Google Unveils AI-Powered Pixel 10 with Controversial Camera Features and Smartwatch Upgrades

Google’s latest Pixel 10 launch event, hosted by Jimmy Fallon and packed with cameos, marked a bold step forward for the company’s mobile strategy—centered heavily on AI. The event, which reshaped expectations for the Pixel line, spotlighted the Pixel 10 Pro’s new AI-powered camera features, particularly its Pro Res Zoom, a 100x zoom capability that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance image quality at extreme magnification. But early sample images from the feature have been inconsistent—some stunning, others raising serious concerns about over-processing, hallucination, and unnatural detail. On this week’s Vergecast, Victoria Song and Allison Johnson joined the host to unpack the event’s highs and lows. They discussed the unconventional, entertainment-driven keynote, which leaned into celebrity appeal and viral moments, while also delivering a heavy dose of AI promises. The conversation turned quickly to the Pixel 10 lineup, with particular focus on how deeply AI is now woven into the user experience—from real-time photo enhancements to intelligent scene recognition and editing tools. The camera system, despite Google’s insistence in metadata that it’s still a “camera,” has become a flashpoint. Critics are questioning whether the line between photography and AI-generated imagery is blurring too much. The Pro Res Zoom feature, while impressive in controlled conditions, shows troubling artifacts in low-light or high-motion scenarios, prompting debate about authenticity and user trust. The discussion then shifted to Google’s wearable ecosystem. The Pixel Watch 4, now with improved battery life and a more modular design, is positioned as a serious contender in the health and fitness tracker space. But its repairability remains a concern, with limited access to internal components. Meanwhile, the new Pixel Buds 2A offer a more affordable entry into Google’s audio lineup, though they lack some of the advanced AI features found in higher-end models. A major highlight was Google’s announcement that Gemini, its AI assistant, will soon arrive on smart home speakers. While details remain sparse, the move signals Google’s intent to integrate its AI across all consumer devices. There was also a brief, tantalizing tease of future speaker hardware—hinting at a new generation of intelligent, voice-driven home devices. The Thunder Round closed the episode with a rapid-fire rundown of key tech stories: Hank Green’s new Focus Friend app, designed to help users stay on task; Ricoh’s GR IV camera pricing, which sparked debate over value and competition; YouTube’s evolving content strategy amid advertiser concerns; Masimo’s lawsuit against U.S. Customs over import restrictions; and Chipotle’s pilot program using drones for food delivery in select markets. For deeper dives into these topics, listeners were directed to additional reporting. The episode underscored a central theme: Google is doubling down on AI, but the consequences—both technical and ethical—are still being sorted out.