Those who decide to opt for one of Google’s latest Pixel phones, the Pixel 2 or the Pixel 2 XL, can expect a number of changes in the way in which the camera interface works on the device, compared to the original Pixel phones and Nexus devices for that matter. One of those changes specifically applies to the way in which images appear (and can be interacted with) when clicked through from the Google Camera app.
This is due to what is reportedly the use of ‘Google Photos filmstrip’ on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. This feature allows images to be opened (from within the Camera app) in an interface which is much more akin to Google Photos. For example, opening an image through the Google Camera app on the first-generation Pixel and XL opened the file locally on the device. The downside of this is that not only was the options available through the interface limited to the basic features on offer with the app, but any changes made were made at the device level. With the use of Google Photos filmstrip, not only are changes synced with any Google Photos backed up versions of the image, but there is also a greater number of features and general tweaks directly available from within the Camera app’s interface.
In the shortest of terms, what Google has done here is look to ensure the Google Camera app available on the Pixel 2 and 2 XL comes with an even greater integration with Google Photos. So regardless of whether an image is opened directly after taking and within the Camera app, or through the dedicated Google Photos apps, the general experience and features on offer will be much more alike. Interestingly, while this is a Pixel 2 feature, it is understood that the feature is not due to become available on the original Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL. Or at least, Google reportedly has no plans to roll it out to the original Pixels as of yet. Although it is understood that some of the functionality mentioned here is available to original Pixel and XL device owners who decide to download and sideload the Google Camera APK that is currently circulating. In spite of this not being available to the first-generation Pixel phones, this is a feature that some might be already familiar with, as Google Photos filmstrip integration is also available on a select number of non-Google Android devices.