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Google will fix its Camera bug that fails to save photos
Now that Google's Pixel 3 phones have arrived people are finding the good and bad of the various software-enhanced features. One issue some have noticed -- across a range of devices including some non-Pixel or Nexus phones -- is a tendency to skip the important step of actually saving a photo after it's taken. Tonight Google responded, with a statement to Engadget that said simply "We will be rolling out a software update in the coming weeks to address the rare case of a photo not properly saving." The company did not address where the issue lies, but based on user reports it seems like there may be problem with waiting for HDR to finish processing before switching to another app, so an update to the company's Google Camera software could fix it. If we get more specific information about what the fix is and where it will reach, we will update this post.
Some Google Pixel 3 users claim their photos aren’t saving
If you're having issues with your Google Pixel phone not saving photos, you're not alone. According to reports on Reddit and Google's own forums, some owners of Google Pixel 3, 3XL, 2 and 2XL models -- and potentially other Android phones as well -- are experiencing a bug where photos disappear shortly after they've been taken.
Google Pixel camera trick comes to other phones through a mod
Much of the Google Pixel's photographic prowess comes from its software -- it's particularly good at high dynamic range photos thanks to its HDR+ mode, which fills in gobs of detail while reducing the blur you sometimes see in HDR shots. But do you have to buy a Pixel phone to see the benefit? Not necessarily, if you're willing to live life on the edge. Developer B-S-G has modified the Google Camera app to enable HDR+ on any Android phone with a Snapdragon 820, 821 or 835 processor. Your Galaxy S8 or OnePlus 3 won't perfectly mirror the Pixel's photo quality, but this could lead to improvements when taking photos in situations with bright highlights or dark shadows -- especially if your phone's default image processing is mediocre. XDA has verified that the software works, so it's not just a bold claim.
Rumor: Google's Android camera will get smart with Goggles
Google might be working on a new feature for Android cameras that allows smartphone photo-snappers to search for information directly from their pictures, SlashGear reports. This tech would essentially combine Google Goggles, a visual-search app that's been around for years, with your Android camera (or Google Camera, if you're really into brand-name apps).
Google Camera lends shutter control to Android Wear smartwatches
If you're the type that fancies snapping selfies or group shots from a distance, a pending update to Google's Camera app should lend a hand. The new version of the software allows Android Wear smartwatches to work as remote shutter controls. What's more, on top of tapping the watch face to snap a picture, the wearable's screen will display a countdown with an image preview to follow. Unfortunately, that G Watch or Gear Live won't act as a viewfinder, so you'll need to sort the composition beforehand. The update might not show up for you in Google Play just yet, but those eager to implement the function can grab the APK over at Droid Life.
Google's camera app now lets you shoot in different aspect ratios
Google isn't done getting its Android camera app up to the standards set by third-party software -- not by a long shot. The company is now rolling out an update to Google Camera that lets you choose the aspect ratio for your photos, not just the resolution. If you prefer a movie-like widescreen look to all your pictures, you can crop the image to match. Fans of family portraits, meanwhile, will be glad to hear that the timer has returned; also, creative types can shoot panoramas with fisheye and wide-angle lens effects. The refresh isn't available on every supporting Android device just yet, but we'd give it a few days -- it should hopefully arrive in time for your next big photo safari.
Google's camera app once again lets you snap photos while recording video
Google's redesigned Android camera app wasn't a full step forward. While you got a much improved interface, you also lost the ability to snap photos while recording video -- not so hot if you want more than just movies from a friend's wedding dance. Well, it's back. A low-key update to Google Camera once again lets you capture stills in mid-video, making sure that you'll have album-worthy images alongside your YouTube clips. If you've been holding off on upgrading the camera app because of that earlier omission, it's now safe to jump in.
