Some of the best smartphone cameras are already available with Google’s Pixel 8 series of smartphones. There are many light-gathering features available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, and on the Pro model, a slew of unique camera tools give consumers even greater control over their phone photos. The camera’s nighttime timelapse capability has been improved with a recent software upgrade, giving it even more versatility.
According to GSM Arena and Android Authority, Google updated the Pixel Camera app for Pixel 8 series phones to version 9.2 as part of the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop. This week, users should be able to update their apps by sideloading the Pixel Camera app or visiting the Google Play Store app.
The Night Sight Timelapse camera function in the upgrade enables longer nighttime videos. In the Night Sight mode, owners can record a five-minute 1080p video or a twenty-minute 4K movie, each of which will produce a 10-second timelapse.
In addition to extending the recording durations, Google has improved the “Palm Timer” tool, which helps users take clear timelapse and long exposure photos. Owners of Pixel phones can now alter this setting. “Always on” or “Only when the timer is active” are the two settings available.
In the Advanced Settings menu, there’s also a special switch for Ultra HDR images. This implies that users won’t have to fuss as much to easily turn off the Ultra HDR feature.
It’s encouraging to note that, despite the Pixel 8 Pro’s seemingly minor upgrade, the recently added capabilities bring the device closer to what Google had envisioned and promised when it launched.
In a recent review, PetaPixel declared that the Pixel 8 Pro had “Pixel’s best camera system ever,” and that the camera was made even better with the latest software update.
“The best low-light video on a smartphone camera” is what Google’s Isaac Reynolds told PetaPixel about the Pixel 8 Pro’s Night Site function in an interview. It will be interesting to observe how and how well Pixel 8 customers utilise the new nighttime timelapse feature.
For those who wish to carry around a very powerful camera phone in their pocket, the upgrade offers even more control. This addition, together with the other features already included in the Google Pixel 8 Pro, should be beneficial to those who travel or require the freedom to create high-quality content on the road, especially at night.
