HMD Global will now be able to release Camera app updates outside the Android system.
HMD Global has uploaded its Nokia Camera app on the Google Play Store. Simply named ‘Camera’, the custom app is available on Play Store, but is compatible only with the Nokia smartphones. The compatible smartphones include the Nokia 3, the Nokia 5 and the Nokia 6. Currently, only the low-end Nokia 3 is available for purchase in India, whereas the Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 are scheduled to go on sale by this month.
Talking about the Camera app, the description on Play Store simply reads “Camera application for Nokia phones”. There are three screenshots shared giving a peek into the app. The first includes a sample photo being captured and the features available include selfie or rear camera mode, timer, HDR and flash. The screenshot for video mode shows only flash as a feature. Under Settings, the different tools include Compass, Compass tag, Altitude, Altitude tag, Spirit level, and Grid. These tools can be toggled on and off.
Note that this isn’t any special camera app for editing or applying effects on photos. This is the custom Camera app available on Nokia smartphones. The main purpose it serves by publishing the app on Play Store is the ease of rolling out updates. When custom apps like Camera, Music Player, and Notes need to be updated for a new a bug fix, performance improvements and more, manufacturers need to update the OS like Android 7.0 Nougat, as a whole. ALSO READ: Nokia 3 to receive Android 7.1.1 Nougat update by August-end: HMD Global
But with the app being available on Play Store, manufacturers will be able to update it if needed, outside the Android system. Updates, bug fixes and features on the Camera app can be rolled out separately on Play Store without affecting the OS altogether. The current version of Nokia’s Camera app is 6.0080.07 and the update brings software fixes and improvements. ALSO READ: Nokia 8 leaked press render reveals design, dual-rear cameras with Carl ZEISS optics
Speaking about cameras on Nokia’s smartphones, it would possibly regain the camera crown as HMD Global recently announced its partnership with Carl ZEISS. Nokia’s old smartphones were known to be a first in featuring Carl Zeiss optics, a 5-megapixel smartphone camera, and optical image stabilization as well. With this partnership, future Nokia smartphones are expected to come with impressive camera optics and battle the many frontrunners present now. RELATED: HMD Global announces partnership with ZEISS optics for future Nokia smartphones