Pixel Camera 9.8: A Detailed Look at the March 2025 Feature Drop
Google has officially begun rolling out Pixel Camera 9.8 as part of its March 2025 Feature Drop. As is standard practice with Google’s updates, the rollout will be gradual, meaning it may take some time before the update becomes available for all Pixel users. This update, while smaller in scope compared to the December update that introduced Quick access controls, still brings several notable improvements and new features, particularly for the latest generation of Pixel devices. Let’s delve into the specifics of what Pixel Camera 9.8 has to offer.
Astrophotography Animation Toggle
One of the key additions in Pixel Camera 9.8 is a new setting specifically for Astrophotography. Users will now find a "Turn on animation for Astrophotography" toggle located within the Settings > Advanced menu. This toggle is enabled by default, preserving the existing Astrophotography experience, which includes an animation that plays during the long exposure capture. For users who prefer a more streamlined experience or wish to conserve battery life, the option to disable the animation is now available. This provides greater user control and customization options.
Palm Timer Clarification
Google has also clarified the functionality of the Palm timer feature, which allows users to trigger the camera timer by raising their hand. The update explicitly confirms that this "raise your hand" gesture now works with the rear camera, expanding its usability. Previously, the Palm timer may have been primarily associated with the front-facing camera, and this clarification ensures users are aware of its broader application. This adds convenience for taking group photos or capturing images where the user needs to be included in the frame without manually pressing the shutter button.
Pixel Fold Enhancements
The update specifically caters to Pixel Fold users, bringing improvements to the dual-screen experience. Pixel Camera 9.8 enables Dual Screen Preview functionality when recording video. This allows both the user operating the camera and the subject being recorded to simultaneously view the video feed on their respective screens. This is particularly useful for vloggers, interviewers, or any scenario where both parties need to be aware of the framing and composition of the video being captured.
Furthermore, Pixel 9 Pro Fold users gain the ability to display the "Add Me" prompt on the external display. This facilitates easier sharing of contact information and social media profiles, streamlining the process of connecting with new people. This feature is especially helpful in social situations or professional networking events where quickly exchanging contact details is desired.
Connected Cameras: A Game Changer for the Pixel 9 Series
The most significant and innovative feature introduced in Pixel Camera 9.8 is the "Connected Cameras" capability, which is exclusively available for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This feature leverages cross-device connectivity to allow users to seamlessly capture photos or live stream using remote cameras. The technology supports a range of devices, including older Pixel phones (Pixel 6 and later) and GoPro action cameras (GoPro 10 and later, provided they are updated with the latest software).
This functionality essentially transforms your Pixel 9 series device into a central hub for controlling and utilizing multiple camera sources. Imagine being able to position a Pixel 6 as a remote camera in a hard-to-reach location, using your Pixel 9 Pro as the viewfinder and controller. Or, picture live streaming a sporting event using a GoPro mounted on a helmet while managing the broadcast from your Pixel 9 Pro. The possibilities are extensive.
The supported applications for Connected Cameras include popular platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. This integration allows users to directly stream or share content from their remote cameras to these platforms without needing to switch between apps or manage complex connections.
Enabling and Managing Connected Cameras
To take advantage of the Connected Cameras feature, users may also require an update to the Device Connectivity Service app. This app, which is part of Google’s Cross-devices services alongside Call casting and Internet sharing, facilitates the connection and communication between the Pixel device and the remote cameras.
Once all necessary updates are installed, the Connected Cameras functionality can be enabled by navigating to Settings > Connected devices > Connected preferences > Connected Cameras. This will allow the Pixel device to discover and connect to compatible remote cameras.
The Camera Picker, a floating pill-shaped container, provides a user-friendly interface for managing connected cameras. This interface allows users to easily add, remove, or disconnect remote cameras, as well as switch between the device’s internal camera and the connected remote cameras. The Camera Picker streamlines the process of managing multiple camera sources and ensures a seamless user experience.
Availability and Installation
Pixel Camera 9.8 is being rolled out via the Google Play Store. Users can check the Play Store for updates to see if the new version is available for their device. Alternatively, for more technically inclined users, it is possible to sideload the update using available APK files. However, sideloading should be approached with caution, as it involves installing software from outside the official Play Store, which can potentially pose security risks.
Conclusion
Pixel Camera 9.8 represents a solid incremental update, bringing a mix of minor improvements and significant new features. The Astrophotography animation toggle and Palm timer clarification enhance usability and provide greater user control. The Pixel Fold-specific enhancements improve the dual-screen experience, while the Connected Cameras functionality, exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, opens up exciting new possibilities for content creation and live streaming. While the update is rolling out gradually, it’s definitely one to look forward to for Pixel users, especially those with the latest Pixel 9 series devices. The Connected Cameras feature, in particular, has the potential to redefine how users capture and share content, making it a noteworthy addition to the Pixel ecosystem.
