. They use the Tensor A1 chip for better sound, improved latency, and hands-free Gemini integration. Battery life is 7 hours with ANC on, with up to 20 hours using the case. In a thoughtful touch, the case now has a replaceable battery. 

Other highlights include multipoint pairing to switch easily between devices, fast pairing on Android, and Find Hub support so you don’t lose them. 

Price/availability: $129. Pre-order Aug 20; in stores Oct 9. Colours: Iris, Hazel. 

Pixelsnap and Qi2 accessories: Charging goes magnetic 

Google is embracing the Qi2 standard across its Pixel 10 line. The new Pixelsnap system introduces magnetic wireless charging that locks your device in place for up to 25W speeds on the Pro XL. Accessories include a stand and puck, a ring stand for hands-free use, and a lineup of Pixelsnap-compatible cases. For wired charging, the Pixel Flex Dual-Port 67W charger can power two devices at once while prioritising your Pixel. 

Price/availability: Pre-order Aug 20; in stores Aug 28. 

Tensor G5: The quiet powerhouse 

The Tensor G5 processor is at the heart of every Pixel 10 device. Built on a 3 nm process, it offers a 60 percent faster AI TPU.

And a 34% faster CPU compared to last year’s chip. Gemini Nano runs directly on the device, making features like instant voice translation, Magic Cue, and Camera Coach run faster and more efficiently. Despite the performance jump, Google promises over 30 hours of battery life across the Pixel 10 lineup. 

Other important announcements 

Google Photos now lets you edit images with voice commands. Just tell it what you want changed. Every AI edit comes with C2PA Content Credentials for transparency. 

Fitbit’s AI health coach launches in October, offering personalised workout and sleep routines. It learns from your responses and adapts in real time. 

Gemini Live gets visual guidance, app integrations with Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, and new voice options that let you choose pace, tone, or accent. 

Gemini for Home is rolling out to Nest devices, replacing Google Assistant with a more natural, conversational helper. “Gemini for Home offers reliable, hands-free help and can manage complex tasks across all of your home devices,” said Anish Kattukaran, Google Home & Nest’s Chief Product Officer. 

Stephen Curry joins Google as a Performance Advisor, working with engineers to refine AI coaching tools like the AI Basketball Coach, powered by Gemini and Google Cloud. “For me, it’s about blending tech and training. If AI can help me perfect a jump shot, imagine what it can do for your everyday routines,” Curry told the crowd. 

Distilled 

This year’s Made by Google wasn’t just about gadgets; it was about showing how AI can be woven into every part of our digital lives.

The Pixel 10 lineup anchors the ecosystem, but everything from earbuds to watches to Nest devices is powered by smarter, more capable AI. With partnerships like Stephen Curry’s bringing real-world expertise, Google is making a statement: the future of tech is not just intelligent; it’s personal. 

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Meera Nair

Drawing from her diverse experience in journalism, media marketing, and digital advertising, Meera is proficient in crafting engaging tech narratives. As a trusted voice in the tech landscape and a published author, she shares insightful perspectives on the latest IT trends and workplace dynamics in Digital Digest.