For smartphone enthusiasts, the term GCam or Google Camera is likely a household name. Typically, users install this application to elevate their smartphone’s camera performance, thanks to GCam’s advanced camera algorithms.
However, recent reports indicate that Google has undergone a rebranding process, changing the name of GCam or Google Camera to Pixel Camera. A visit to the app’s page on the Play Store now reveals only Pixel Camera.
This transition began with the Pixel 8 series, where Google replaced Google Camera with Pixel Camera as the default camera app. Pixel Camera brings a slew of new features to the table, including the intriguing Cinematic Blur, alongside exclusive functionalities tailored for the Pixel 8 Pro.
It’s noteworthy that Pixel Camera will exclusively support Pixel devices running Android 14 or a higher version. This means that from the Pixel 8 Series onwards, as well as in all subsequent Pixel iterations, Pixel Camera will serve as the pre-installed camera application.
However, the alteration in nomenclature isn’t revolutionary. Google Camera was always intended for Google Pixel devices. The reason Google doesn’t offer the Google Camera app for all smartphones lies in the necessity for both software and hardware optimization, making universal compatibility a challenging feat. This app remains a distinctive feature exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones.
In contrast, Google has retained this exclusivity as a key selling point for Pixel devices. The rebranded Pixel Camera promises camera quality that often surpasses the capabilities of other Android smartphones.
It’s important to acknowledge that a robust community of Android users has explored Google’s camera software by creating “ports” that can be installed on a wide array of Android smartphones. Nonetheless, it’s vital to understand that these GCam Port versions exist independently of Google’s official support, and there are potential legal concerns tied to porting the GCam application.
