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Google Camera 8.1 brings a new Storage Saver option. This would make some space to capture more photos and videos on your smartphone.
Note that Google Camera 8.0 debuted with Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G back in September. The app included tons of new features. It includes Night Sight portrait, Cinematic pan, revamped UI, new buttons, and more.
However, for some reason, Google Camera 8.0 did not have some extra space to pack in one of the most advertised features of Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G. Good thing is that Google is now rectifying this with Google Camera 8.1.
The new Google Camera 8.1 Storage Saver option gives the users actual numbers of how many videos or photos can be clicked, as per the remaining storage. This neat statistics visual would be beneficial for users who always run-off space at the right moment. But that’s not all.
Well, on one hand, keeping the storage of our smartphone free can be a tricky task. And it is going to get tougher as Google has already scrapped free unlimited cloud storage for the Google Photos app.
Fortunately, Google has taken care of this issue by providing the Storage Saver option with Google Camera 8.1. Once this feature is enabled, the camera will reduce the quality of images and videos, to make the storage run for longer.
RAW photos will be downgraded to JPGs, while videos will be stored in H.256/HEVC format
Apparently, with this new Storage Saver option, Google Camera 8.1 will change the way your images and videos are stored in your smartphone’s memory.
Notably, the RAW images will be downgraded to JPGs. While the videos will be stored in the much efficient H.256/HEVC format to make room for more storage.
Moreover, the Motion Photos will be disabled. And if you try to turn them on, you will be asked if you also wish to turn off the Storage Saver option.
4K videos are also under the radar. But Time Lapse and Slow Motion modes will continue to function normally. The Google Camera 8.1 Storage Saver option will show the remaining photos/videos estimation differently, depending on whether it is turned on or off.
Meaning that if turned off, it will show probably fewer photos and video quantity left as per the storage. While if it is turned on, it will show more photos and video quantity as the quality will be lowered.
Besides, there is a “Free up space” option as well. When tapped, it will take you to the Files app to let you delete the unwanted images and videos to free up space.
According to the Google support page, this feature would be exclusive to Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G devices. However, several users of the older Pixel phones have reported getting this feature with Google Camera 8.1 update.
