Google Camera is being updated to version 8.1 and this brings a number of features that were originally restricted to the Pixel 5, to older Pixel phones — up to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL according to a report. The previous version of the Google Camera app, 8.0, was in contrast restricted to just the Pixel 5. This update brings features like Audio Zoom and Cinematic Pan to the older phones along with a new user interface (UI).
Google Camera Version 8.1, which is now being made available to the older Pixel users, is refurbished with a new UI. In the updated version, several features of Google Camera app from the bottom bar are re-organised and features like Audio Zoom, which reduces the background noise, is added along with other zoom shortcuts.
The Cinematic Pan video recording feature, an image stabilisation feature for smooth panning shots, has also been added, although this feature will be only available for Pixel 4 and 4XL, as per a report on 9to5Google.
Google Camera 8.1 has begun rolling out via the Google Play Store but the Google Camera’s Play Store listing does not yet show the updated app. This will likely be a staged rollout that will happen in phases so it might take a little while before all users get the latest version of the Google Camera app.
The report also stated that some users tried sideloading the updated version of the app but it led to error messages related to verification, so Pixel users will have to be patient in order to get the latest camera features.
Will Apple Silicon Lead to Affordable MacBooks in India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
