A New Era of Device Protection

Google has announced the launch of Pixel Care+, a comprehensive protection program designed to provide users with peace of mind when it comes to their devices. The new program replaces Google Preferred Care and Fi Device Protection in the US and offers a higher level of coverage, service, and support for Google hardware owners.

According to Google, Pixel Care+ provides users with unlimited claims for accidental damage, extended warranty claims, and mechanical damage. The program also includes $0 screen and battery repairs, $0 post-warranty malfunction claims, genuine Google parts and replacements, priority support from Pixel experts, and self-service claims through the Google Store website. Additionally, users can opt for optional added loss and theft coverage.

The program is available in the US starting Wednesday and is priced at $10 per month or $199 for two years for new eligible devices, which include the Pixel 8 and up, the Pixel Watch 2 and up, the Pixel Tablet, and various Fitbit devices.

Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, made by TSMC instead of Samsung this year, is a key component of the Pixel 10 Pro, which has a new, brighter screen, more RAM, and a pro camera. The company touts that the new chip is better at AI performance and runs the latest Gemini Nano model.

One of the most notable AI features of the Pixel 10 is Magic Cue, which contextually surfaces information from one app to another. For example, if you’re talking about lunch with a friend, Magic Cue might suggest lunch recommendations. However, the feature has limitations, and it’s unclear how much context it will be able to pull in. In tests, Magic Cue showed promising results, including surfacing a contact detail when a user received a text asking for someone’s contact, and suggesting coffee shop recommendations when a user opened Maps.

Another AI feature is call translation, which allows users to communicate with people who speak different languages. While the feature retains the user’s voice in the translated language, the language support for translation is limited. For example, a call with a French-speaking friend worked well on both ends, but the Hindi-English call was not as successful.

Google has also added a lot of software updates to the Pixel 10’s camera, including a feature called Camera Coach, which analyzes the frame in focus and suggests options for taking the photo in different styles. The company has also introduced Super Res Zoom, which allows users to get up to 100x zoom with impressive results. However, taking photos at 100x zoom requires a steady hand, as the phone stores both AI-processed and non-processed photos to show the difference.

The Pixel 10 Pro also features an updated Portrait mode, which allows users to take 50-megapixel images. However, the new modes may not always get the subject separation right. Google is using some frame-mashing techniques to take good group photos with the new AI-powered Best Take feature, which captures multiple photos and picks the best one where everyone has their eyes open and is looking at the camera.

The company has also introduced an AI-powered feature called Action Pan, which focuses on a moving object and creates a blur in the background. This feature allows users to capture dynamic moments, such as a person walking or a car driving.

In terms of AI-powered camera features, Google is also shipping an updated Portrait mode with the ability to take 50-megapixel images. While the new modes allow users to take photos at a higher resolution, it doesn’t always get the subject separation right. The company is using some frame-mashing techniques to take good group photos with the new AI-powered Best Take feature.

Google’s AI is everywhere now in Pixel, but users won’t always need it. The company is painting a magnificent version of AI, but not everyone is living in AI utopia. However, with the new Pixel devices, users can experience the benefits of AI-powered features and services, including improved camera capabilities, enhanced device protection, and personalized support.

Overall, Google’s new device protection program and AI features aim to provide users with a more comprehensive and personalized experience. However, as with any new technology, there may be limitations and inconsistencies, and it remains to be seen how these features will evolve over time.