Skip to main content

Google confirms ‘Top Shot’ feature not heading to Pixel 2 devices despite users seeing function in Google Photos

One of the best new camera features to come with the Pixel 3 and 3 XL was Top Shot. The feature snaps a ton of pictures and then picks out the very best, least blurry option from a selection. But Google has confirmed to Android Police that Top Shot will not come to older Pixel 2 models.

Initially posted on Reddit, users commented that they had started to see Top Shot recommendations when viewing images within the Google Photos application. It seems that those posting have been seeing the Top Shot recommendation ‘dots’ above images when Motion Photos are activated.

The official line though is that Google (via AP) is “not rolling out Top Shot to Pixel 2.” It also seems that anyone that had seen Top Shot on the Pixel 2 devices seemed to be running the Android Q beta. If you happen to receive a Motion Photo on a Pixel 2 from a Pixel 3, then you will be able to see the Top Shot recommendations, ‘dots’ and the associated metadata.

The motion sequence doesn’t just include the Top Shot recommendations, each frame can be saved, but the catch is that all frames are saved at just 0.8-megapixels. The Top Shot recommendations though can be saved at a 3.1-megapixel resolution.

That specific scenario might explain why a few more Reddit users have been seeing the Top Shot feature on their Pixel 2 devices. But with Google denying that the feature is coming to older handsets, it could simply have been a fluke. It’s also just probable that this was all brought about by running the Android Q beta.

If you’ve personally seen anything similar to this Top Shot on Pixel 2 or 2 XL, then, by all means, let us know in the comments section below.

More on Pixel 2:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

Comments

Author

Avatar for Damien Wilde Damien Wilde

Damien is a UK-based video producer for 9to5Google. Find him on Twitter: @iamdamienwilde. Email: damien@9to5mac.com


Damien Wilde's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications