Google Pixel 5 killer feature is coming to older Pixel phones

(Paradigm credit: Tom'southward Guide)

The camera is arguably one of the Pixel range's all-time ongoing features. Not simply because it can have cracking pictures, but because Google generally favours using software to better picture quality rather than relying on a new set of lenses every year.

It also means that the Google Pixel 5'due south best camera features can roll out to older Pixel devices, which is what's just happened with the release of version viii.ane of the Google Camera app.

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Version viii.0 of Google Camera was a complete redesign that was initially exclusive to the Pixel 5. That included a reorganization of its features in the bottom bar, and other major features like Audio Zoom and one-tap zoom adjustments. While it was possible for some people to manually install the eight.0 APK on older devices, compatibility issues meant those features were not available. Bold you were willing to reset your phone to get the update in the first place.

Now, version 8.1 is starting to appear in the Google Play Store for owners of the Pixel four and Pixel 4 Forty. However 9to5Google has only discovered information technology's compatible with all current Pixel phones, upwardly to and including the Pixel 2 range. In other words it sounds like the only Pixel owners who won't get the update are those rocking the original Pixel or Pixel XL.

Information technology'due south a little scrap odd, considering the Pixel 2 hit its iii twelvemonth anniversary last month, and technically isn't entitled to any more support from Google. That said Google has confirmed the concluding update won't arrive until December, so it seems the Photographic camera app is besides getting 1 concluding hurrah before the end of the telephone's operational lifespan.

Unfortunately not all of the Pixel 5's camera features are going to piece of work with older devices. 9to5Google reported that cinematic pan won't be hitting annihilation older than a Pixel 4, and it's likely that other features won't be available on older devices either. That said, considering Google's reliance on software-centric photography, the update should exist something of a boost to your pictures, former phone or not.

Of course nobody is going to have a complete listing of what does and doesn't work until the update has finished rolling out to every kind of compatible Pixel. And sideloading is apparently no longer possible for those of you who aren't patient enough for Google Play to catch upwardly.

Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which ways he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. Information technology'south long mode from his days as editor of Gizmodo U.k., when pretty much everything was on the table. He's commonly found trying to squeeze some other giant Lego prepare onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't allow him buy the stuff he really needs online.