Google is expanding the availability of its Pixel Camera 9.5 for Wear OS, bringing the new features to more devices besides the Pixel Watch 3. The update, released this week, improves the Pixel Camera app on Wear OS devices. It makes the app more intuitive and faster to use. Users can now enjoy these improvements on a wider range of Wear OS 3 (and above) devices connected to Pixel phones.
What’s new in Pixel Camera 9.5 Wear OS
The Pixel Camera 9.5 update introduces several key usability enhancements designed to improve the user experience on Wear OS. Upon updating to version 9.5 from 9.2, users will notice a prompt to allow notifications. This is a critical step, as it enables a new feature: an ongoing activity icon that appears at the bottom of the watch face when the camera is open on your phone. This icon, similar to the “now playing” feature, provides quick access to the camera controller on Wear OS.
One of the most notable updates in Pixel Camera 9.5 Wear OS is the revamped viewfinder interface. The viewfinder now includes a photo and video switcher located on the left side, making it easier to switch between modes. Users can either swipe up or down to toggle between photo and video modes or simply press the switcher. Additionally, a new gesture allows users to double-tap the screen to switch between the front and rear-facing cameras. This streamlined process is significantly faster than the previous method, which required navigating through a menu to change camera modes.
Compatibility and device rollout
The Pixel Camera 9.5 update is officially designed for Wear OS 3 devices and above connected to Pixel phones. However, it will likely benefit a wider range of smartwatches. The update has already started reaching devices beyond the Pixel Watch 3. This indicates Google is working to make these new features available to more users.
Users must have the app installed on the connected phone for these features to work. Currently, the app’s release on older devices has not been widely rolled out, so some users may need to wait before they can fully utilize the update.
2024-09-10 15:06:57