Google hosted its annual product event in San Francisco from October 27 to 29, 2025, unveiling the latest additions to its Pixel smartphone line. While the event showcased the new Pixel 10, reactions from attendees, including host Jimmy Fallon, suggested a disconnect between the excitement Google aimed to foster and the engagement of its audience.
Overall, the Pixel 10 represents a huge step forward for Google. It continues the classic design established by the Pixel 3, back in 2018. Theater lights dimmed and Google’s Product Managers Brian Rakowski and Rick Osterloh bounded onstage. They repeatedly showed off the smartphone’s high-end features, including its stunning IP68 water-resistance rating. This little-known feature is what gives Pixel phones their water resistance. It’s definitely not new to the Pixel line, but it remains an obvious selling point.
Given the talk’s incredible material, Fallon seemed tired and out of touch. At one stage, he attempted to feign enthusiasm for the new features. He even toyed with signs bearing quotes that he said were pulled from Redditors praising the Pixel smartphones. The tepid delivery of his remarks would suggest otherwise and had the crowd scratching their heads.
“Whenever I’m using a phone without Circle to Search, I feel like I’m in the Stone Age.” – Jimmy Fallon
Osterloh seemed on friendly terms with Fallon. He chose instead a handshake and brisk pat on the back, as they unveiled the new device’s design. This unique interaction was an early attempt to promote that sense of kinship. It missed the opportunity to raise the collective energy of the crowd.
The presenters took particular care to highlight the capabilities of the Pixel 10, highlighting its robust performance as well as its elegant design. Lofton, another presenter, remarked on the smartphone’s aesthetic appeal, asserting that “the design of the aesthetic is unbelievable, and it’s a Pixel.” He painted an evocative picture of the new phone’s camera quality and color palette. He announced, “We believe these colors are cool as f***!
Google’s hardware achievements have been truly impressive. They released their AI assistant, Gemini, made to blend into augmented reality glasses. This new evolution is another indication of Google’s newfound focus on improving user experiences, regardless of where they’re found online. The marketing speak used throughout the day started to ring a bit hollow and out of touch when it came to engaging an audience.
Fallon’s attempts at humor and excitement culminated in a somewhat awkward moment when he quipped about maintaining decorum:
“Well, hold it. It’s Wednesday afternoon. Let’s keep it PG.”
Though there was no tangible excitement to be found from Fallon, Google had a ton of exciting new features to showcase about the Pixel 10. The Circle to Search feature allows you to search just by drawing circles on your display. This kind of functionality is intended to make your experience with devices more natural and seamless.
Google didn’t slack on durability or design. Maybe the IP68 water-resistance rating is the big selling point. Protecting devices from unexpected spills and submersion gives consumers peace of mind that their devices are safe.