The latest version of Google’s Pixel Camera 9.8 is now available to download. This powerful update coincides with the appearance of the March 2025 Feature Drop specially made for Pixel devices. In particular, this update takes aim at improving user experience and enhancing creative capabilities on the Pixel ecosystem. 

This shows that Google is still pushing to enhance its camera software even with incremental updates. It will just integrate itself with bigger feature releases on a timely basis. It ensures that Pixel users always have the best of the latest camera and video advancements in mobile photography.

Key Changes in Pixel Camera 9.8

Astrophotography Animation Toggle: 

We added a new toggle in the "Settings > Advanced" menu, that when enabled will allow Astrophotography captures to not play their animation. This allows more control in terms of shooting while the animation is on by default.

Palm Timer Clarification: 

The description of the Palm Timer feature in the camera settings has a completely changed. It now expressly spells out that we can trigger the timer by displaying your palm to either front or rear facing camera.

March Feature Drop Integration

The Pixel Camera 9.8 works with the March Feature Drop. IT has more exciting new camera-related features to be integrated into Pixel devices.

Pixel 9 series feature

The Pixel 9 series is this innovative feature, whereby users can connect their devices with other cameras like GoPros to capture footage from different angles. This is particularly useful while live streaming or vlogging.

Pixel Fold users can now also make full use of the screen with a dual-screen preview while recording videos. Dual Screen Preview on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now compatible with this feature called "Add Me." It will automatically add the photographer to a group shot.

Availability

The Google Play Store now started to distribute the Pixel Camera 9.8 update to all Pixel users. However, delivery is happening stage by stage, not all in one go. 

Google can gradually release out the software to monitor how easy it runs, find and treat any bugs. They might have been there, as to prevent bugs from affecting a third-party larger-scale user. 

Additionally, the speed with which this rollout happens is subject to multiple factors. It includes the particular Pixel model being rolled out. The user’s geographic location, and customized versions of Android that mobile carriers have implemented in their own Pixel devices. 

The Closing Thought

Meaningful upgrades related to refining and improving a user's camera experience are rolled out in the Pixel Camera 9.8 update. The Astrophotography animation toggle and the clarified Palm Timer description show that Google is being attentive to details and reacts to users feedback. 

What’s more important is that Camera 9.8 is completely integrated with the broader March Feature Drop, a bellwether. Google is willfully and vocally pursuing the limits of mobile photography and videography. 

By constantly introducing innovative features on its handset Pixel devices, Google highlights its position in the field of mobile imaging innovation. It aims to allow users the best technologies to capture and share their moments.

More Reading: Android Auto Users Grapple with Annoying Scrolling Bug