Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

That's a shame. I don't use it a lot, but it's contributed to my photographic memories over the years. Quality was never amazing, but it could make for some fun pictures.

A somewhat related feature I miss that Google dropped a while ago is Cardboard Camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.vr....

It basically took panoramas that also included a short clip of sound, which made for some fun "relive the moment" style picture/videos. It's a bit different from video, and was especially fun in the "turn your phone into a VR headset" short-lived experiment to teleport yourself back to a moment in time. They still work in Google Photos and there's still the little cardboard "VR" mode button to view them, although I imagine that'll silently disappear at some point.

Edit: As pointed out below, the Cardboard Camera functionality is in the official Google Camera panorama mode now (under settings when in that mode).

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#5

Post by _chu1 » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 3:58 PM UTC

So they're removing features now? Didn't the Pixel 7 and Fold come out this year? Why is an 8 already out? I don't think there's really been any groundbreaking new technology or chips since like, the Pixel 5. I will exclude the Pixel Fold, because it's at least a new and interesting design, albeit Google not really doing anything special with the foldable design from what I've heard. The problem with the Pixel line is that HTC isn't given enough time to solidify their designs and end up releasing defective/ghetto hardware which is followed by Google scratching their heads and shrugging when bombarded with complaints and issues. My Pixel 1 had serious hardware issues, my Pixel 2 had a 30 minute battery life, my Pixel 3 died one day and never turned back on, and the screen on my Pixel 5a had a complete breakdown but luckily Google fixed that for free and I'm rocking this thing till it explodes. I wish they could give them a couple years between phone series to really make them more special and groundbreaking. Pixel is starting to head towards an iPhone copycat brand and nobody wants another one of those.

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#6

Post by sharkjacobs » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 4:08 PM UTC

sva_ wrote: post #2

It was more of a gimmick with pretty subpar results anyways.

it seemed very of a piece with Google Cardboard

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#7

Post by survirtual » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 4:08 PM UTC

dmitrygr wrote: post #3

Used it a lot. It was the only thing I missed after switching to iOS. Google has successfully made sure that I now have no reason to switch back.

Same. I have photospheres of many remote places and would revisit them in VR. It was magical. I wish the capability was further developed instead of dropped.

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#8

Post by titaniumtown » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 4:11 PM UTC

Sad to see this go. I always enjoyed making photo spheres when traveling to show family members and friends my point of view. It wasn't perfect but it was pretty darn good for what it was!

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#9

Post by modeless » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 4:11 PM UTC

ydant wrote: post #4

That's a shame. I don't use it a lot, but it's contributed to my photographic memories over the years. Quality was never amazing, but it could make for some fun pictures. A somewhat related feature I miss that Google dropped a while ago is Cardboard Camera. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.vr.... It basically took panoramas that also included a short clip of sound, which made for some fun "rel…

The stereo effect Cardboard Camera produced was really good, just with a regular phone without needing any special stereo camera hardware. Shame it's not available anymore.

Re: Google Removes the Photo Sphere Mode from the Pixel 8 Camera

#10

Post by m-watson » Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 4:11 PM UTC

ydant wrote: post #4

That's a shame. I don't use it a lot, but it's contributed to my photographic memories over the years. Quality was never amazing, but it could make for some fun pictures. A somewhat related feature I miss that Google dropped a while ago is Cardboard Camera. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.vr.... It basically took panoramas that also included a short clip of sound, which made for some fun "rel…

Yea, I agree. I similarly used it when I was moving I would take 360 photos of my old rooms or for seasonal decorations to see how the room changes over time. It looks like there are some decent 3rd party ones on the market but we'll see. It was a nice partner to cardboard.