Connect with us

Technologies

These Nintendo Switch Accessories Make Gaming Better at Home or Outside

From controllers to charging to protection, here are our recommendations to make your Nintendo Switch more fun.

The Nintendo Switch is already beloved for its excellent plug-and-play gaming experience. However, gaming with the Nintendo Switch gets even better once you’ve picked up some of the right accessories. This list takes you through some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy right now, from microSD cards and controllers to grips and docks.

Keep in mind that these products are all designed for the original Nintendo Switch console, which you can play on your TV or in handheld mode. While many of these might work with the Switch OLED and smaller Switch Lite, such as the controllers, several items on the list won’t because of the size differences in design and screen or lack of video output. (There may be other versions to buy that are compatible with the Switch Lite.) 

Also see: Nintendo Switch OLED Restock: Where to Find a Console

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller

Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller feels better to play with than any other third-party full-size Switch controller we’ve tried. The Switch Pro Controller is also between $60 and $70 to buy. The PowerA wireless controller comes closest to the feel and design of Nintendo’s Pro controller, and you can normally get it for $40 to $50, depending on the design, from Amazon, Best Buy and other sources. The PowerA wireless controller doesn’t have HD Rumble, IR or Amiibo NFC support like the Switch Pro controller does, but it does have motion controls. It’s also available in game-themed versions including Animal Crossing, Mario and Pokemon.

Its one added feature is two extra buttons on the bottom of the controller that can be mapped on the fly. Also, while the original version of the Enhanced Wireless Controller ran on AA-size batteries, the newest models have a built-in rechargeable battery for up to 30 hours of gameplay.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Headset

Attach the tiny USB-C dongle to the Switch and you’re good to play with this lightweight, comfortable gaming headset. It uses the company’s lossless 2.4GHz wireless for ultralow-latency wireless connectivity. I never experienced any dropouts or lag while using them, but SteelSeries includes a cable if you want to use it if you don’t want to risk it. The noise-canceling mic is detachable and the earcups turn and lie flat for easier travel. These will work with the Switch Lite, as well.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Tomtoc Ultra Slim Carrying Case

This splashproof hardshell case is just about all you need to protect your Switch if you want to play on the go. Slim, light and form-fitting, it barely adds any bulk. It might not look like a lot of protection but my kids and I have dropped them several times and the Switch survived unscathed. Aside from the added protection, there’s an organizer attached inside with storage for up to 10 game cards. And it’s available in a bunch of fun color combinations. Tomtoc also makes a version that works with the Mumba case and the Hori Split Pad Pro controller so you stay protected when traveling and playing. But you guessed it: This won’t fit the Switch Lite.

It’s pricey at just under $100, but Hyper’s all-in-one hub for the Switch is worth it for its simplicity and design. Connect up your Switch, external display (the HDMI out supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz) and a controller, plug in the HyperDrive for power and you’re done. One of its USB-C ports can be used for powering and charging the Switch and there’s an extra USB-C port for charging a wireless controller or your phone or tablet. It’s small, too, and the power cable detaches, so traveling with it is no problem at all. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Anker PowerCore Plus 26,800 mAh Power Deliver battery and 60-watt charger

You can recharge your Switch with just about any power bank, but you’ll want something like this giant Anker battery to keep playing while you charge. The PowerCore Plus can deliver 45 watts of charging power through its USB-C port. It can also charge up other devices like your phone through its USB-A ports. The package also includes a 60-watt USB-C wall charger that can refill this massive bank in less than three and a half hours. 

Binbok’s Joypad is a combination of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons and its wireless Pro Controller. There are left and right Joy-Con-like controllers that can slot onto the sides of the Switch, similar to Hori’s Switch Split Pad Pro. This gives you the comfort and larger controls of the Pro controller while you use the Switch handheld. 

However, unlike Hori’s controller, the Binbok Joypad can be used off the Switch because each has a built-in battery and Bluetooth. Their design makes them awkward to hold as Joy-Cons but it can be done, and each has adjustable rumble and motion controls. They both have a mappable button on the inside of their grips as well as turbo buttons. The Home button can wake the Switch when you’re ready to game and you can even change the color of the LED light rings around the thumb sticks. 

