Pixel Camera 9.6 rolling out

 Pixel Camera update brings Underwater mode, vertical Panorama, Astro shortcut [U]     

With the October 2024 (Feature) Drop, Google is rolling out Pixel Camera 9.6 to all supported devices. The Pixel 9 series is currently on version 9.5, but anything older remains on 9.4. It's a big news for Pixel device owners, with the roll-out of Android 15 and a new Pixel Feature Drop. The update brings a lot to discover like a new weather app, the international expansion of Call Screen, Theft Detection Lock and so much more. In addition, there's also a new Pixel Camera update that's rolling out as well. Following are the some of the important points:-

Pixel Camera update includes Underwater mode for Pixel 9 series and a vertical Panorama feature.

Possible future update may include Quick Access Controls for adjusting white balance, brightness and shadows.

The new update also allows easier access to Astrophotography mode on older Pixel devices.

This update will be available for older and current Pixel phones and brings new photographic abilities. The biggest impact of the Pixel Camera 9.6 update will be seen on the Pixel 9 series, as there's now an Underwater mode which will balance out colours when taking photos or videos underwater. You'll want to use a case with this mode to get the most from it. For the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL, Camera 9.6 adds Underwater photography and video to restore “true colours.” Before putting your device in a waterproof case, go to Camera Settings > Advanced for the new toggle at the very bottom. Google will note “Underwater photography/video on” at the top of your viewfinder. Google offers something similar on older devices with a dedicated app and specific case brand. Pixel 9 devices can now take a “vertical Panorama” instead of being limited to horizontal. You previously got a warning to “rotate your phone.” For Pixel 6 – 8a still on Pixel Camera 9.4, Astrophotography on 9.6 is easier to launch. After jumping into the Night Sight tab, tap the button at the bottom-right corner for a new control pill above the shutter. Slide (or tap) Astro, with Google noting “Up to [x] min” with a 5 second timer set.

This option can be toggled by going into the advanced camera settings menu, and once activated, there will be a indicator on the screen noting that Underwater mode is in effect. In addition, Pixel 9 phones will also get a new vertical Panorama feature which will allow for more flexibility when taking photos, with users having the options of changing the position of the phone to horizontal or vertical. Previous attempts to take vertical panoramic photos were met with a warning that told users to rotate their phone to start the process. Now, that will no longer be the case. Outside the Pixel 9 series, the latest update will make it much easier to jump into Astrophotography mode on older Pixel devices, which can now be accessed in the bottom right area in the Night Sight section.

Meanwhile, version 9.6 contains strings for “Quick access controls” which let you “Adjust white balance, brightness and shadows.” This sounds a lot like the previous Camera UI that placed sliders on the left/right edge of your screen. We’re not seeing this enabled just yet. According to the news, the quick access controls will eventually allow users to easily "adjust white balance, brightness and shadows" just by tapping the viewfinder. If you own a Pixel phone and want to give this new update a try, we recommend downloading the latest Pixel Camera update. Also, if you have yet to update to the latest version of Android, we also recommend getting that as well.