Pixel 9 gets a new update, adds automatic underwater photography mode

Google’s Pixel 9 series has received a significant update as part of the October 2024 Feature Drop, bringing the automatic underwater photography mode to its camera capabilities and other additions. With the Pixel Camera 9.6 update, users can now capture better underwater photos and videos that restore “true colours” while submerged, as per the company. The update is available for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL devices.
To activate this feature, users need to navigate to Camera Settings > Advanced and toggle the underwater photography mode. This mode helps balance colours when capturing underwater images, ensuring more vibrant and accurate shots. Google advises using a waterproof case for optimal results, and the camera will display “Underwater photography/video on” in the viewfinder when the mode is active.
While Google has previously offered a similar feature through a dedicated app and a specific waterproof case for older Pixel devices, this integration directly into the camera app brings a seamless experience for Pixel 9 users.
In addition to underwater photography, the update introduces a vertical panorama option for Pixel 9, giving users more flexibility by removing the restriction of horizontal-only panoramas.
For older Pixel models, including the Pixel 6 to 8a, the update makes launching Astrophotography easier via the Night Sight tab, with a new control pill for quick access to the feature. The update also hints at future enhancements with “Quick access controls” for adjusting white balance, brightness, and shadows directly from the viewfinder, though this feature has not yet been fully enabled.