The included holder joins the two controllers together to form a single Pro-like controller like Nintendo’s Joy-Con Comfort Grip. Unfortunately, this won’t allow you to charge both controllers at the same time; each of the controllers needs to be charged separately through their USB-C ports or while attached to the Switch when it’s charging (you can leave the controllers attached when docked). The holder is unusually wide, too, and with the controllers attached it’s actually larger than a Pro controller. There’s some flex where the controllers slot onto the holder giving it a tenuous feel. That flex, combined with its lightweight, makes the whole thing feel flimsy. Still, it’s not like Nintendo’s Joy-Cons are known for their reliability and overall this is an excellent option if you want to pay less and do more.

Josh Goldman/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C Audio Transmitter

Want to use your Bluetooth headphones with your Switch, but worried about lag? Creative’s adapter gets around that with aptX Low Latency codec support. Just pop the adapter into the USB-C port on the Switch, press its button and connect to your headset. I tested with the Tribit QuietPlus ANC headphones, which is on our best noise-canceling headphones under $100 list and supports aptX LL. Insert the included analog microphone into the Switch’s headset jack and you’re ready for voice chat during multiplayer games that support it like Overwatch and Fortnite. (A quick firmware update is needed for it to work, though.)

If you also have a PS4 or PS5, the mic can be plugged into your controller for voice chat with that console. Plus, Creative includes a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter so you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to the PS4. 

The adapter also supports regular aptX and aptX HD codecs as well as SBC (subband codec). You just press the adapter’s button to choose. And while you might buy this for your Switch (or PS4) you can just move the adapter to your phone or computer and instantly use your headphones with those without having to connect all over again. For $35, the little kit is a pretty good deal. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Mumba Case

Adding this Nintendo Switch case not only takes some of the creak out of playing a video game handheld, but gives you some much-needed extra controller grip for your game. It’ll also give you a little side, top, bottom and rear drop protection. This will not fit the Switch Lite, which is a little smaller than the regular Switch.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for IOGear Dock Pro 60 USB-C 4K Station with Game+ Mode

If you want to dock your Switch as well as expand your laptop’s port options when you’re not gaming, the Dock Pro 60 is all you need. The slim, small, lightweight Nintendo Switch dock has two USB-C ports, one of which supports power input. Connect your Switch to the other USB-C port and use the dock’s HDMI port to connect to a TV or external (resolutions up to 4K UHD will work) and you’re ready to start gaming with friends and family on a bigger screen. There are also two USB-A ports if you want to use a wired controller or charge wireless ones.

Note, though, that this does require a USB-C 15V/2.6A power supply such as the YCCTeam adapter below or the one that comes with your Switch. 

Bonus for Samsung Galaxy device users: The Dock Pro 60 supports Samsung DeX so you can use your phone or tablet with an external display and a desktop-style experience. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

$16 at Amazon

You’re receiving price alerts for YCCTeam Charger for Nintendo Switch

Not all USB-C chargers will support charging the Switch as well as powering it while docked. This one does, and at a fraction of the cost of Nintendo’s. Plus, it has a 5-foot charging cable so you have some room to plug in the Switch and continue to play handheld while you charge. 

Josh Goldman/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for PDP Gaming Little Wireless Controller

The Little Wireless Controller — yes, that is its actual name — is slightly bigger than a Joy-Con but so much more comfortable to use. The buttons are firm and responsive and there’s no mushiness to the D-pad, either. The thumbsticks are taller than the Joy-Con’s, which gives you greater accuracy. The rear buttons, despite being directly on top of each other, are shaped perfectly to make sure you hit the correct one. There is no rumble or NFC support but it does have motion control. The rechargeable battery is rated for up to 40 hours of wireless use and is charged via a USB-C port in the back. It’s a super little travel companion.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Carelessly sliding the Switch in and out of its dock all the time can eventually result in some scratches to the display screen, and nobody wants a scratched screen. If you spend money on one piece of protection for your Switch to enhance your gaming experience, make it an inexpensive Nintendo Switch screen protector. The AmFilm tempered glass screen protector is easy to apply and doesn’t interfere with touchscreen performance. The bottom line is, if you have a Switch, you need a tempered glass screen protector, and this is a great tempered glass screen protector. Note that this screen protector won’t fit on a Switch Lite, which has a smaller screen.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for Hori Compact Playstand

The Switch’s kickstand is fine in a pinch, but this is much better for tabletop play with your device. It adjusts to three positions, folds flat for travel and has a passthrough in front so you can charge while you use it with all of your video games. There is a cheaper AmazonBasics one, but the Hori is sturdier and more stable for not much more money.

