Pixel Fold mockup on Galaxy Z Fold 3

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
  • Google Camera version 8.6 has been released alongside the Pixel 6a. 
  • A teardown of the APK reveals continued development on the Pixel Notepad.
  • A new camera mode has been discovered, codenamed Jupiter, but it's not clear what this feature is for.

It's an exciting day for fans of the brand, as both thePixel 6a andPixel Buds Pro are available from some of your favorite retailers. New software updates are being pushed out with the new products.

The August security patch and likely bug fixes are included in the first day-one update for new owners of the device. The new version of the camera app is from the company. Unlike the Pixel 6a-specific software, which only offers a few bug fixes, the other side of the coin is that it offers more than just a few fixes.

Before diving into the "juicy" stuff that was found, version 8.6 of the Google Camera app adds a new "Hotshot" feature that will give selfies guidance. Theglyph shows a person in the middle of a phone, but it's not clear how the feature will appear once it's available.

Hotshot glyph in Google Camera v8.6

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

The different types of feedback likely refer to a gentle alert that the shot you've framed up should look great and is ready to be captured, according to 9to5Google. At the time of writing, we did not know if Hotshot was available in the latest camera update on our phone.

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"Jupiter" is a code name for a new mode that comes with properly-aligned selfies. In and of itself, this isn't much of a surprise, as Google regularly tests out different features that don't work out. This is intriguing due to the accompanying icon.

Jupiter glyph in Google Camera v8.6

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

The icon shows a device that folds in half and has a swooping arrow on the back. It's possible that "Jupiter" will have a similar feature to the cover screen preview offered by the Z Fold 3. While using the rear-facing cameras, you can still see a preview of the image.

It wouldn't make sense for this to be present since foldable phones rely on the camera app of their manufacturer. According to leaks and rumors, there's still hope for a foldable Pixel, but it's been delayed several times. We have to keep our fingers crossed that it will come to fruition, but hopefully we will see more information leading up to the event.