Google recently launched the Pixel 9 series with some new apps and cool new AI features. But they are not done yet. Pixel phones are known for their camera prowess. A much-loved camera feature is Astrophotography Mode which previously required users to enable night sight feature. But that is changing with a new update.
Astrophotography mode allows you to take photos of the night sky, stars, planets, etc. by displaying an AR overview to help identify them. However, in order to use them, you need to enable night sight feature and then place the Pixel phone on a tripod or stable surface. It would then activate automatically. That made it difficult for users to use the feature while holding the phone in their hands.
A recent update shared on Google News’ Telegram channel (unofficial) shows how you can now enable Astrophotography mode manually. You will need to be on Pixel Camera app’s version 9.5.118.
Here’s how to use this feature:
- Open Pixel Camera app.
- Go to Night Sight quick settings menu.
- Enable Astrophotography mode manually.
There are two modes to choose from that can be changed on the fly – Auto and Astro. The toggle is inside Night Sight menu and is indicated by a crescent moon icon. When you press the shutter button, a 5-second timer is started by default but can be changed to 3 or 10 seconds, or simply disable it. This should give you some time to set things up like using a tripod or placing the phone on a stable surface.
You can download and install the APK file from APKMirror and sideload it if you want or wait for the official release on the Play Store.
Planning to buy a Pixel phone? Maybe you should hold off and reconsider.
