Latest news with #EvanBlass
Android Authority
10 hours ago
- Android Authority
I'm not convinced about the Pixel 10 Pro's 100x zoom, and you shouldn't be either
The Google Pixel 10 series is just a few weeks away, and I'm keenly waiting to see what these new phones offer. One of the most intriguing and persistent rumors is that the base model will have a telephoto camera, but what about the Pro phones? It sounds like Google could maintain the same 48MP 5x cameras seen on the Pixel 9 Pro series. However, a trove of marketing material shared by veteran leaker Evan Blass has revealed that the Pixel 10 Pro phones could get 100x zoom. I'm not convinced that this feature is anything more than a marketing stunt, and you shouldn't be, either. Why should you be wary of the Pixel 10 Pro's 100x zoom? The apparent marketing screenshot (seen above) suggests that the Pixel 10 Pro range could offer 'Pro Res Zoom' up to 100x. It's unclear whether this refers to on-device zoom capabilities or cloud-powered zoom smarts. There's also no word if this applies to pictures, videos, or both. What is abundantly clear, though, is that 100x zoom is little more than a gimmick today, and there's little reason to believe Google will change things. Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra was the first to offer this feature in 2020, thanks to a 48MP 4x periscope camera, and it was largely a waste of time. We've since seen larger telephoto sensors, wider apertures, more megapixels, and more powerful image processing hardware. But phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL crumble long before 50x, let alone 100x. Don't believe me? Well, colleague Rob Triggs tested a quartet of phones at 10x and 30x earlier this year, and thought that the Samsung and Google phones were the worst performers. That doesn't bode well for the Pixel 10 Pro's image processing at 100x. Xiaomi 15 Ultra - 30x 100% crop Galaxy S25 Ultra - 30x 100% crop Pixel 9 Pro XL - 30x 100% crop Find X8 Pro - 30x 100% crop Vivo, HONOR, and Xiaomi have also released phones with 200MP periscope cameras in the last couple of years, and 100x photos taken with these devices aren't a game-changing upgrade. Check out the shots below, comparing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the vivo X100 Ultra. Galaxy S25 Ultra 100x Xiaomi 15 Ultra 100x Galaxy S24 Ultra 100x vivo X100 Ultra 100x Even though many flagship phones offer stabilization features for long-range zoom, the first set of images shows it's still tough to keep the viewfinder steady at 100x. As for actual image quality, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's picture avoids the horrible fringing seen in the Samsung shot, therefore delivering cleaner edges. However, this photo still offers a highly contrasted look and heavy noise reduction that wipes away detail. These 200MP cameras can capture a more defined image at long range, as seen in the crane shot, allowing you to identify specific elements in a scene. This might work for accessibility purposes, but these images are useless for Instagram. Could AI help Google? I've also seen manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, HONOR, vivo, and OnePlus, use AI to fill in the gaps at 100x. However, this practice varies wildly in execution, based on the phone brand and the subject matter. AI-based zoom can work well with simple textures (e.g., buildings), but often struggles with people and complex textures like foliage and mountains. Colleague Ryan Haines praised the OnePlus 13's long-range AI-based zoom, noting that even 120x shots can look decent (see the first shot below). However, other 120x samples show how bad things can get. OnePlus 13 120x OnePlus 13 120x OnePlus 13 120x Meanwhile, Rob Triggs praised the OPPO Find X8 Pro's AI-assisted long-range zoom, albeit out to 60x. On the other hand, he criticized the HONOR Magic 7 Pro's AI-enabled camera zoom, which added elements to his 30x landscape scene, like extra branches, trees, and additional buildings (see the comparison below). I also noticed that the vivo X200 Ultra would remove some elements in ~30x snaps, such as balcony railings. Who needs 'em anyway? HONOR Magic 7 Pro 30x without AI HONOR Magic 7 Pro 30x with AI Google has also dabbled with AI to improve zoom, as it launched the Zoom Enhance feature last year. This tool lets you return to an image after the fact and zoom in for a higher-quality cropped picture. However, our impressions were decidedly mixed in our Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL reviews, as we often thought it was merely over-sharpening images. So I don't have high hopes that the Pixel 10 Pro series can take good 100x shots if Google merely adopts this tech. Google's AI should help, but don't expect miracles Ryan Haines / Android Authority I'm sure Google's software smarts will help the Pixel 10 Pro phones achieve better 100x results. The company already offers fantastic camera tricks like Super Res Zoom, the Add Me feature, astrophotography mode, and Face Unblur. And some of these underlying technologies can enable better 100x photos. But will you want to share these images with people? Yeah, I'm not betting on that. Rival phones show us that 100x zoom is a little better in 2025, but still not good, so it's hard to see Google doing substantially better. I do hope Google proves me wrong, though, and that 100x Pro Res Zoom is a big upgrade to long-range zoom. But history tells us that we shouldn't take smartphone brands at their word when they talk about camera zoom. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice. Follow