Sarah Tew/CNET

You’re receiving price alerts for HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Transmitter

This little adapter pops into the USB-C port so you can use your Bluetooth headphones while you play your Switch, including Apple AirPods. A built-in mic on the bottom of the adapter adds lag-free in-game chat, and you can connect up to two headsets simultaneously for a better gaming experience when you’re playing Smash or any other game on your Switch online in multiplayer games. An equally small USB-C to USB-A adapter can be used to plug into the Switch dock so you can use your headphones when docked, too. The Creative adapter’s design mentioned earlier in this list is better for multipurpose use, but if you’re just looking for use with the Switch, this is a great pick. 

The CitySlicker is a discreet way to travel with your Switch and accessories. The case looks more like a high-end travel bag than gaming gear, but it is made specifically for the Switch with five game card storage slots in front, a microfiber-faced interior pocket that swipes your screen clean when you insert and remove your Switch, and a zippered pocket on back to hold a power bank, cleaning cloth or earbuds. The two inside pockets are big enough to hold an extra set of joy-cons and cables. The case is available in three sizes for the Switch Lite, Switch and Switch Max, which is large enough to hold the Switch while it’s in the Skull & Co. GripCase or any similarly sized protective case. It’ll even fit the Defway dock listed above. 

Our friends at GameSpot also have a roundup of the best Nintendo Switch controllers.

Technologies

Blood of the Dawnwalker Is a Vampire Action RPG with Breath of the Wild’s Neatest Feature

At a preview event, I got an early look at the upcoming dark fantasy game from publisher Bandai Namco.

There’s an ill wind howling through the valley — and no, it isn’t just the plague ravaging 14th-century Eastern Europe. A family of vampires has taken over the quiet stretch between the Carpathian Mountains that you call home, and they’ve made you one of their gifted thralls. Now it’s up to you, a peasant given the powers of the blood-draining undead, to save your family, and perhaps the valley itself.

At a preview event in Los Angeles, California, I got an early hands-off look at Blood of the Dawnwalker, the upcoming action RPG due out in 2026 from Polish studio Rebel Wolves and published by Bandai Namco. While I didn’t play the game, I watched a lengthy presentation shown to a group of media members as a developer played a live build, walking us through the various cycles and mechanics that players will navigate in their quest to save the valley. 

But in conversation with two of the game’s developers, I heard that Blood of the Dawnwalker has an uncommon feature — one that’s perhaps best known from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. From the beginning of the game, you can march up to the game’s end boss, the vampire Francis, and try to defeat them. 

«We have this narrative sandbox and our goal here is to tell the players, alright, you’re out of the prologue — you do you. If you want to go and storm Brencis’ Castle right here right now, go,» said Piotr Kucharski, writer at Rebel Wolves. «In fact, we invite it, right? We want to see those people on YouTube.»

That prologue sets the stage for the game: Protagonist Coen’s sister is infected with the Black Plague. She’s nearly killed by religious zealots but for the timely intervention of Brencis’ coven of vampires, who turn her into one of them. Their attempt to turn Coen fails, turning him into an empowered half-vampire. He has 30 days to save his family — but players can go about saving them in any way they choose. Each major action takes precious time, but players can choose to progress as they want. This means it’s possible to miss a ton of events and quests in the game. 

Play by day or night — the choice is yours

The demo started at the gameplay overview, embedded above, but extended much further. The game’s developers walked us through a fork in the road in a quest for a magic sword. By day, as a mere human, Coen worked his way through church bureaucracy by hunting down a wayward caretaker who turned into a monster in a quarantined almshouse. He finally got access to a book in the church library, which identified which sigil to look out for in the graveyard. The sword, it turns out, was sequestered in a tomb with its bearer.

Daytime activity can involve swordplay, including use of magic-like hexes used in and out of combat, but it’s mostly geared toward investigation. You’ll talk (including to the dead, thanks to a handy Compel Soul hex), read books and get answers. But, as with nighttime, any prolonged activity like a lengthy conversation (indicated on the screen with a special icon, so players won’t be surprised) could take a segment of time, ticking the clock closer to Coen’s end-of-month deadline.

At the halfway point of the demo, the developer went back to show how things could be done differently at night, using Coen’s vampiric powers to shadowstep across rooftops and walk up walls — making it easy to sneak into that library to find the right book. But guards patrolling the graveyard would have to be dealt with to unearth the tomb, giving the developer the chance to show Coen’s undead fighting capabilities (including goring with claws and draining blood). Descending into the tomb, we found the sword, but it was still held by an undead knight imprisoned in the walls — a Dawnwalker like us gone mad by an extended lifetime of hunger and starvation. 

Killing the knight gave us the vaunted sword, which after reforging, would be a powerful weapon when Coen eventually challenges Brencis. But that quest is optional, meaning some players will never find it. There are complications to choosing whether to do some quests during the day and night, too — for instance, it might be easier to sneak around at night, but that Dawnwalker knight would be harder to kill with his own nocturnal vampiric powers.

So, technically, players can choose to play entirely during the day or solely at night if they like one half of Coen’s abilities better than the other. But they’d be missing out. While some quests have both day and night layers, others can only be accessed in daylight or after the sun falls, said Rafał Jankowski, lead quest designer at Rebel Wolves.

«Some quests require Coen to speak to some corpses and similarly, certain places can only be reached with planeshift or shadowstep,» Jankowski said. 

Splitting real-time combat with action RPG mechanics

The slice of combat we saw during the demo likewise split between day and night strategies. But most of the fighting will be done with a longsword, relying on rhythmically alternating between defense and offense. When enemies come at you swinging their own blades, directional indicators will pop up, requiring you to block in one of the four cardinal directions before counterattacking yourself.

When Rebel Wolves revealed Blood of the Dawnwalker’s combat in gameplay reveal videos, fans in the comments critiqued the potential difficulty of predicting directions to block. So the studio took that as feedback and came up with a solution to add another omnidirectional blocking ability, but which would drain Coen’s stamina in exchange. Likewise, when viewers complained the camera followed the player too closely, developers added a zoomed-out option.

«I do believe that we are still at the stage of development when it’s invaluable to get people involved more in the production, to hear their opinions on the project. We will keep our ear close to the ground,» Jankowski said. 

Otherwise, Blood of the Dawnwalker follows some expected action RPG standbys, with equippable weapons and armor, healing items and upgradeable skills. The game has a trio of skill trees, split between daytime-only, nighttime-only and shared abilities. 

The influence of Warhammer and The Witcher

Set in the Carpathian Mountains that stretch from modern-day Czech Republic to Romania and during the 14th century, with plenty of period-accurate fashion and architecture, Rebel Wolves’ game seemingly vibes with the more realistic Kingdom Come: Deliverance (set in modern-day Czech Republic). But a bigger inspiration, the developers told me, is Warhammer, the dark fantasy tabletop game about warring armies of men, elves, dwarves and monstrous creatures.

«I like the idea of a society, a medieval society that has a city, a thriving community but there is also this outside danger. You have Chaos, you have Skavens, you have all kinds of creatures, Orcs and so on,» Kucharski said. «Here [in Blood of the Dawnwalker], we have a bit of a different situation, because all those creatures come out into the light and they say, OK, we are going to rule you.»

With its corruption of Christian churches into incorporating seeming blood rituals as a vampiric touch, Blood of the Dawnwalker sure takes cues from Warhammer’s dark medieval vibe. But Kucharski also mentioned the tabletop RPG Vampire: The Masquerade (in its medieval variant) as another inspiration, as well as the Dragon Age series for its consequence of choices and system of magic.

But with its third-person sword-and-magic gameplay, supernatural monsters and vaguely Slavic setting, Blood of the Dawnwalker reminded me a lot more of another popular game from a Polish studio: The Witcher 3.

It’s a comparison that the developers have been getting a lot. Jankowski is quick to point out the different natures of both games’ protagonists, especially with Coen’s day-and-night cycles of human and vampiric ability. But more importantly, Kucharski noted how much history Geralt already has in the games, sourced from the popular series of Witcher novels — he’s the Butcher of Blavikan with his own reputation, whereas Coen is just some guy. 

Of course, Coen will build his reputation as the game progresses in its zero-to-hero narrative, Kucharski said. And perhaps there’s more to his saga after Blood of the Dawnwalker ends, too — but the developers were coy about what plans they had coming for Coen.

«We hope that we’ll see some other adventures going maybe in the future,» Kucharski said. «Now we are focusing on the first one — just to get it right.»

Continue Reading

Technologies

This TCL Phone Outperforms Samsung’s Budget Model and Is Now Even Cheaper at Just $200

With our exclusive code, you can nab the new TCL NxtPaper 60 XE at a record-low price.

Phones are all a bit samey in 2025, so when something different comes out, we can’t help but pay attention. The TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is one of the most interesting phones we’ve reviewed recently, with a full-color, paperlike display. In fact, it’s an impressive budget phone that in many ways outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at a similar price.

