Google Aims to Improve Camera Ahead of Android 4.4.3 Release

Following a familiar path of many other Google apps as of late, like the Google Keyboard and Google Search, we’re now hearing Android’s camera will soon make its way to the Google Play Store for quick updates.

Along with branching off from major Android OS updates and going to the Google Play Store for all to download, we’ll see a slew of new features and improvements across the board. Google’s slowly put core pieces of Android into the Google Play Store to update and improve at will, rather than once or twice a year through major software updates, and according to Engadget the camera is up next.

With Android 4.4 KitKat and the Nexus 5, Google delivered tons of changes and improvements to the stock Android camera application, however it still needed work. Eventually Android 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 arrived which brought serious camera improvements, especially for the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5.

Lately we’ve been hearing a lot of talk and rumors about an upcoming Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. One which aims to fixed a slew of minor bugs, improve security, and once again tackle the stock Android camera app Nexus devices enjoy. Today’s report though, if accurate, claims those improvements will arrive ahead of the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, by way of the Google Play Store.

Read: Android 4.4 KitKat: What’s New in Simple Terms

With new focus effects after you snap a photo on the HTC One (M8) and tons of other fancy camera features from HTC and Nokia, Google’s preparing to offer the same for Android. This rumor claims the camera app will have a new and improved user interface, background blurring effects, improved panorama and photosphere shots, and even a whole new host of filters.

That isn’t all, this leakster claims Google will open the camera up to 3rd party support. Meaning you can import custom filters for some seriously tweaked photography, Instagram style.

Read: Why the Galaxy S5 Google Play Edition is Worth Waiting For

While this is only a rumor for now, on April 1st of all days, it fits in perfectly with Google’s goal of slowly importing all key apps and features into the Google Play Store. This enables Google to issue updates to key aspects of Android (like the camera, keyboard, search with Google Now, and more) all without major software updates to Android as a whole.

These quick updates can be pushed to the Google Play Store and made readily available to all users, rather than slow and drawn out carrier updates. We’ll be on the lookout for more details regarding both the new camera features, and the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update.