Google Camera 9.5 is now rolling out, bringing manual controls to the Astrophotography mode on Pixel devices. When you use the Night Sight mode with Astrophotography, a new pop-up will guide you through using the manual controls. A slider lets you increase the exposure length, or you can set it to “Astro” mode for exposures up to 4 minutes when your phone is pointed at the sky. The device automatically tries to capture the longest possible exposure for the best starry sky photos.
sideloading google camera 9.5 on pixel devices
The Google News Telegram channel first spotted this update in the Google Camera 9.5.118 version. If you attempt to sideload just the APK on a Pixel 8 Pro, you might encounter an error message. Instead, you’ll need to sideload the entire APK bundle. Despite the update, some users reported not seeing the new pop-up, even though the enhanced controls were available.
capturing the best astrophotography shots
Even with these new manual controls, getting the best results still requires optimal conditions. A stable base or tripod is recommended, as handheld shots can still trigger warning prompts. The auto mode is still available for those who prefer it, but it’s great to see Google offering more control over this feature.