So you’ll be pleased to hear that the TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is currently reduced. Right now, it’s reduced from $250 to $222 on Amazon for Prime members. And if you use our exclusive promo code CNET10OF, you can bag an extra 10% off, bringing the total down to $200. But hurry, this code expires Aug. 27.

This phone hits top marks for everyday use. Its screen is large, the 120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth and the battery lasted CNET reviewer Tyler Graham throughout the entire day, even with frequent use. If you take a lot of selfies, you’ll enjoy a big 32-megapixel upgrade to the front-facing camera, though the camera system is otherwise similar to TCL’s 50 series phones.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

The shiny bonus features on the TCL NxtPaper 60 XE are the eponymous NxtPaper digital ink and e-reader modes and cloud-based TCL AI. You might not use these features regularly, but they’re solid value adds to an already budget phone. The 60 XE is working off a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus processor with 8GB of memory.

In his review, Graham said: «Compared to other phones in a similar price range, the TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G delivers where it counts for day-to-day use, and its impressive bells and whistles sweetened my experience with the phone.»

MOBILE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

The TCL NxtPaper 60 XE is one of the most interesting smartphones we’ve reviewed recently. It’s definitely worth being on your radar if you’re on the lookout for a new budget handset. Already at an inexpensive price, this deal makes it a no-brainer for those looking for something a little different. Just make sure you get your order in before Aug. 27 when the coupon expires.

Continue Reading

Technologies

Everything at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 10 Pro Fold and More

Here’s what you missed at Google’s big event that included new phones, watches, earbuds, Gemini AI features and numerous celebrity cameos.

At yesterday’s Made by Google 2025 showcase in New York, Google unveiled something unexpected: playfulness. Hosted by The Tonight Show’s Jimmy Fallon in a format more like the talk show he’s famous for, the tech event included presenters and celebrity guests who didn’t look like they were delivering a script they’d been rehearsing for weeks. Everyone seemed to actually enjoy themselves as they revealed Google’s latest products.

And there were plenty of new products and other announcements to share. Following months of leaks and teases, the Pixel 10 phone lineup has now come into focus, with both specs and release dates. The Pixel Watch 4 is making leaps into more health and fitness tracking. And the new Pixel Buds 2A look (and sound) like an affordable alternative to the existing Buds Pro 2 with many of the same features and quality. And yes, AI played a big part, too, but it wasn’t the unrelenting focus of the show.

If you missed the event itself, you can catch the whole thing at YouTube or get right to the important stuff and read on for more details.

Don’t miss any of CNET’s unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome.

Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are real

Surprise — Google announced new phones! OK, this was the least surprising part of the event, but it still feels good to finally know what exists and when it’s coming. The phones keep the same looks as the Pixel 9 series, but they’re powered by new Tensor G5 processors that Google says is more powerful and simultaneously power-efficient.

On the base Pixel 10, however, there’s a surprise just barely visible in the camera bar: a new dedicated telephoto camera that joins the existing wide and ultrawide cameras. It shares the same 5x optical zoom as the pro models, but with a lower-resolution sensor and a lens with a narrower aperture.

Preorders for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL began yesterday and the phones will be in stores and shipping starting Aug. 28. Read our hands-on coverage of the phones here:

  • I’m Stoked That Google Made the Pixel 10 a $799 Value-Packed Feature Monster

  • I Tested Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL in Paris, and I’m Impressed

  • Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL First Look: Familiar Design, New AI Tricks

  • Google Launches the Full Pixel 10 Line, Including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL

Pixel 10 Pro Fold opens the next chapter of foldables

Folding phones so far have had an Achilles’ hinge: small particulates like sand can get inside the case and mess things up. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the first to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning you can take your $1,800 phone to the beach. Or maybe make that the pumpkin patch, because the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is arriving later than the other Pixel 10 phones, on Oct. 9. You can preorder it now.

  • Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Tougher, Smarter and Totally Dust Resistant

  • Forget the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Foldables Should Look Like the Microsoft Surface Duo

  • Google’ Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Here

Pixel Watch 4 talks to Gemini and is your new health coach

The Pixel Watch 4 has new fitness options including real-time guidance while exercising. And if you forgot to start a workout, the watch (with AI help) can detect the activity in the background and remind you of it later, giving you credit for the effort you made. It’s also the only smartwatch that can detect a loss of pulse and call emergency services automatically. 

The smartwatch, which comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, also has Gemini on board. «You don’t have to repeat yourself, you don’t have to switch to a robo-voice,» said CNET’s Vanessa Hand Orellana. It also includes emergency satellite texting if you find yourself out of cellular range with a dead phone battery.

