Google’s Pixel 10 phones have launched, featuring new generative AI capabilities in the camera app. These days, “computational photography” is standard in phones, adjusting lighting and applying effects as pictures are taken. However, AI adds a new dimension to computational photography, raising questions about our readiness for it.
Tech enthusiasts often ponder “what is a photo?” suggesting that more post-processing results in images that diverge from reality. The sky might appear brighter, faces might appear smoother—AI in the camera app intensifies this moral dilemma. These features are undeniably useful, yet they straddle a fine line between philosophy and technology.
The question arises: should photos represent what the eye sees, or should they prioritize aesthetics? These considerations have mainly been niche discussions so far; however, if AI starts altering photos by adding objects or backgrounds even before opening the Gemini app, it’s time to reevaluate camera expectations.
Google’s AI integration in its latest phones might produce AI-enhanced photos without user awareness.
Pro Res Zoom
A significant new AI camera feature by Google is “Pro Res Zoom,” pitched as “100x zoom.” It conjures the fictional “zoom in and enhance” tech from TV shows.
The Pixel 10 Pro models allow 100x zoom, appearing like standard digital zoom (which relies on cropping). However, within the phone, it faces the same challenges as the impractical zoom tech from shows like CSI.
The core issue is that cameras can’t generate resolution they didn’t capture. Zooming to the point of a pixelated view leaves the device unable to identify actual content.
Credit: Google
This feature, though appearing as a typical zoom, acts more as an AI-enhanced edit than true 100x zoom. Pro Res Zoom uses blurry pixels as prompts for an on-device diffusion model, reconstructing the image guessingly. It might not capture reality, but could come close.
For static scenes, such as rocks, AI might suffice. However, capturing people or landmarks might be misleading if unaware that “zoom” involved AI enhancement, akin to a Gemini request. Google attempts to minimize hallucinations, but without clear branding, AI involvement might not be obvious.
Fortunately, Pro Res Zoom doesn’t completely replace traditional zooms—zooming beyond the 5x hardware limit provides two options: with or without Pro Res Zoom. More details are available in a separate article. Despite available non-AI options, AI application isn’t distinctly marked during selection.
This casual AI inclusion differs from Google’s past approach. While AI is known to modify user-intended photos, automatic AI application via the camera lens signifies a new development.
Ask to Edit
AI integration continues post-capture. On the