Pixel Camera 9.6 rolling out: Underwater mode, vertical Panorama, Astro shortcut [U]

With the October 2024 (Feature) Drop, Google is rolling out Pixel Camera 9.6 to all supported devices. The Pixel 9 series is currently on version 9.5, but anything older remains on 9.4.

Update 10/18: Version 9.6 of Pixel Camera is more widely rolling out via the Play Store. In summary:

Pixel 9 series

• Underwater photography (except Fold)
• Vertical Panorama capture now supported in the redesigned mode

Pixel 6-Pixel 8a

• Easier to enter Astrophotography mode from Night Sight tab
• 5-second timer

Original 10/15: For the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL, Camera 9.6 adds Underwater photography and video to restore “true colors.” Before putting your device in a waterproof case, go to Camera Settings > Advanced for the new toggle at the very bottom. 

Google will note “Underwater photography/video on” at the top of your viewfinder. Google offers something similar on older devices with a dedicated app and specific case brand.

Pixel 9 devices can now take a “vertical Panorama” instead of being limited to horizontal. You previously got a warning to “rotate your phone.”

For Pixel 6 – 8a still on Pixel Camera 9.4, Astrophotography on 9.6 is easier to launch. After jumping into the Night Sight tab, tap the button at the bottom-right corner for a new control pill above the shutter. Slide (or tap) Astro, with Google noting “Up to [x] min” with a 5 second timer set.

Meanwhile, version 9.6 contains strings for “Quick access controls” that let you “Adjust white balance, brightness, and shadows by tapping the viewfinder.” This sounds a lot like the previous Camera UI that placed sliders on the left/right edge of your screen. We’re not seeing this enabled just yet. 

<string name=”pref_quick_access_controls”>Quick access controls</string>

Pixel Camera 9.6 is rolling out via Google Play, or you can sideload here.