Google updated its stock camera app (aka Google Camera app) for Nexus devices with the launch of its Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones. However, a month after the launch of the Nexus smartphones, the new Google Camera app is now rolling out as an update to smartphones with an old version of the app installed and running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It is currently also rolling out to various Google Play regions, but can only be installed by Android 6.0 Marshmallow devices.
The Google Camera v3.1 app comes with a new user interface, which makes it slightly easier for users to access certain features. As seen on Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, easy swiping would let users easily switch between the image capture and video modes. Features including photo sphere, panorama, and lens blur can be found on swiping towards right side from the screen.
As a part of the user interface change, the controls for HDR+, flash, and timer have shifted on the top corner. These functions were earlier placed just above the camera shutter button. Also, users can now switch from rear camera to front-facing camera by tapping once on the dedicated button placed besides the main shutter button. Process to access the camera roll is the same like before. The camera version also brings Auto HDR+ option in few different phones including last year's flagship smartphone, the Nexus 6.
The update fixes the camera SmartBurst issue on Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The feature earlier did not allow users to capture burst shots when disabled. However, it would now let users capture images in burst mode even after disabling SmartBurst. Unfortunately, the burst feature and slow motion video recording are not a part of the update for other devices and stay limited to the two latest Nexus smartphones.
The app is rolling out in phases, and has not yet reached Google Play India. Those who don't want to wait can manually download and install the Google-signed apk file in 32-bit and 64-bit variants via APK Mirror.
To recall, Google first introduced its stock camera app for non-Nexus devices in April last year, available only for devices running Android 4.4 KitKat or higher. It has since brought other stock apps to non-Nexus devices, such as the Google Clock app.
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