 Like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel Watch 4 models can be preordered now but won’t arrive until Oct. 9.

  • Well Played, Google: The Pixel Watch 4 May Give Apple Watch Loyalists a Wandering Eye

  • Pixel Watch 4 First Look: Google Just Raised the Bar

  • The Pixel Watch 4 Is Here. Can It Finally Beat Apple?

Pixel Buds 2A are more affordable earbuds

Joining the Pixel Buds 2 Pro in the market are the Pixel Buds 2A, an affordable ($130) pair of wireless earbuds that feature active noise cancellation, a smaller and lighter overall build and a twist-to-adjust stabilizer feature for setting a comfortable fit.

They’re available for preorder now in hazel and iris colors, and ship Oct. 9.

  • Google’s New Pixel Buds 2A Look a Lot Like the Pro 2, but Cost Way Less

  • Meet the Pixel Buds 2A: Google’s Budget Answer for ANC Buds

Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners will see new features

Coming in a software update next month, owners of Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be able to answer calls or send them to voicemail with a nod or shake of the head. You’ll be able to talk to Gemini live in noisy locations, and benefit from adaptive audio that applies noise cancellation while letting important sounds come through. At the other end, a new feature will protect your hearing from loud sounds.

Magic Cue is a Gemini assistant that pulls data from your correspondence

In the rollout of all the various AI technologies in the industry, the current stretch goal is «agentic» interactions with software: Having an AI that knows all sorts of details about you and can act to get the important stuff in front of you when needed. (And do it in a privacy-first way, one hopes.)

Magic Cue is Google’s implementation. It’s a new Gemini-based feature that can look through your earlier messages, emails and photos to pull details about things like restaurant reservations and flight times. Magic Cue runs on the Pixel device itself, so sensitive data stays private and not shared to the cloud.

A lot of Gemini AI intelligence is still coming soon

At the start of the event, Fallon sat down in typical talk-show format with Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of platforms and devices, to chat about Gemini and the marvels of AI. Aside from Magic Cue, which will be shipping on the Pixel 10 phones, a lot of the features and products we’ve been hearing about are still on the horizon.

«For instance, Gemini could do something like plan a team celebration dinner for 12 people tonight,» he said. «It might go find a restaurant that’ll accommodate that group. … Look for a karaoke place nearby and maybe even order custom T-shirts for the celebration.»

And when will that be possible? Fallon asked. «A lot sooner than people think,» Osterloh replied. «This kind of thing is coming this year.»

The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL can zoom to 100x with AI help

Pro Res Zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro phones pushes zooming far beyond what would seem to be possible with typical small cameras. Usually when you zoom beyond the optical limits of the cameras, details get fuzzy as the software upscales the image. With Pro Res Zoom, when you go beyond 30x zoom, it uses generative AI to build a sharper version. CNET’s Andrew Lanxon got both impressive and head-scratching results while taking photos in Paris using the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Camera Coach uses AI to encourage better photos

Smartphone cameras have employed AI for several years, such as identifying subjects in order to blur the background for Portrait modes or quickly snapping several shots at multiple exposures and blending them together to create well-balanced lighting throughout. Now Google is using AI to help you take better photos.

Camera Coach is a new feature in the Pixel Camera app that looks at the scene in front of the lens and generates multiple suggestions for how to improve the photo before it’s captured. To show this off, podcaster Alex Cooper brought Fallon out to be her model and sat him down on a couch. When she activated the feature, Camera Coach suggested that she move the camera closer to the subject, position his head in the upper portion of the frame, lower the camera to eye level and turn on Portrait mode.

«To all the girls that are watching, I personally know how hard it is to train your boyfriend or your husband to get that perfect shot,» said Cooper. «And now Camera Coach can just train all the boys for us.»

Don’t call it MagSafe: Pixelsnap brings Qi2 magnetic charging to the Pixel 10

The Qi2 spec includes not just faster charging but also an array of magnets on the back for connecting to accessories. Sound familiar? The presenters mentioned Apple’s MagSafe system, then paused with the realization that they probably shouldn’t have name-checked it during the Google event. On the Pixel 10 phones, it’s called Pixelsnap and should work with accessories made for Apple’s ecosystem too.

Gemini live translation, and the Pixel 10 will be available in Mexico

In an impressive segment demonstrating Gemini live translation during a phone call, musician Karen Polinesia announced, in Spanish and translated by the technology, that for the first time, the Pixel 10 will be available for sale in Mexico.

This article is being updated; stay tuned for more.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © Verum World Media