Google is well known for promoting a feature as an exclusive for its latest Pixel handset, and after a bit of time passes, it adds this feature to older Pixel models. For example, in 2018, the Call Screen with the Google Assistant was announced as an exclusive for the Pixel 3 line. The Google Assistant would answer a call for you, transcribe what the caller said in real time, and let you decide whether to take the call, hang up, or report the call as spam. After a bit of time, Google released this feature for the Pixel 2 and the original Pixel lines.
Other features that Google has done this with include the Astrophotography Mode and Night Sight, the Recorder app, Car Crash Detection, Live Caption, Extreme Battery Saver, and Hold for Me. Now, another feature that was initially a Pixel 9 exclusive is coming to older Pixel handsets.
Google to backport the Pixel 9's Connected Cameras feature to the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 lines
The Connected Cameras feature that debuted on the Pixel 9 series last year allows users to turn a compatible camera, such as one from another Pixel or a GoPro, into a remote feed that combines with the camera on your Pixel to show multiple angles while livestreaming on TikTok, Instagram. or YouTube, or while recording a video. Even though a Google support page says that the Pixel 9 series is the only line supporting Connected Cameras, a Pixel 8 owner posted on Reddit that the toggle for the feature appeared in his settings.
The Redditor also posted a screenshot of the Connected Cameras screen notification that he was able to capture from his Pixel 8. It shows YouTube as the only app compatible with the feature. The page also gives a more succinct definition of what the feature does: "Use another Pixel or compatible device as a remote camera." Underneath that sentence are links that you can tap to see how you connect to another Pixel camera or a GoPro.
Screenshot of the Connected Cameras screen notification on a Pixel 8. | Image credit-Reddit
Besides the Pixel 8, there have been Pixel 7 and Pixel 6a users who have reported seeing the same thing on their phones. As the owner of a Pixel 6 Pro, I'd have to think that if this feature is found on the Pixel 6a, it will also be found on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
Backward compatibility. It's a beautiful thing.
Google isn't the only phone manufacturer that uses backward compatibility to add new features to older models. Apple has done this with the Visual Intelligence feature on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Originally found by using the new Camera Control feature for the iPhone 16 series, Apple added this to three phones that do not have the Camera Control feature, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16e. With those models, Visual Intelligence is found as an option for the Action Button. It can also be found as an option in the Control Center.
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Visual Intelligence uses the iPhone's camera to find an item that can be analyzed via ChatGPT or Google Search. It can also spot a date on a poster and have it added to your iOS calendar app.
Should Google be applauded for backporting features to older Pixel models?
Absolutely. They don't have to do this.
84%
Why high five them for something they should be doing?
12%
It doesn't matter to me.
4%
Still, Google is the GOAT when it comes to backporting, and this is something that phone buyers should think about when a specific feature from a new Pixel has enticed you into purchasing the new model. If you can control yourself enough not to whip out your wallet and have the willpower to wait a little, you might find that the feature you wanted is coming to your older Pixel model.
Thanks, Google!
I've been lucky enough to enjoy receiving a feature on my Pixel models that were originally exclusive to the latest release. Night Sight became available for my Pixel 2 XL after being a Pixel 3 exclusive. The Pixel 7's Magic Editor (which I really, really wanted) was backported to my Pixel 6 Pro. Another Pixel 7 feature called "Clear Calling" was later added to my Pixel 6 Pro. And instead of losing support with the release of Android 15, my Pixel 6 Pro will receive Android 17.
For those who like to criticize Google and the Pixel line in particular, being a Pixel owner means that you can expect an unexpected feature to be added to your phone every now and then. Google could have decided not to add these things to older Pixel models and forced users of older models to update. This is one perk of being a Pixel owner that you don't hear too much about.
"Iconic Phones" is coming this Fall!
Good news everyone! Over the past year we've been working on an exciting passion project of ours and we're thrilled to announce it will be ready to release in just a few short months.
"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a must-have coffee table book for every tech-head that will bring you on a journey to relive the greatest technological revolution of the 21st century. For more details, simply follow the link below!
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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