What you need to know
- Google quietly brought its newer panorama system to the Pixel 8 series via a Pixel Camera update.
- The new panorama mode uses HDR+ to stitch higher-quality frames with better lighting and detail.
- Night Sight support is the real game-changer, letting you capture panoramas in low light, city nights, or dim interiors.
Google is breathing new life into its older flagship with a surprise update that brings the Pixel 9’s panorama mode to the Pixel 8 series. This update overhauls the interface and brings back the popular Photo Sphere experience (sort of), which was removed from new devices starting with the Pixel 8 in 2023.
The update was released quietly with Pixel Camera version 10.2, which began rolling out in early December and is now on the Play Store (via 9to5Google). For Pixel 8 owners, this update offers a more intuitive, guided shooting experience with smoother stitches and better results, especially when used with Night Sight.
This updated panorama mode uses the Pixel’s full HDR+ photo system to take individual high-quality frames and stitch them together. This method collects more image data, resulting in higher-quality images and improved dynamic range.
The interface is inspired by Photo Sphere and uses floating dots to guide you through the capture process. As you move your phone and line up each dot, a small preview appears above the viewfinder to show your progress.
The system also has a level indicator to help keep your shots straight, which is important for avoiding misalignments that can spoil a panorama.
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Shoot any direction
A standout feature of this update is its flexible capture direction. By tapping the settings gear, you can choose to capture left, right, up, or down when your phone is in landscape orientation.
The integration with Night Sight is particularly noteworthy. In panorama mode, you can set Night Sight to Off, Auto, or On, which allows you to take panoramic shots in low light. This feature could change how you photograph city skylines, starry nights, or indoor architecture.
If you haven’t used panorama mode in a while, this update is a good reason to try it again.