[2025 Edition] A Complete Look at Pixel’s “New Camera Features”: Add Me / Zoom Enhance / Night Sight Video / Video Boost / Magic Editor — What They Can Do and When to Use Them

The photo above is an image of a Pixel device (commercial use allowed; CC0). Source: Wikimedia Commons (photo by Syced).

Key Points First (Grasp It in 1 Minute)

• What’s truly new about today’s Pixel is how far the “after you shoot” part has become practical. Add Me lets you composite yourself into a group photo after the fact; Zoom Enhance lets you upscale after shooting; Night Sight Video and Video Boost elevate low-light footage.
• If you want a more pro-leaning setup, pick the Pixel 9 Pro family (Pro / Pro XL / Pro Fold). The telephoto × video processing combo brings Super Res Zoom Video (up to 20x) and even 8K-class enhancement workflows into view. Macro video and audio noise reduction (Audio Magic Eraser) are on board too.
• Editing is shifting toward “tell it what to do.” Google Photos “Help me edit” debuted with Pixel 10 as conversational editing and is rolling out to more devices. You can fix and retouch by writing or saying instructions, cutting repetitive steps.
• Accessibility is a real strength. Real Tone for accurate skin representation and Guided Frame for voice/vibration selfie guidance support “anyone can shoot” by design.
• Mind the device support lines. For example, Video Boost / Night Sight Video roll out on upper-tier models starting with Pixel 8 Pro (note that Fold doesn’t support 8K/60fps). Check compatibility and limitations before adopting.

Who This Article Helps (Concrete Personas)

• Social / PR managers: Want low-light video that still “looks publishable” at events or under restaurant lighting; want a group shot with everyone’s best expression.
• EC ops / creators: Want to convey texture and small items via macro video and background treatment, and reduce back-and-forth by using conversational editing.
• Education / public sector: Need Guided Frame for visual assistance, Real Tone to record diverse skin tones faithfully—supporting accountability through “natural-looking” imagery.
• Travel / family journaling: Fix the “the photographer isn’t in the picture” problem with Add Me, and rescue can’t-reshoot distances afterward with Zoom Enhance.

First, the “Newcomers” and the “Upgrades”

This section gives feature → what it does → rough device support briefly. Details come next.

1. Add Me (composite yourself into a group photo)
   　What it does: Composites a separate shot that includes you into the group photo naturally. The photographer gets into the picture.
   　Device guide: Promoted on Pixel 9 series (standard/Pro) and Pro Fold, etc.

2. Zoom Enhance (post-capture super-resolution)
   　What it does: Upscales after shooting. AI fills in between pixels to infer detail.
   　Device guide: Rolls out first on Pixel 9 Pro / Pro XL / Pro Fold, extending to 8 Pro as well.

3. Night Sight Video + Video Boost (making low-light footage “watchable”)
   　What it does: Improves color / noise / shake in dark scenes. Video Boost uses cloud processing to further lift color, stabilization, and perceived detail.
   　Device guide: Pixel 8 Pro, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 10 Pro family (Fold not compatible with 8K/60fps).

4. Super Res Zoom Video (up to 20x)
   　What it does: Telephoto × video processing to hold together far-subject footage. Lets you “get close” even from the back at concerts, etc.
   　Device guide: Centered on Pixel 9 Pro family.

5. Macro Focus (photo/video)
   　What it does: Uses ultrawide AF to render close-up textures and 3D feel of small objects.
   　Device guide: Strengthened on Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / Pro Fold.

6. Audio Magic Eraser
   　What it does: Reduces wind and ambient noise from video audio.
   　Device guide: Documented on Pro Fold; generally available across Pro-class models.

7. Conversational editing (Help me edit)
   　What it does: Edit in Google Photos by voice/text. From color tweaks to repairs, it’s dialog-driven. Debuted on Pixel 10 → expanding support.
   　Device guide: Pixel-first new feature, now extending to select Android devices.

8. Real Tone / Guided Frame
   　What it does: Reproduce diverse skin tones accurately; voice + haptic guidance for selfies. The accessibility core.
   　Device guide: Explicitly listed on Pixel 9 series; Guided Frame has been notable since the 7 generation.

Hands-On: How the Key Features Perform (and Practical Tips)

Add Me: Make It the One Photo Where the Photographer “Was There”

When does it shine?

• Travel keepsake shots without a tripod, but the shooter still appears.
• A safety net when staff is short at pressers or internal group photos.

Performance highlights

• AI compares similarly framed takes and composites naturally. Like Best Take, it can sometimes swap in each person’s best expression.
• In strong backlight or harsh lighting, shadow direction can betray the composite; shoot two frames with similar exposure and light axis.

