Earlier this week, we covered Pixel 10 news ranging from GPU tests and mic issues to ring stand worries and even a lingering Pixel 9 display line problem. Now, in the past 24 hours, a couple of fresh developments have landed: a new Chromebook tablet that looks very Pixel-inspired, a once-exclusive Pixel 10 Gemini photo editing feature making its way to all Android users, and a pair of new Pixel 10 ads that crank the weirdness dial in typical Google fashion.
A Pixel-flavored Chromebook may be coming
ChromeUnboxed has uncovered a new Chromebook tablet codenamed Sapphire, built on the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra “Tanjiro” baseboard. On paper, that’s already exciting since it means we’re looking at a lightweight, ARM-powered Chromebook tablet. But what’s turning heads is the code reference pointing to the return of the LED light bar, that colorful strip Google last used on the Pixel C tablet in 2015 and the Chromebook Pixel laptops before that.
Now, let’s set the record straight. ChromeUnboxed suggested this strip has been seen on modern Pixel phones, but that’s not accurate. Pixel phones never carried it. The light bar has always been a hallmark of Pixel Chromebooks and tablets, and an unmistakable “Made by Google” design flourish at that. Spotting it here is quite a significant development.
Sure, Lenovo once tried something similar on one of its Chromebooks, but it wasn’t the same full-spectrum LED magic Google pulled off. This new code, however, specifically points to a full-color implementation, making it feel much closer to Google’s original design language.
The timing is also interesting. ChromeOS is preparing its big shift to the Android kernel, and this would be a perfect device for Google to show off its software milestones. A new Pixel-branded Chromebook tablet with a throwback design feature would fit that bill perfectly. While it’s not 100% confirmed that Sapphire is “Made by Google,” the evidence makes it the most intriguing Chromebook in development right now.
Gemini photo editing expands beyond Pixel 10
One of the Pixel 10’s standout exclusives is no longer exclusive. All Android users in the U.S. can now access conversational photo editing in Google Photos. Just describe the edit — “remove cars,” “fix washed-out colors,” or “make my cat look like it’s chilling in Hawaii” — and Gemini does the heavy lifting.
Edits can be stacked, multiple results are offered for you to choose from, and AI-assisted changes are labeled for transparency. It’s basically Magic Eraser with a chat box, and it’s live starting today.
Google’s Pixel 10 ads: artsy vs. cheeky
Google’s marketing team is back at it, and the latest Pixel 10 ads are as eccentric as you’d expect. Maybe even more so.
The first, focusing on the Pixel 10 Pro, goes for a moody, artsy vibe. Think polished frames, close-ups of the jade colorway, and even abstract garden imagery that transforms from wild and overgrown to pristine and manicured. The message seems less about megapixels and refresh rates, and more about how owning a Pixel makes you feel. It’s subtle, aspirational, and definitely aimed at people who buy into lifestyle branding as much as specs.
The second video, meanwhile, couldn’t be more different. It pokes fun at Apple by equating iPhone buyers to people who always settle for “vanilla.” To really drive the point home, Google uses soft-serve ice cream cones as a stand-in for iPhones. And things get messy fast. It’s cheeky, a little mean-spirited, and very Google. But here’s the thing: while roasting iPhone users may get laughs, it’s not exactly the most convincing way to win them over.
That said, both videos show Google leaning into its oddball identity. Apple ads might ooze polish and gravitas, but Google seems more interested in playing the class clown while still slipping in subtle design flexes. Whether this approach actually sells more phones is up for debate, but one thing is that Pixel ads rarely leave you bored.
One day it’s a mysterious Chromebook with a glowing light bar, the next it’s Pixel 10 features landing on every Android phone, and then ice cream metaphors? Google keeps tossing curveballs, but that’s the fun of following Pixel. Whether you’re here for the hardware, the AI tricks, or just the weird ads, the Pixel world rarely gives us 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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