Tom's Guide
14 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Google Pixel Watch 4 — These are the biggest rumored upgrades so far
• Google's new Pixel Watch 4 lineup could get wireless charging• The next Pixel Watch could debut at Made by Google, scheduled for August 20• The Pixel Watch 4 may sport the same basic design but with a bigger battery Even with the debut of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series, last year's Google Pixel Watch 3 — particularly the longer-lasting 45mm model — remains one of the best Android smartwatches money can buy. However, with a Made by Google event on the schedule for August 20, we may well have the Pixel Watch 4 on our wrists before the summer's officially out. The question is, what new features, spec upgrades, and design changes will the new smartwatch model bring about? I've been covering all the rumors since the first murmurs of a Pixel Watch 3 replacement emerged earlier this year. With that in mind, these are the biggest potential Pixel Watch 4 upgrades you should know about, from price to launch date to battery life and more. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is expected to debut on August 20, 2025, during a Made by Google event scheduled for that day. Based on prior Pixel Watch launches, you can likely expect the first units to ship by late August or early September. The Pixel Watch 4 will likely come in 41mm and 45mm, like the Pixel Watch 3. The starting cost for the smaller Pixel Watch 4 without LTE is likely to stay at $349; however, an increase to $399 is possible. Likewise, the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is expected to start at $399, but the price could creep as high as $349. It's worth noting that Samsung just increased pricing for the Galaxy Watch 8 series by $50, so Google following suit isn't outside of the realm of possibility. The Google Pixel Watch 4 is rumored to sport a similar design to its predecessor. It looks like both the 41mm and 45mm options will be sticking around, which is good. (Everyone loves choices!) While renders from leaker Evan Blass suggest a thinner bezel and potentially larger screen, previously leaked designs also suggest a thicker overall case; this would be to incorporate a larger-capacity battery. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Speaking of battery life, Google may finally be doing away with the magnetic pin-style charger (or not!). Another set of apparently leaked Pixel Watch 4 renders, first shared by Android Headlines, hint at a totally new approach to charging for the series: Instead of the charger connecting to the bottom of the device like it does on most smartwatches, older Pixel Watch models included, it may instead connect to the side of the Pixel Watch 4. The idea is to allow the Pixel Watch 4 to function as a tabletop clock while it charges. Numerous leaks and rumors suggest that the screens on the Pixel Watch 4 will see a max brightness increase to 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the Pixel Watch 3. This improvement would keep the Pixel Watch 4 line competitive with the new Galaxy Watch 8 devices and Apple Watch Series 10, both of which also max out at 3,000 nits. Other potential design improvements include the addition of a second physical button on the Pixel Watch 4 case, joining the existing button and rotating digital crown. A report in Android Headlines also suggests that the next-gen Pixel Watch may be more easily repairable. Whether that means by the user or a trained technician, remains to be seen. Currently, Google simply replaces broken devices rather than repairing them. Last year's Pixel Watch 3 launch brought about the surprise debut of Google's new Loss of Pulse Detection feature, a potentially life-saving tool that works kind of like fall or crash detection, contacting help if a loss of pulse event is registered. What new features might Google have in store this time around? One leak, first reported on by Android Headlines, suggests that an evolution of Loss of Pulse Detection could arrive in the form of a breathing emergency monitor that uses the SpO2 sensor to detect anomalies. Another report from Android Authority hints that an emergency satellite-based SOS messaging tool could be in the cards. Speaking of which, the Pixel Watch 4 is also rumored to sport a dual-band GPS antenna, a welcome upgrade for folks who like tracking outdoor workouts. You can also likely expect new AI-backed workout tools, including one rumored to be focused on strength training, that offer personalized exercise and recovery tips, similar to Apple's new Workout Buddy feature that's part of the watchOS 26 update. Finally, the Pixel Watch 4 will all but