Google Pixel 8 Update Adds Night Sight Timelapse Videos

Google’s Pixel 8 smartphone series already features some of the best smartphone cameras available. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro offers lots of light-gathering abilities, and on the Pro version, a slew of special camera tools provide users with even more control over their phone images. A new software update makes the camera even more versatile with an updated night timelapse feature.

As GSM Arena and Android Authority report, as part of the December 2023 Pixel Feature Drop, Google has updated the Pixel Camera app to v9.2 on Pixel 8 series phones. Users should be able to update their apps this week by going to the Google Play Store app or by sideloading the Pixel Camera app.

The update allows for longer videos at night with the Night Sight Timelapse camera feature. Owners will be able to record a five-minute 1080p video or a 20-minute 4K video, which will both result in 10-second timelapses in the Night Sight mode.

Beyond the longer recording times, Google has also updated the “Palm Timer” feature that assists users in capturing blur-free long exposures and timelapse videos. Pixel phone owners can now customize this setting. It can be set to “Always on” or “Only when the timer is active.”

Additionally, there is a dedicated switch for Ultra HDR photos in the Advanced Settings menu. This means that users can quickly switch off the Ultra HDR setting without as much fuss.

Though it may seem like a relatively small update, the newly released features bring the Pixel 8 Pro closer to what Google envisioned and promised at launch, which is exciting to see.

PetaPixel has previously reviewed the Pixel 8 Pro, and written that the Pixel 8 Pro features “Pixel’s best camera system ever,” and the new software update makes the camera even better.

In an interview, Google’s Isaac Reynolds told PetaPixel that the Pixel 8 Pro’s Night Site feature promises “the best low-light video on a smartphone camera.” It will be interesting to see how Pixel 8 users use the new nighttime timelapse function and how well it performs.

The update adds even more control for those who want a highly capable camera phone in their pockets. Those who travel or need the flexibility of creating high-value content on the go, even at night, should benefit from this update, as well as the other features already found in the Google Pixel 8 Pro.