Google is actively enhancing user privacy on Android, rolling out new features for its core apps, and introducing improvements in Pixel Camera. These updates aim to improve user control, optimize app design, and provide advanced camera functionalities for Pixel devices.

Android’s New Photo Picker: Strengthening Privacy

Google has been promoting the use of a new photo picker system introduced in Android 13 to increase privacy when sharing media with apps. Unlike older methods where apps could request access to the entire photo library, the new photo picker allows users to select only specific photos or videos they want to share, keeping the rest of their media private.

Despite the benefits, adoption has been slow. To encourage broader use, Google is now pushing Android developers to stop using older permissions like READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO unless absolutely necessary. These permissions allowed apps to access large portions of a user’s media library, which posed a potential privacy risk. Google began enforcing this policy over the past month, following its announcement at I/O earlier this year. By January next year, apps that don’t comply won’t be able to update via the Google Play Store.

Apps that need broader access to user media, like social media platforms, photo editors, or image-sharing tools, will be allowed to retain this access but only after submitting a declaration form for approval. This change is likely to prompt more Android apps to adopt the new photo picker soon, especially as the January deadline approaches.

Google Search App: Simplified and Colorful Redesign

Google has also introduced a visual update to its Search app, making it more streamlined and user-friendly. Initially launched in beta, this redesign is now widely available. The update reduces clutter by replacing text-laden shortcuts with compact icons and a vibrant background, making it easier to navigate.

Previously, the app displayed five pill-shaped shortcuts below the Search bar, each paired with an icon and label. These shortcuts included options like searching from your photo library, translating text with your camera, or solving homework with Google Lens. However, the design was somewhat cluttered and difficult to navigate. The new design simplifies this interface by reducing the shortcuts to just icons, making them more intuitive and visually appealing. This change also mirrors the layout seen in the iOS version of the app.

Additionally, Google is expected to further enhance the user interface with Material You design principles, including a revamped bottom navigation bar, in future updates.

Google Messages: Your Profile Management

Google Messages has introduced a new “Your Profile” page, allowing users to customize how they appear to others when sending messages. This feature builds on the existing Profile discovery, now renamed to “Profile sharing.”

With the latest update, users can set their name and profile picture directly within the app. This profile information can be shared in three different ways:

• People you message: Your profile becomes visible after sending a message.
• Only your contacts: Only contacts will see your profile.
• No one: Your profile remains hidden.

These options give users more control over their visibility within the app. Profile sharing is currently being rolled out across devices with the latest beta version of Google Messages.

Pixel Camera 9.6: Enhanced Features for Photography Enthusiasts

With the October 2024 Feature Drop, Google has started rolling out Pixel Camera version 9.6 to supported Pixel devices. This update brings several key improvements, especially for photography lovers using the Pixel 9 series.

1. Underwater Photography: Exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, this feature enables users to capture true-color photos and videos underwater. Before using the feature, users need to enable it through the camera’s advanced settings and put their device in a waterproof case. Once activated, the camera will display a “Underwater photography/video on” message, allowing users to confidently capture underwater content. Similar functionality was previously available on older Pixel devices through a specialized app.
2. Vertical Panorama Mode: Pixel 9 devices now support vertical panoramas, giving users the ability to capture tall images instead of being restricted to horizontal panoramas. This update offers greater flexibility for landscape and architectural photography.
3. Easier Astrophotography Mode: For Pixel 6 to Pixel 8a users, entering Astrophotography mode, which is popular for night sky photography, has become easier. Instead of navigating through multiple menus, users can now switch to Astrophotography with a simple tap in the Night Sight tab, making it more accessible for night-time shoots. The update also introduces a 5-second timer for more controlled shots.

Additionally, the latest camera update includes preparations for a future feature called “Quick Access Controls.” This will allow users to quickly adjust settings like white balance, brightness, and shadows by tapping on the viewfinder, similar to the old camera UI that placed these options at the screen’s edge. Although the feature isn’t live yet, its strings are already present in the code.

Conclusion

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance both privacy and user experience on Android. By enforcing stricter app permissions, simplifying core app interfaces, and introducing advanced camera features, Google is ensuring that Android continues to evolve in a way that benefits users and respects their privacy. Whether it’s through the new photo picker, the redesigned Search shortcuts, or enhanced Pixel Camera capabilities, Google is pushing Android forward with a focus on privacy, usability, and innovation.