Basic steps (sample)

1. Shoot the group → then shoot a second frame including you from the same position.
2. In Google Photos, choose Add Me → review composite candidates → save.

Zoom Enhance: “Zoom In” Even After the Shot

When does it shine?

• Distant slides at a conference, or a child’s facial expression on stage—moments you can’t re-shoot.

Performance highlights

• It infers the “in-between” to restore detail, so inspect text and regular patterns. For critical use, check 1:1 → 2x → full in that order.
• Rollout: provided on Pixel 9 Pro / Pro XL / Pro Fold; extending to Pixel 8 Pro.

Basic steps (sample)

1. Open photo in Google Photos → Edit → Zoom Enhance.
2. Adjust magnification → check edges of subject and text → save.

Night Sight Video + Video Boost: Turn Low-Light Clips Into “Keepers”

When does it shine?

• Restaurants, nightscapes, concert venues—anywhere light is scarce.

Performance highlights

• Night Sight Video improves noise and color in the dark.
• Video Boost uses cloud AI for upgraded color, brightness, stabilization, targeting high-grade output. Supported on Pixel 8 Pro / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold / 10 Pro family. Fold lacks 8K/60fps support.
• Official materials frame it around “high-detail video in low light,” ideal for evening events.

Basic steps (sample)

1. In camera settings, turn on Video Boost → record at night as usual.
2. After recording, back up to Google Photos → let cloud processing finish → review the result.

Super Res Zoom Video: “Steady Close-Ups” at a Distance

• The telephoto + video processing combo enables up to 20x high-quality zoom clips. Great for seeing facial expressions at school events or on stage.

Macro Focus (photo/video): Show Small Worlds in Detail

• With AF on the ultrawide, capture the steam of a dish or the finish of a piece of jewelry up close. The 9 Pro touts low-light improvements too.
• Supports Macro Focus Video (documented for Pro Fold). Excellent for product turntable shots.

Audio Magic Eraser: Reduce the “Audio Clutter”

• Cuts wind and street noise, making voice/BGM clearer. Useful for outdoor vlogs and on-site note-taking.

Magic Editor / Reimagine: Let AI “Rebuild the Composition”

• Cut-out / expand / move / erase with semi-automatic tools. You can extend skies or shift a subject for bold composition fixes.
• Note that features like Magic Eraser are available on non-Pixel via Google One, so Pixel’s edge is early access to new features. Menu placement can change—consult the latest help pages.

Conversational Editing (Help me edit): No More “Edit Briefs”

• In Google Photos editing, just say/type what you want. It can propose actions from vague prompts like “Make it better.” Debuted on Pixel 10; now expanding.

Real Tone / Guided Frame: A “Fair Shot” for Everyone

• Real Tone focuses on careful skin tone and gradation reproduction; official pages say the goal extends to video looking natural, too.
• Guided Frame uses voice and vibration to help center your selfie. It’s a foundational accessibility feature.

Fastest Paths by Device: Which to Buy?

Pixel 9 (standard)

• Strengths: Add Me / Magic Editor / Night Sight (stills) and everyday agility.
• Sweet spot: The daily driver for conversational edits + AI photos.

Pixel 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL

• Strengths: Triple camera with 5x telephoto, Super Res Zoom Video (up to 20x), Night Sight Video / Video Boost.
• Sweet spot: Low-light video and distant subjects at work-ready quality.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

• Strengths: Triple setup + macro, Dual-screen preview, tabletop shooting—foldable flexibility. Supports Video Boost / Night Sight Video / Audio Magic Eraser for video.
• Note: No 8K/60fps. For long takes, factor in thermal management.

Pixel 9a

• Strengths: Solid foundations like HDR+ / Night Sight / Real Tone. Stable everyday color and tonality.
• Sweet spot: Pixel look on a budget.

Reference: Night Sight Video / Video Boost target upper-tier devices. Before rolling out, verify supported models and limits (e.g., Fold lacks 8K/60fps).

Scene Recipes (Practical Samples)

1 | Short Vlog That Keeps the Atmosphere in a Dim Restaurant

1. On Pixel 9 Pro, record video with Video Boost ON.
2. After shooting, it backs up to Google Photos → cloud processing.
3. Finish with Audio Magic Eraser to reduce ambient noise.
4. Export both vertical (social) and horizontal (YouTube).

2 | From the Back Row at Kindergarten Graduation—Zoom in to the Tears

1. Use Super Res Zoom Video (up to 20x) with lockdown + slow pans.
2. If it’s too dark, add Night Sight Video.
3. After export, use Zoom Enhance to pull a single decisive still.

