Google delivered a big update yesterday in the form of the March 2025 Feature Drop. As usual, the tech company starts seeding updates to the camera app afterward to bring new features. While the latest release is not as big as the last build, it brought some interesting features.
The new Google Pixel Camera 9.8 update is available for the Play Store. However, it is a staged rollout and will take a few days to arrive in every region. Fortunately, you can side-load the APK using the link below.
Details of the Google Pixel Camera 9.8 update
Google is making some changes while introducing new features. The update adds “Turn on animation for Astrophotography” toggle in Settings. You can access it from the Camera app settings>>Advanced. Although it is enabled by default and the past behavior, you probably need to check to make sure it is on. We understand the Palm timer “raise your hand” feature works with the rear camera.
Additionally, Pixel Fold users can make use of the Dual Screen Preview when recording video. The update has added to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold external display the Add Me feature.

Perhaps more interesting the Pixel 9 series can use the remote Connected Cameras capability. It allows you to “seamlessly capture or live stream with supported camera applications using remote cameras.”
Supported devices are the Pixel 6+, GoPro 10, and later, running the latest software. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok as well.
We understand it is officially part of Cross-devives services alongside Call casting and Internet Sharing. To enable once everything is connected, head to Settings>>Connected devices>>Connected preferences>>Connected Cameras. Meanwhile, you need to update the device Connectivity Service app for everything to work.
There is a camera Picker(Floating pill-shaped container on the side of the screen). It allows you “add, remove or disconnect a remote camera as well as switch between your device and a remote camera.”

However, it only appears when the Connected Camera is on, and you are running a compatible application.
Other changes coming with the Google Pixel Camera 9.8:
- You can only connect to devices that are signed in with your Google Account.
- You can only connect to one remote camera at a time. To connect another remote camera, you’ll need to disconnect the first remote camera.
- Audio is sourced from the camera that is currently in use.
- Using a Bluetooth audio source may degrade the streaming quality.
Download Google Pixel Camera 9.8 APK
Google is rolling out the update via Play Store. We do not have access to the Mod version yet, but Pixel owners can side-load the APK. Follow this link to get it.