certainly ship with Google's Gemini AI voice assistant loaded onboard. I just tested Gemini on the Galaxy Watch 8 and found the implementation super-handy (though not life-changing). Between predictions that the Pixel Watch 4 will sport a thicker case to accommodate a bigger battery and multiple other leaks suggesting a more power-efficient display with variable refresh rates, there's a very good chance the Pixel Watch 4 will last longer than last year's Pixel Watch 3. Essentially, sealing the deal for improved longevity is an Android Authority report that quotes an unnamed source at Google who says the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 will sport a 327 mAh battery, and the 45mm model will have a 459 mAh battery. By comparison, the smaller Pixel Watch 3 battery has 307 mAh of capacity, and the 45mm battery offers 420 mAh. A separate rumor suggests 25% faster charging times for the Pixel Watch 4 series. As a refresher, when I reviewed the Pixel Watch 3 last year, the 41mm lasted for an average of 24 hours per charge, but the 45mm kept on ticking for 48 hours per charge. Could the 45mm Pixel Watch 4 push that longevity to 72 hours, and the 41mm to 36 hours? It's possible! While several leakers suggest the Pixel Watch 4 may sport the same processor as its predecessor, Wareable reports that the Pixel Watch 4 could sport an additional co-processor to handle AI tasks, something that could lead to additional power efficiency improvements. With no shortage of Pixel Watch 4 rumors flying around, there's a high probability that the forthcoming model will be much more than an iterative update. A brighter screen and notably improved battery life would keep Google one step in line and one step ahead (respectively) of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series. New life-saving tools to monitor for breathing-related health issues would also put Google ahead of the competition, not just Samsung but Apple and Garmin, too. Google is already the only brand to offer anything like Loss of Pulse Detection, while also offering all the health-monitoring standards like sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, fall/crash detection, and heart rate monitoring. With Breathing Emergency Detection added to the mix, the Pixel Watch 4 could be one of the most competent, consumer-friendly wrist-based health monitoring devices around. With Breathing Emergency Detection added to the mix, the Pixel Watch 4 could be one of the most competent, consumer-friendly wrist-based health monitoring devices around. Speaking of safety, the rumored satellite SOS messaging feature potentially coming to the Pixel Watch 4 sounds useful/promising, as does the move to dual-band GPS. The latter would make it a match with the Galaxy Watch 8 and an upgrade over the Apple Watch 10's single-band GPS antenna. Finally, the addition of Google's Gemini voice assistant, which has already proven useful on the Galaxy Watch 8, will likely make the Pixel Watch 4 an even more valuable digital companion. What potential Google Pixel Watch 4 upgrades are you most excited to see come to fruition? Let me know in the comments below.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
Google Pixel 10 tipped for Qi2 magnetic charging — what we know
Google's Pixel 10 range could allow for Qi2.2 charging, even if you don't have a case, according to new leaked images. The images in question come from Evan Blass (via Android Police) and appear to be Google's official renders for the Made by Pixel event on August 20. There's a lot of information on the phones in the post, including an image of what appears to be the Pixel 10 with a magnetic charger attached to the back. This isn't the first time we've heard about Google including a magnet in the phones, as a recent leak about the Pixel 10 range getting heavier hinted at the same. The leak also mentioned an in-house range of magnetic chargers and stands called "Pixelsnap," which could be what we're seeing in the image. On top of the image of a magnetic charger, Evan Blass's post also lists several hardware specs for the upcoming devices. While we can't claim these are the final specs, they do match other rumors we've seen in the last few months. The Pixel 10 is listed as coming with a 6.3-inch Actura display, the Tensor G5 chip, a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. While a battery size isn't given, the post does say that the Extreme Battery Saver feature could allow the phone to maintain a 100-hour battery life. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro is stated to feature a 6.3-inch display, while the Pixel 10 Pro XL is listed with a 6.8-inch display, the same as we saw in the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Both phones are listed with the Tensor G5, a 50MP wide-angle camera and a 48MP Ultrawide with Macro focus. In terms of the battery, the phones could also manage the same 100-hour battery life listed with the Pixel 10. