Just like the Android 4.2 keyboard from yesterday, the new and upgraded camera app from Android 4.2 with new features has also been leaked to the public. Unlike the 4.2 Keyboard, however, the camera app can only be installed on the Galaxy Nexus. (Update: As pointed out in the comments, the app should work on any device with Android 4.1 or greater), and only if the device is rooted.
Provided your device meets the criteria, installation isn’t too difficult. The only download required is a provided zip, which can then be transferred to your smartphone and flashed through a custom recovery like any other .zip package without wiping any data. Of course, it is always wise to make a backup before this type of installation, although it isn’t required.
The camera app from the .zip file is the exact same one found on the Nexus 4, and includes the new and improved interface as well as the panoramic “Photo Sphere” feature. In addition, speed and usability have been improved, and word is quality (especially in low light) is better, as well.
Unfortunately, I just sold my Galaxy Nexus and can’t give this a try just yet, but the new features all seem quite interesting. If anyone does have the new camera on their Galaxy Nexus, go ahead and leave a comment with your opinions on how much of an improvement it really is. Hopefully, the official 4.2 update will be bringing the new camera to all Galaxy Nexus devices quite soon, but until then, extracted elements might have to suffice for users who need the latest features right away.
[xda-developers via Droid-Life]
Hey Aaron, you may want to correct that part about only being able to install on the GNEX.
This isn’t specific to a device. I’ve installed it already on the EVO 4G, EVO 3D and the Inspire 4G.
You can put in there that you can only install it on 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 because it doesn’t work on ICS……I’ve tried it
Good article BTW!
Thanks, it has been fixed. I only have a Nexus 7 without a camera, so I haven’t been able to try this out yet. November 13 needs to arrive quickly.
I’m really intrigued by the photosphere. Wanna get my hands on a capable device
What’s different about the camera other than photosphere? Does it focus quicker? (Although I guess that’s more of a hardware issue.)
Yeah me too I’d try on my evo 4g but i lost it last night somehow
Well I guess that excludes me as I am a EVO 3d owner. :’(
The focus on the camera is buggy. I have gotten excellent results with the camera in my Nexus with previous versions, but the 4.2 update tends to defeat what is an excellent camera by providing a last-second refocus after the picture capture is triggered. In about 9/10 tries, the refocus blurs the subject. The 4.2 update has made an excellent camera a piece of junk.