[Updated] Some Google Pixel 6 users not receiving Camera v8.8 update, but there's a potential workaround

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on March 24, 2023) follows:

Google has recently released the Camera v8.8 update for its Pixel line of devices. The update brings stability and performance improvements to the camera app.

Along with this, users will now witness reduced noise in the snaps captured with the help of the Night Sight feature thanks to machine learning technology. However, things are far from rosy.

Some Google Pixel 6 owners (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) are not getting the Camera v8.8 update on their smartphones. Interestingly, only those who have installed the recently released March 2023 update are affected.

Those who have not installed the latest March firmware on their smartphones (1,2,3) are able to install the app update without any problems.

Understandably, those affected are disappointed especially since they were very excited to test out the improved Night Sight feature.

Is anybody else “stuck” with Google Camera 8.7 instead on 8.8 on their Pixel 6 series?
Source

I’ve downloaded last March update, Camera app is still latest version from December 13th, ver. 8.7.250.
Source

Users have even tried clearing the Google Play Store and Play Services cache, and uninstalling and reinstalling all the app updates, but to no effect.

It is worth mentioning that some Pixel 7 users claim (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) that they have not received the app update as well, so it’s quite possible that it’s a staged rollout.

Granted, we recommend you wait for some time to get the update pushed to your devices automatically.

Fortunately, we did come across some potential workaround that may help solve your problem. You can try installing the new version from a bundled update using a third-party installer (like SAI or APK Mirror Installer app).

Basically you have to download the ‘Bundled’ file (not the APK) to the internal storage of your device. Then, use the app installer to find the file and install it.

Having said that, we are hopeful that Google will release the Camera v8.8 update to all Pixel 6 and 7 users soon.

Until then, we’ll keep tabs on the issue where some Google Pixel 6 and 7 owners are not receiving the Camera v8.8 update and let you know when something noteworthy comes up.

12:22 pm (IST): Google Camera v8.8 update is being rolled out in batches, so not everyone will receive it at once (1, 2, 3, 4). Those who don’t want to wait can use the workaround included in this story.

02:20 pm (IST): There are still users waiting to receive the latest Google Camera v8.8 update. However, not all who have received it are totally satisfied.

Some users report that the changes in the update are practically imperceptible (1, 2). Anyway, a couple of users claim that there were changes to portrait mode and zoom quality (1, 2).

Regarding ‘portrait mode’, the update reportedly fixed edge detection and over-sharpening on faces. But, regarding the telephoto lens, it seems that pics with maximum zoom now are blurry and lack of detail.

01:29 pm (IST): A product expert has also confirmed that the update is undergoing a staged rollout.

01:35 pm (IST): According to a Redditor, it’s quite possible that you did not install the APK as a bundle if you attempted sideloading it and it crashed upon starting.

So you can try Installing it as a bundle in order to resolve the issue.

Install the bundle not apk
Source

03:45 pm (IST): The app’s recent update is causing slower performance and occasional crashes, possibly delaying its mass rollout as Google may be addressing these problems.

10:05 am (IST): New Camera update is now reportedly rolling out to more users including Pixel 5, 6a, and 7.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section so be sure to follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Pixel 6.

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