Google Camera’s Astro Time-Lapse Feature
Google is rumored to be working on a new camera feature called Astro time-lapse, which could revolutionize how users capture the night sky. This anticipated feature is expected to debut alongside the June 2021 security patch update on June 7.
Uncovering the Feature
The potential Astro time-lapse feature was discovered by the team at XDA Developers following a recent update to the Pixel Tips app. This app typically offers tutorials on new Pixel features, and the latest update hinted at an upcoming major camera enhancement.
According to XDA, the feature was unearthed while analyzing an unreleased version of the Pixel Tips app. Users who have installed Google Camera app version 8.2.3 or higher may notice a tip labeled “CameraAstroTimelapse” in the Pixel Tips app. This suggests that the feature could enable users to capture the night sky in time-lapse format.
How It Works
If the feature materializes as speculated, users would be able to leverage the Google Camera app to capture mesmerizing time-lapse sequences of the celestial sphere. Unlike the current astrophotography mode, which captures single still images, the Astro time-lapse feature could capture dynamic footage of stars in motion over a period, creating captivating time-lapse videos.
Bridging Photography and Astrophotography
The integration of time-lapse functionality with astrophotography capabilities would be a significant advancement for mobile photography enthusiasts. Traditionally, capturing the night sky in motion required professional-grade equipment and editing software. With Google’s potential new feature, users could achieve similar results directly from their smartphones.
Cautionary Note
While the discovery of the Astro time-lapse feature is exciting, it’s important to exercise caution. APK teardowns can offer insights into forthcoming features, but there’s no guarantee that all uncovered features will make it to the final release. Given that the analysis is based on an unreleased version of the app, there’s a possibility that Google may choose to modify or exclude the feature in subsequent releases.
Conclusion
The speculated introduction of the Astro time-lapse feature in Google Camera represents an exciting development for mobile photography enthusiasts. If realized, this feature could empower users to capture stunning time-lapse footage of the night sky, bridging the gap between photography and astrophotography directly from their smartphones. However, users should await official confirmation from Google regarding the availability of this feature in future updates.
