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We’ve known about Google’s plans to overhaul the stock Android camera app for awhile now. Back in November, the code for a new camera API began appearing in Android code but for one reason or another, was scrapped just before the release of KitKat. Eventually, Google came clean about these new APIs, saying that developers would soon to be able to build apps with RAW image support and burst shooting.
Today, it looks like we’re finally getting some new info on exactly what Google is planning for their upcoming stock camera app, with the folks at Engadget revealing some juicy new details. It appears that the application will feature a completely new UI and although it wasn’t mentioned, we’re hoping Google’s finally done away with that awful slide menu system introduced in Android 4.3. Google seems to have also figured out the cropped viewfinder, replaced with one that now shows 100% of the image so you know what to expect before you take the shot.
Aside from adding new imaging features like a “background-blurring effect” ala HTC One M8, Google has also improved the resolution of panorama and PhotoSphere modes as well. Because Google will also be introducing new camera APIs for developers, Android devs will be able to add their own filters/effects into the camera app.
Probably the best news is we may not even have to wait until Android 4.4.3 rolls out to get our hands on the improved application. Like Google’s been doing so well lately, Google will make the camera a standalone app provided in the Google Play Store. This way Android users who aren’t using a Nexus device can still partake in Google’s fruit. We can’t wait.
Recently Android users running Android 4.4.2 KitKat were complaining of a battery drain bug caused by a combination of the camera app and Qualcomm’s imaging chip not playing nice with one another. Google confirmed the bug, and we expect everything to be patched up in the Android 4.4.3 update that’s been making the rounds.
Let the F5 of https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.camera begin.
here’s hoping! i want raw support on my n5. slow-mo video would also be awesome but i’m not betting on that one
Not bothered about raw personally but highspeed footage for good slo-mo would be great but I suspect that requires more than a software update :(
All I really want are the features that my old HTC DNA had: separate buttons for camera and video (one touch rather than a spinner), and the ability to grab a frame from the video. Losing those features going to the Nexus 5 broke my enthusiasm to get stock Android, since I used those features a lot.
You can actually take photos while recording if that’s what you mean, but the other thing isn’t in the stock camera app.
“we’re hoping Google’s finally done away with that awful slide menu system introduced in Android 4.3”
Took the words right out of my mouth, Chris.
April fools!
So the update has rolled out as of today, Chris?
It said rumor in the title.
The end of of the article says that 4.4.3 has been making rounds too. Just wanted some clarification.
“This way Android users who aren’t using a Nexus device can still partake in Google’s fruit. We can’t wait.”
I can sense the excitement… :P
Software can’t fix bad hardware =/
Clearly… You have no understanding of this field mate…
Put a bad software in nexus 5 and the phone is worthless……
Its not even worth a penny if nexus 5 had run a software like dos or android 2.3 or symbian s60v5..
Where as… On the other hand.. You CAN nullify the negative effects of bad hardware by some elegant programming.
Just look at the very first macintosh !!
It was not great in terms of hardware but the software made up for it
Why do you think the iPhone has one of the best cameras? The optics. Same thing with the Nexus 5. The optics are sub par. No amount of coding or api implementation will fix it and that applies to any phone or device for that matter. It’s like serving filet mignon at McDonalds mate.
Dude…
Sorry for being brutal but … Clearly YOU HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF THIS STUFF
I’ll agree to disagree with you on that one.