If there’s one thing about Google Pixel news, it never fails to keep us on our toes. From surprise moves in hardware choices to festive cheer and much-needed camera tweaks, the latest Pixel news serves up all the juicy details. Grab a cup of chai and let’s dive in!
A modem shake-up for Pixel 10 as Google goes MediaTek
In an unexpected turn of events, Google is shaking things up for the Pixel 10 series with a MediaTek T900 modem. Yes, you heard that right — no Qualcomm or Samsung modem this time around. Google’s decision to go with MediaTek has certainly turned heads, especially since the company evaluated Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 before settling on the T900. But why MediaTek?
Google’s rationale likely revolves around balancing performance, thermals, and cost — areas where MediaTek’s “M85” generation modem IP (reportedly the foundation for the T900) could shine. While we don’t have a spec sheet yet, it’s clear that Google is stepping outside its comfort zone. Let’s hope this move doesn’t invite Pixel 6-esque thermal drama again. Fingers crossed for some T900 magic when the Pixel 10 finally drops.
Pixel Phone app brings festive vibes
The Pixel Phone app is in the holiday spirit, rolling out Christmas and New Year-themed Audio Emojis. Picture this: a Christmas Tree emoji comes with jingle bells and Santa’s sleigh, while Fireworks bring the sparkle for the New Year — replacing the usual Party Popper and Crying Face emojis.
But that’s not all. Google is also tinkering with a more prominent video call button in the Phone app, placing it conveniently in the top-right corner. It’s a small change, but one that promises a big impact for those spontaneous Google Meet calls. The update is already showing up for some users, so keep an eye out.
Pixel Camera 9.7 update rolling out widely with quick access controls
Pixel Camera 9.7 is here, and it’s bringing the convenience back to camera sliders. Remember when Brightness, Shadows, and White Balance were buried in a labyrinth of menus? Well, Google’s listened. With Quick Access Controls, you can now adjust these settings straight from the viewfinder. The feature is disabled by default, but a quick trip to Settings will bring it to life.
The Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold now offer Dual Screen Portrait Mode, letting your subject preview the shot. And for some extra cheer, Made You Look is introducing new characters to keep your kids entertained, with Joy from Inside Out making her foldable debut.
Outside the Pixel Camera, the December Feature Drop adds Instagram Ultra HDR support and Snapchat integration with the system Photo Picker.
From surprising modem choices to festive Audio Emojis and camera fixes that actually make sense, it’s clear that Google is keeping the Pixel experience fresh and forward-thinking. The only question now is: what surprises are in store? Stay tuned, because with the Pixel team, there’s never a dull moment.
Hillary Keverenge
2445 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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