3 | EC Small-Item Shoots: Texture-Critical “Macro Video”

1. With Macro Focus Video, keep light direction consistent.
2. Use Magic Editor later to tidy the background color planes.
3. Reduce wind noise to make product narration clear.

4 | Solve the “Photographer Isn’t in the Shot” with Add Me

1. Even without a tripod, shoot two frames without changing framing (group only / with you).
2. In Google Photos: Add Me → review candidates → check shadows/light direction.

Setup & Operation: First-Timers Won’t Get Lost

Night Sight Video / Video Boost

• Where: Camera → Video → Enable Video Boost.
• Note: Processing assumes cloud; turn on Google Photos backup. Fold lacks 8K/60fps.

Zoom Enhance

• Where: Google Photos → Edit → Zoom Enhance.
• Tip: Inspect hair, text, grids for unnatural “edges.”

Add Me

• Where: Google Photos → AI Photo Editing → Add Me.
• Tip: Capture similar framing for the two shots; check fine details like clothing creases or a necklace for consistency.

Guided Frame (Selfie with Visual Assistance)

• Setup: Settings → Accessibility → TalkBack → in Camera, Guided Frame.
• Use: Follow voice/vibration prompts to center your face → auto countdown shoots.

Magic Editor / Reimagine

• Where: Google Photos → Edit → Magic Editor.
• Tip: After outpainting/expansion, zoom in on seam continuity; confirm subject shadows look natural.

Conversational Editing (Help me edit)

• Where: Google Photos editor → Help me edit → type natural prompts like “Fix this old photo.”
• Note: Debuted on Pixel 10; rollout is expanding. Features vary by country/device—check the latest notes.

“Designed So Anyone Can Shoot,” Today

• Real Tone carefully reproduces skin gradations. In the spirit of “Selfies for everyone,” Guided Frame uses sound and vibration to help framing. For people with low vision, the “auto-capture when centered” experience is a meaningful step toward opening the right to make photos.

FAQs

Q. Can Pixel 9a use the “new AI editing” features?
A. HDR+ / Night Sight / Real Tone—the core image pillars—are reliable on 9a. For newer composite/super-resolution features like Add Me / Zoom Enhance, prioritize the explicit upper-tier listings and verify device support before buying.

Q. Which models deliver “work-ready” low-light video?
A. We recommend the Pixel 9 Pro family (also 8 Pro / 10 Pro) with Night Sight Video / Video Boost. Since cloud processing is involved, ensure a good upload environment.

Q. I worry about “authenticity” with generative edits (Magic Editor / Reimagine)…
A. End with a physics check—shadows, reflections, contours. In contexts needing accountability (ads/PR), disclose edits.

Q. How far can conversational editing (Help me edit) go?
A. Its power is returning suggestions from fuzzy prompts. For precise retouching, combine with traditional tools. Device support is expanding.

Takeaway: Pixel’s “Newness” Now Spans Shooting, Editing, and Sharing

• Add Me puts the photographer in the group; Zoom Enhance rescues can’t-reshoot distances; Night Sight Video + Video Boost expands what counts as usable low-light video.
• Pro models bring telephoto × video processing (up to 20x), macro video, and audio cleanup, giving you the end-to-end power to finish a piece. Everyday shooters fit the standard 9; value-focused users get the Pixel look with 9a.
• And Help me edit / Magic Editor lower the skill barrier for editing. From shoot → finish → ship, Pixel now feels like a continuous workflow.

References (Primarily Official / First-Party)

• Google Store | Pixel 9 (Add Me / Magic Editor / Night Sight / Real Tone / Guided Frame).
• Google Store | Pixel 9 Pro / Pro XL (Super Res Zoom Video / telephoto & macro / 8K-class enhancements).
• Google Store | Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs (Add Me / Zoom Enhance / Video Boost / Night Sight Video / Audio Magic Eraser / Macro Focus Video, etc.).
• Google Support | Video Boost supported devices & notes (including Fold’s lack of 8K/60fps).
• Official Google article | Night Sight Video approach (improving low-light video quality).
• The Verge | Google Photos’ conversational “Help me edit” (debut on Pixel 10 → expanding).
• Android Central | Guided Frame (selfie guidance for accessibility).
• Google Store | Pixel 9a (HDR+ / Night Sight / Real Tone foundations).
• Android Central | Magic Eraser general availability (via Google One; UI changes to note).

Image Credit

• Eyecatch: “Google Pixel 8 Pro, shown in Shibuya Stream 2.jpg” CC0 (commercial use allowed, no credit required) / Photo by Syced (Wikimedia Commons).