Google is working on a new range of Android PCs powered by a new operating system called Aluminium OS. While the first devices are expected to arrive later this year, we have already caught a glimpse of the software running on an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook. Now, a new report offers an early look at the camera app Google could bring to this desktop experience.
Android Authority has spotted the Play Store listing for a Desktop Camera app by Google, likely designed for the upcoming Android PCs. The app’s description refers to it simply as a “Camera app for desktop,” and the accompanying screenshots give us our first look at its interface.
At first glance, the app shares quite a few similarities with Google’s Pixel Camera app. It has the same camera icon, shutter button, photo/video toggle, and settings menu button. However, the similarities mostly end there.
Google’s Desktop Camera app keeps things simple
Based on the listing, the Desktop Camera app lacks many of the advanced features found on Pixel phones, such as Night Sight, Portrait mode, etc. Instead, it seems built for straightforward photo and video capture, likely aimed at laptop webcams. This approach makes sense for a desktop environment, where cameras are typically used for video calls or quick snapshots, although Google could add more features before the app becomes available to users.
While it is still early days for Aluminium OS, the appearance of a dedicated desktop camera app suggests Google is actively filling in the gaps needed for a full-fledged Android PC experience. More details should emerge when the first Aluminium OS-powered laptops are announced later this year.