Everything That Was Announced At Google’s Recent Launch
It’s been a strong year for tech launches, yet Google’s recent Made by Google 2025 event wowed enough to make headlines. The tech giant’s annual showcase was packed with exciting new gadgets and AI innovation that promise to make our digital lives a little easier, all for impressive value.
While Google’s launch stayed quiet about its smart home advancements, it unveiled four new Pixel phones, a smarter watch, and updated earbuds. Are they alluring enough to deserve our hard-earned money? Let’s dive into what Google has in store for us this year.
Google Pixel 10
The biggest upgrade to the standard Pixel 10 is what we’ve been waiting for: the addition of a telephoto lens. This 5x telephoto lens means we can take better pictures from far away – useful at concerts and other events. The 5x strength puts it ahead of other flagship phones’ standard versions, like the iPhone 16 that only has a 2x telephoto lens, and the Samsung Galaxy S25, with 3x.
The camera setup also includes a new 48 MP (previously 50 MP) wide lens and a 13 MP (previous 48 MP) ultrawide. While the megapixel counts are lower on paper, Google’s clever processing and improved image stabilisation means better photos in practice. The 6.3” display is noticeably brighter too, jumping from 2,700 nits to 3,000 nits peak brightness. Battery life gets a welcome boost, with Google now touts more than 30 (from 24) hours of life from its 4,970 mAh battery. And there’s improved speakers, with better bass and audio quality.
Like the rest of the Pixel 10 lineup, it’s powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, making it around a third faster, and it features Pixelsnap, Google’s version of Apple’s MagSafe that adds magnets embedded in the back to charge it. Happily, the Pixel 10s are compatible with MagSafe products, so you’re not tied into their ecosystem – a frequent bugbear with Apple products.
The Pixel 10 comes in some contemporary muted colours: Obsidian (black), Frost (white), Lemongrass (a vibrant neon green), and Indigo (a nod to the original Pixel’s Really Blue). Starting at £799 for 128GB, it’s positioned as a premium phone that doesn’t break the bank.
Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL
The Pro models are always a touch better in quality, design and materials, though the differences aren’t as dramatic as you might expect this time. For example, both promise the same 30-odd hours of battery life (although the Pro XL charges rapidly, hitting 70 per cent in 30 minutes).
Still, the camera is impressive. The 50MP wide camera can shoot smoother video thanks to enhanced optical image stabilisation. You also get impressive features like 8K video recording, Night Sight Video, and Pro Res Zoom, which lets you digitally zoom in to capture photos at 100x, with AI filling in the blanks to deliver sharper photos.
It’s also notably improved its brightness – the Super Actua Display is 10% brighter at 3,300 nits at its max. The Pro XL (which is 6.8”, compared to the Pro’s 6.3”) also impresses with what Google claims are the loudest speakers and most powerful bass in any Pixel phone. The Pixel 10 Pro starts at £999, while the Pro XL begins at £1,199 – both decent prices for flagship phones with these capabilities.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Google’s third iteration of its Pro Fold addresses issues around the durability of foldable phones. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold has a new gear-less hinge that is twice as durable as last year, with Google promising more than 10 years of folding.
IP68 dust and water resistance is a first for foldables, so you won’t have to be quite as careful with this device. The displays have been improved too, with the 8” inner screen now hitting 3,000 nits of peak brightness.
For keen photographers, the camera set-up includes a new 48MP main sensor, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens with macro focus, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens. There’s a clever new feature called Instant View: making the most of the foldable display, it places a phone-sized viewfinder at the right, while the left shows a large preview of the shots you’ve taken. Starting at £1,799, the Pro Fold isn’t cheap and it lacks some of the Pixel 10’s features. But for a cutting-edge foldable you’d trust to last, it’s competitive.
New AI features
Beyond the hardware, Google have unveiled several new AI features that feel genuinely useful. Camera Coach can read the scene and offer suggestions to find the best angle, lighting, and modes – almost like having a photographer there to give you tips.
The updated Phone app includes Voice Translate for real-time conversation translation during calls. Google has also introduced Pixel Journal, a new app for quickly logging life events with AI-powered writing suggestions.
Pixel Watch 4
The fourth generation of Google’s smartwatch might look similar to its predecessors (especially with the same 41mm and 45mm size) but there are meaningful improvements inside. Its new domed display panel (Google calls this Actua 360) gives it 10% more screen, 16% smaller bezel, and 3,000 nits of peak brightness. You’ll also find a 25% better battery, with 30 hours using the Always On Display on the 41mm model, and 40 hours on the 45mm.
For adventurers, the watch includes emergency satellite connectivity for when you’re off-grid. And the Pixel Watch 4 is Google’s first to be allow battery replacements – a welcome move for sustainability.
Useful new AI-powered features include activity recognition to automatically detect when you’re exercising, and a Gemini-powered Coach that provides personalized fitness advice. Starting at £349 and available October 9th, it’s a serious competitor to the Apple Watch.
Pixel Buds 2a
Four years after the original Pixel Buds a-Series, Google is back with the budget-friendly Pixel Buds 2a, this time with enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and Find My… support. The design takes inspiration from 2024’s well-received Pixel Buds Pro 2, with an arc-shaped stabiliser that you twist to fit. Unlike the Buds Pro 2, there’s no wireless charging, but the battery is enough to last you seven hours of music and podcasts, while the charging case extends that time to 20 hours – enough to comfortably get through a day. Better still, the battery is replaceable for the first time.
At £129, they’re positioned as a middle ground between basic earbuds and premium options. They come in Hazel (dark green) and Iris (light purple) and will be available October 9th.
If you’re looking to protect your mobile, Switched On’s feature packed mobile phone insurance offers immediate cover, 24/7 online claims, three cover levels and unlimited claims. Plus if you select to pay annually you’ll get two months free. Find out more by visiting the mobile phone insurance page of our website.