With the March 2025 Feature Drop, Google has started rolling out Pixel Camera 9.8, bringing new functionalities, optimizations, and cross-device compatibility. While this update is smaller than December’s major release, it introduces improved astrophotography settings, Dual Screen Preview for Pixel Fold users, and the highly anticipated Connected Cameras feature.
As with all Pixel updates, the rollout will take some time before reaching all users, but here’s everything you need to know about Pixel Camera 9.8 and its latest features.
New Features in Pixel Camera 9.8
1. Astrophotography Animation Toggle
✔ New “Turn on animation for Astrophotography” toggle under Settings > Advanced
✔ Enabled by default – maintains past behavior
✔ Enhances night sky photography by adding a smooth transition effect
2. Palm Timer Clarification
✔ “Raise your hand” Palm Timer feature now confirmed to work with the rear camera
✔ Improved gesture recognition for easier hands-free photos
3. Dual Screen Preview for Pixel Fold
✔ Pixel Fold users can now use Dual Screen Preview when recording videos
✔ Pixel 9 Pro Fold users get “Add Me” mode on the external display, improving selfie framing
Connected Cameras: Seamless Multi-Device Integration
One of the biggest additions in Pixel Camera 9.8 is the Connected Cameras capability, which allows users to capture or live-stream video using remote cameras.
How Connected Cameras Work:
✔ Available on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
✔ Supports Pixel 6+ devices and GoPro 10+ (latest software required)
✔ Works with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok
Enabling Connected Cameras:
- Ensure your Device Connectivity Service app is updated
- Navigate to Settings > Connected Devices > Connected Preferences > Connected Cameras
- Enable Connected Cameras
- When using a supported app, access the Camera Picker
Camera Picker Features:
✔ Floating pill-shaped tool to add, remove, or switch between remote cameras
✔ Allows seamless integration with Pixel or GoPro cameras
Important Notes on Connected Cameras:
✔ Only works with devices signed into your Google Account
✔ Only one remote camera can be connected at a time
✔ Audio is sourced from the active camera
✔ Using Bluetooth audio may impact streaming quality
Availability & How to Get Pixel Camera 9.8
✔ Rolling out via Google Play Store – available for eligible Pixel devices
✔ Can be sideloaded manually for early access
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
