Google is gearing up to potentially introduce a new camera feature known as Astro time-lapse, offering users the ability to capture the night sky in dynamic motion. This anticipated feature is expected to debut alongside the June 2021 security patch update, tentatively scheduled for June 7.

Insights from XDA Developers

The discovery of the expected astro time-lapse feature stems from observations made by experts at XDA Developers. This revelation came following a recent update to the Pixel Tips app, a platform designed to educate users about the latest Pixel device features. Reports suggest that Google may unveil its Pixel Feature Drop update on June 7, featuring a significant camera enhancement.

Unveiling the Feature

XDA’s examination of an unreleased version of the Pixel Tips app revealed a notable entry dubbed “CameraAstroTimelapse” within the app’s tips section. This entry indicates that users with the Google Camera app version 8.2.3 or higher could potentially access the Astro time-lapse feature. The feature’s name implies its functionality—a tool for capturing time-lapse footage of the night sky. Unlike the current version of the Google Camera app, which allows only single-frame astrophotography shots with limited exposure time, the Astro time-lapse feature promises to capture stars’ movements over an extended period, creating captivating time-lapse sequences.

Convergence of Time-Lapse and Astrophotography

The integration of time-lapse capabilities into mobile phone cameras has been prevalent for some time. Similarly, advancements in astrophotography have become increasingly prominent in high-end smartphones in recent years. The fusion of these two functionalities presents an exciting prospect for photographers, eliminating the need for professional cameras and complex editing software traditionally used to capture the night sky’s dynamic beauty.

Caveats and Potential Limitations

While insights from APK teardowns provide valuable hints about upcoming features, it’s essential to note that the final public release may differ from the unreleased version. Google could opt to modify or omit certain features before the official launch, based on testing and feedback. Therefore, while the Astro time-lapse feature holds promise, users should await the official announcement to confirm its inclusion in the upcoming Google Camera update.