TL;DR:
• Google unveils Pixel 10 series at August 20 event, ahead of iPhone 17
• Tensor G5 processor powers new "Camera Coach" AI and conversational photo editing
• Standard Pixel 10 gets telephoto lens previously exclusive to Pro models
• Pixel Watch 4 and Buds 2a complete ecosystem play against Apple
Google is positioning its upcoming Pixel 10 lineup as an AI-first challenger to Apple's struggling Intelligence platform, with the Made by Google event set for August 20 promising enhanced Gemini capabilities and hardware upgrades that could reshape the smartphone AI race.
Google just threw down the AI gauntlet ahead of Apple's September hardware event. The search giant's Made by Google 2025 showcase on August 20 promises to deliver what Apple Intelligence hasn't – genuinely useful AI features integrated seamlessly into everyday smartphone use.
The timing feels deliberate. While Apple continues struggling with delayed AI rollouts and limited functionality, Google is doubling down on its Gemini advantage. In a not-so-subtle jab, the company's recent promotional video appears to mock Apple's unfulfilled Intelligence promises.
Lauren Forristal's reporting for TechCrunch reveals the centerpiece features driving Google's confidence. "Camera Coach" represents a breakthrough in real-time AI assistance, with Gemini analyzing scenes to suggest optimal angles and lighting conditions. The rumored conversational photo editing tool goes further, allowing users to simply tell the AI what adjustments they want made – brightness tweaks, object removal, background changes.
These aren't gimmicky additions. They address real user pain points while showcasing AI's practical potential in ways Apple Intelligence hasn't managed to deliver consistently.
The hardware story revolves around democratization. The standard Pixel 10 gains the dedicated telephoto lens previously reserved for Pro models, powered by Google's new Tensor G5 processor. This chip represents the company's "Gemini era" ambition – purpose-built silicon optimized for on-device AI processing rather than cloud dependency.
