Google has removed a widely used feature from the Pixel Camera app in its latest update. The updated version, Pixel Camera 9.9, launched earlier this week, no longer includes the Social Share feature. This functionality previously allowed users to quickly share photos directly from the camera interface. Users could slide up from the image preview screen to access six sharing options, where they could select up to three preferred destinations in the settings.
For those still using older versions of the app, like the Pixel 6 Pro with Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, the Social Share feature remains available. Users could easily select their preferred sharing destinations by navigating to the settings within the camera app. However, with the recent update, users must now access the Photos app to share images, which is less convenient than the previous method. In addition to the removal of the Social Share feature, Pixel Camera 9.9 introduces a redesigned look for the 3, 5, and 10-minute timers.
The updated design enhances the visibility of the timer numbers, moving from a white font on a black background to black numbers against a white backdrop inside a stopwatch icon. This change aims to make it easier for users to view the timer settings. Furthermore, the Education Hub feature, which was expected as part of the June Pixel Feature Drop, is also missing from this update. The Education Hub was intended to provide users with guidance by tapping a question mark in the viewfinder to access photography tips and instructions for various modes.
Overall, the recent changes to the Pixel Camera app have raised concerns among users, particularly with the removal of the Social Share feature, making sharing photos less effortless than before.