Newsletter
Google‘s flagship smartphones generally bring some exclusive camera features and this year is no different. However, almost always, Google rolls out those exclusive features to older Pixel devices with software updates. According to a report from Android Authority, some Google Pixel 9 series-exclusive camera features will also be repped out to older Pixels soon. You can check out our review of the Google Pixel 9 to learn more about the device.
Older Pixel models that will receive Google Pixel 9 exclusive camera features
Assemble Debug in collaboration with Android Authority spotted some evidence in the Google Photos app, which suggests that the Reimagine and Auto Frame feature will roll out to older Pixel models. Notably, the models include the Google Pixel 6 and above. However, he didn’t mention whether the relatively more affordable A series Pixels will get the features or not.
For those unfamiliar, Reimagine allows users to modify textures, colors, or materials in their photos. For instance, you can transform the appearance of elements like trees or skies by changing their color or style using AI. Meanwhile, the Auto Frame uses AI to automatically adjust photo composition by analyzing the contents of an image, suggesting different ways to frame it for a more polished look. The feature can even stretch the photo a bit to correct the position of the subject.
Currently, there are three versions of the Google Photos app, each with different configurations. Google provides the basic version of the Photos app for all Android devices, while they offer two additional versions specifically for Pixel devices: one for models launched between 2021 and 2023 (Pixel 6 and above), and another for devices released in 2024, including the Pixel 9 series.
Non-Pixel devices may not get these features any time soon
The Google Photos app for the Google Pixel 9 series devices includes all the code strings related to the Reimagine and Auto Frame features as usual. According to Assemble Debug, the code strings are now also appearing in the latest version of the Google Photos app (6.99) for Pixels launched between 2021 and 2023. It suggests that Google has plans to roll out the exclusive camera and editing features of the Pixel 9 series to those older Pixels.
Unfortunately, the code strings are not present in the regular version of the Google Photos app for non-Pixel devices. So we can say that the rest of Android devices won’t be getting those new features any time soon.