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is stated to feature a 6.4-inch outer display and an 8-inch inner display. That would match the inner screen size of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but fall just short of Samsung's 6.5-inch outer display. The post also mentions an advanced triple camera system, which other leaked specs have reported to include a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP ultrawide, a 10.5MP telephoto with 5x zoom and two 10MP selfie cameras. Interestingly, the Pixel 10 Pro fold could only manage a 72-hour battery life with the Extreme Battery Saver. As with any leak, it is worth taking these images with a pinch of salt, but Evan Blass is a well-known source, so it is worth taking note. With that said, we don't have long to wait for Google's event, so keep an eye on our Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold hubs for all the news, rumors and leaks as we hear them.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Google's Pixel 10 may get magnetic Qi2 charging after all
Google's upcoming Pixel 10 may support wireless Qi2 charging natively (without a case), which would make it the first Pixel model and one of the few Android phones to do so. A new image from mega-leaker Evan Blass shows a Qi2 charger attached to the back of a naked Pixel 10 device, meaning it likely has the magnets required to support the fast-charging system. Rumors bubbled up last month that Google was working on a new lineup of "Pixelsnap" Qi2 accessories, leading to speculation that the Pixel 10 may debut that much-requested feature. Another rumor suggested that a case may be required for Qi2 charging after all, but the image of a Pixel 10 with a Qi2 charger appears to confirm that Qi2 will be native after all. On top of faster charging speeds up to 15 watts or higher in later revisions, Qi2 requires smartphones to have embedded magnets for easy alignment of peripherals. So far, though, only recent iPhone models and just one smartphone, the HMD Skyline, have said magnets and thus offer native Qi2 support. Other popular phones like the Galaxy S25 are only "Qi2 ready," meaning they can charge wirelessly at up to 15 watts, but don't have the required magnets inside. Instead, you have to purchase a compatible case with a built-in magnetic mounting system. The same applies to OnePlus's latest phone. If the Pixel 10 does support Qi2 directly and Google introduces a new lineup of Qi2 charging accessories, that will provide a big boost to the ecosystem. The news also provides a nearly complete picture of the Pixel 10 launch, on top of information we already knew: Up to a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, Google Tensor G5 chip, a triple rear camera system, 8K video recording and up to a 100-hour battery life on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. All we need now is confirmation of all that from Google, which will likely announce that device (including a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Fold) along with the Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and other accessories at its Made by Google event on August 20.
Engadget
a day ago
- Engadget
Google's Pixel 10 may get magnetic Qi2 charging after all
Google's upcoming Pixel 10 may support wireless Qi2 charging natively (without a case), which would make it the first Pixel model and one of the few Android phones to do so. A new image from mega-leaker Evan Blass shows a Qi2 charger attached to the back of a naked Pixel 10 device, meaning it likely has the magnets required to support the fast-charging system. Rumors bubbled up last month that Google was working on a new lineup of "Pixelsnap" Qi2 accessories, leading to speculation that the Pixel 10 may debut that much-requested feature. Another rumor suggested that a case may be required for Qi2 charging after all, but the image of a Pixel 10 with a Qi2 charger appears to confirm that Qi2 will be native after all. On top of faster charging speeds up to 15 watts or higher in later revisions, Qi2 requires smartphones to have embedded magnets for easy alignment of peripherals. So far, though, only recent iPhone models and just one smartphone, the HMD Skyline, have said magnets and thus offer native Qi2 support. Other popular phones like the Galaxy S25 are only "Qi2 ready," meaning they can charge wirelessly at up to 15 watts, but don't have the required magnets inside. Instead, you have to purchase a compatible case with a built-in magnetic mounting system. The same applies to OnePlus's latest phone. If the Pixel 10 does support Qi2 directly and Google introduces a new lineup of Qi2 charging accessories, that will provide a big boost to the ecosystem. The news also provides a nearly complete picture of the Pixel 10 launch, on top of information we already knew: Up to a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, Google Tensor G5 chip, a triple rear camera system, 8K video recording and up to a 100-hour battery life on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. All we need now is confirmation of all that from Google, which will likely announce that device (including a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Fold) along with the Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2 and other accessories at its Made by Google event on August 20.
