Pixel is “a good business” and important to the future of Google. But AI is what will win this race in the long term, Google says.

The AOD upgrade on the Pixel 10 should pair nicely with Android 16’s Live Updates. The latter displays real-time info from food delivery and ride-hailing apps on the lock screen and notification shade, making it easier to track your orders and rides at a glance. When tapped, a slick transition should take users from the AOD to the lock screen.

G oogle has started rolling out its latest batch of Android 16 features to beta testers, including expanded support for dark mode and themed app icons. The QPR2 beta 1 was announced yesterday alongside Google launching the Pixel 10 series, and is expected to get a full public release sometime in December, according to Google’s release timeline.

Google’s latest Pixel 10 phones, which were just announced today, don’t come with many external physical changes. The most tangible hardware addition across the lineup, in fact, is completely invisible: a set of magnets beneath the phones’ back panels.

However, I grilled Samsung for coasting with the Galaxy S25 series. And if I were being fair, I’d have to do the same with Google — but I won’t. Both companies have a similar sales pitch: software is the reason you’ll want to upgrade. But while Samsung let me down with Galaxy AI, Google’s done the opposite with Gemini.

Google Photos is getting a major upgrade with AI conversational editing, first in the new Google Pixel 10 series. More details here.

Google Pixel 10 series introduces support for Qi2 wireless charging, but it’s the Pixelsnap range of magnetic charging accessories that set them apart from the MagSafe ecosystem for iPhones.

I've reviewed and tested the two best Android phones on the market. Here are the main reasons for buying one over the other.