Google Pixel 10 AI Features Steal the Show
Following the launch of the new Pixel 10 phones, the focus is shifting to the advanced AI software features Google has introduced. A standout is the new Voice Translate capability, which can generate a synthetic version of your own voice speaking in languages like German, French, or Japanese.
Another major development is Pro Res Zoom, an exclusive feature for the Pixel 10 Pro models. This technology pushes digital zoom to 100x, utilizing AI to maintain image integrity. The AI works to prevent distorted faces and unreadable text, resulting in clearer and more detailed zoomed-in photos instead of AI-generated artifacts. The Camera Coach feature was also highlighted, though the author humorously noted their own photography skills made it less necessary. Managing Editor Cherlynn Low provided insights on the most compelling features from the launch event. The Add Me feature for group photos continues to receive praise.
In other tech news, a Bloomberg report suggests Apple’s first foldable iPhone could mark the return of Touch ID. The reason for potentially reverting from Face ID to the older fingerprint technology is currently unknown. The report also indicates Apple switched from using on-cell touch sensors to in-cell technology for the foldable display, a move that should help minimize the visibility of a screen crease. This device is not expected to arrive this year.
In a significant move for the semiconductor industry, the US government is taking an 8.9 billion dollar stake in Intel. This investment, part of the CHIPS Act funding, converts into equity, giving the government a 9.9 percent ownership in the chipmaker. This decision appears to be a strategic effort by Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, to secure crucial federal funding amidst major company restructuring, including a 20 percent reduction in its workforce.
Leaked images have given an early look at Google’s upcoming Nest smart home products. The new hardware, including indoor cameras, doorbells, and a new smart speaker, maintains a familiar design language but with key upgrades. The most notable improvement is a bump in video resolution from 1080p to 2K across the camera lineup. The new devices are also expected to launch in new color options like Snow, Berry, and Hazel. The new smart speaker, teased at the Pixel event, is shown to be smaller and more rounded than the current Nest Audio.
Finally, Elon Musk’s xAI has filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. The legal action alleges that the two companies have conspired to create an unfair playing field on the App Store, effectively locking out competing AI services to maintain their market dominance. The suit claims these actions have prevented xAI’s Grok from competing fairly.
