Google’s Pixel 10 series is shaping up to be one of the most colorful and intriguing smartphone launches of the year. From vibrant new hues to some surprising color omissions, the leaks have revealed a diverse lineup that will surely spark conversations. But that’s not all—there’s also some drama brewing in the foldable phone world and a developing legal saga involving a popular emulation YouTuber. Let’s unpack all the latest, straight from the tech frontlines.
🌈 Pixel 10 Series: A Rainbow of Colors with a Twist
The upcoming Google Pixel 10 phones have leaked in nearly every color imaginable, with some bold new additions that stand out—though, sadly, none as iconic as the beloved “Panda” color from the Pixel 2 era. Instead of a full spectrum, Google is focusing on select colors inspired by parts of the rainbow, mainly greens, blues, and a splash of yellow.
Let’s break down what to expect for each Pixel 10 variant:
Pixel 10 (Vanilla): Bold and Vibrant
- Obsidian: The classic black shade, a staple since the Pixel 7 series, perfect for those who prefer subtlety or plan to use a protective case. Believe it or not, some people literally “hate fun.”
- Frost: A light blue replacing the usual porcelain white, marking a curious departure from the classic white option.
- Indigo: A darker blue that strikes a balance between professional and stylish—less boring than obsidian but still classy.
- Limoncello: The loudest and most attention-grabbing color, a bright yellowish-green that boldly says, “I’m in your face!”
Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL: Sleek and Consistent
Google is keeping the color options uniform across both Pro sizes, so whether you choose the Pixel 10 Pro or the Pro XL, you’ll have the same four colors to choose from:
- Obsidian: The ever-familiar black, unchanged from previous Pixel generations.
- Porcelain: Returning exclusively for the Pro models, despite being dropped for the vanilla Pixel 10.
- Moonstone: A fresh new gray-blue shade with a cool name that any SNES JRPG fan would appreciate. (Fun fact: Moonstone is an item in Chrono Trigger that evolves into the Sun Stone, unlocking powerful weapons!)
- Jade: A muted yellowish-green, a toned-down sibling of Limoncello, surprisingly appealing even to those who aren’t fans of green.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Limited but Colorful
Interestingly, Google is offering only two colors for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold this year—Moonstone and Jade. Neither black nor white is available, which is a curious move considering foldables are often marketed toward productivity-focused users who might prefer more conservative colors.
That said, if you’re dropping nearly two grand on a foldable phone, chances are you’ll slap a case on it anyway, making the color choice somewhat less critical.
All these leaks come courtesy of Android Headlines, and while I’d usually advise caution with unofficial information, Google has already teased the Pixel 10’s design, which matches these renders closely. The official launch is set for August 20th—mark your calendars!
Oh, and if you’re a Pixel enthusiast like me, I’ve just launched a new YouTube channel where I dive deep into Pixels, smartphones, and tech in general. Feel free to check it out via the link in the description.
📏 Foldable Phone Thickness: A Case of Measuring Tricks?
Measuring the thickness of foldable phones might sound like a snooze fest, but it’s actually a hot topic that could impact consumer trust.
Earlier this month, Chinese company Honor unveiled the Magic V5, claiming it to be the world’s slimmest foldable phone. According to Honor, the white Magic V5 measures 8.8 millimeters thick when folded—excluding the camera bump. Shortly after, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 7, also claiming the same 8.8mm thickness under the same conditions.
So, are these phones really the same thickness? Not quite. Android Authority’s own Hadley Simons uncovered that Honor might be measuring their foldable’s thickness without the protective films applied on both the external and internal displays. These thin layers come pre-applied out of the box and are essential for everyday use.
Removing these protective films might give Honor the edge to claim a thinner device, but since 99% of users will keep these films on, this method isn’t exactly transparent. Hadley reached out to all major foldable manufacturers to investigate if there’s a standardized way to measure foldable phone thickness. Spoiler: there isn’t, which opens the door to some creative marketing claims.
If you’re curious to learn more about this measuring controversy, I highly recommend reading Hadley’s thorough article linked in the description.
🎮 Once Were Nerd: The Emulation Drama Deepens
Last week, we covered the story of YouTuber Once Were Nerd, whose home was raided by Italian authorities, resulting in the confiscation of over 30 retro gaming handhelds and his personal smartphone. He claimed this was an unfair crackdown for merely discussing and promoting emulation—a legal gray area.
Emulation itself is legal, as is owning hardware to run emulators. The legal risks usually come from the ROMs—the game files you play on emulators—which are illegal to download and use without owning the original game.
However, new information has surfaced that complicates the story. Another YouTuber, Manto Tech, dug into Once Were Nerd’s older content and revealed that he wasn’t just talking about emulation consoles. He was actively instructing viewers on how to download pirated ROMs.
To make matters worse, Once Were Nerd was reportedly selling some of the consoles featured in his videos privately via Telegram, including ROMs with those sales. This crosses a clear legal line, which likely explains the severity of the Italian authorities’ response.
While we don’t want to jump to conclusions and respect the ongoing investigation, the situation is certainly more complex than initially thought. Once Were Nerd declined to comment due to the investigation, but we’ll keep an eye out for updates and share them as they come.
FAQs ❓
What are the official colors available for the Pixel 10 series?
The Pixel 10 comes in Obsidian (black), Frost (light blue), Indigo (dark blue), and Limoncello (bright yellow-green). The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL have Obsidian, Porcelain (white), Moonstone (gray-blue), and Jade (muted yellow-green). The Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers only Moonstone and Jade.
Why is the Pixel 10 series missing a classic white option for the vanilla model?
Google appears to have replaced the traditional white (Porcelain) option with a light blue color called Frost for the vanilla Pixel 10 model, while keeping Porcelain exclusive to the Pro models.
What’s the controversy around foldable phone thickness measurements?
Some manufacturers, like Honor, may be measuring foldable phones without the protective films that come pre-applied on the displays, potentially making their devices seem thinner than they actually are in everyday use.
Is emulation legal?
Yes, emulation itself is legal, and owning hardware to run emulators is also legal. However, downloading or distributing pirated ROMs without owning the original game is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.
What happened with the YouTuber Once Were Nerd?
Italian authorities raided his home and confiscated retro gaming devices and his phone, suspecting illegal activity related to piracy. New evidence suggests he might have been instructing viewers on how to download pirated ROMs and selling consoles with ROMs included privately.
Final Thoughts
The Pixel 10 series is gearing up to bring fresh, eye-catching colors to the smartphone market, with Google mixing classic tones and bold new options. Meanwhile, the foldable phone industry’s measuring practices highlight how marketing claims can sometimes blur the truth, urging consumers to stay informed.
And in the world of retro gaming and emulation, the recent legal developments serve as a reminder that while the technology is fascinating and legal, how it’s used and promoted can have serious consequences.
Stay tuned for more updates, and if you want to geek out on Pixels and more tech, don’t forget to check out my new channel linked below!
