Over the years, Google has made changes to its Camera app that have refined the experience, and the company is making yet another adjustment that will improve the way you use it.
On Google Camera 8.2.204, users will be able to record videos hands-free with just a few taps. The feature is based on a quick capture setting that was originally introduced in the Google 7.1 Camera along with the release of Pixel 4. The feature allows you to quickly start a video capture (without switching to “Video” mode) by pressing and holding your finger on the shutter button.
In older versions of the Google Camera app, you would have to press and hold the shutter button – if you held your finger apart, the video recording would stop. Now, on Google Camera 8.2.204, you can move your finger to the left to enter “hands free” mode, which continues recording even when you lift your finger. You can also move your finger up to zoom in or down to zoom out. It’s a very easy way to quickly record a video without your hands – and you can do it all with just a few taps.
The video above shows how easy it is to use the new feature – and I’m sure many of you are saying, “Finally!” This is one of those tweaks you’ve probably always wanted and should improve your daily experience with the Google Camera app. This feature will be useful when your hands are busy, but you still need to record a quick video with ease.
Keeping your finger pressed on the shutter button does not seem particularly inconvenient. But quickly locking the button means you can focus better on what you’re recording, rather than focusing on whether your finger is still pressed on the button. It is the little things that end up making a big difference in your everyday experience.
Google Camera 8.2.204 is being released now and should be available more widely in the coming days. The new feature follows another update that allowed Pixel owners to disable automatic Night Vision.
Thanks to XDA Senior Member cstark27 for the tip!