Google discontinues Pixel 5 a few days after Pixel 5a launch

Source: Google

Two Pixel phones are no longer available on Google's online store, and they might sell out in stores soon. The Pixel 4a and 5 have been discontinued by the company in the US. The Pixel 5 is also sold out on Google's online store here. While some retailers might still have them, those are the only stocks available. 

Unsurprisingly, Google discontinued the Pixel 4a. It might be more confusing why it opted to stop selling the Pixel 5, too. But as The Verge pointed out, it might be because the Pixel 5 bears a closer similarity to the Pixel 5a than the upcoming Pixel 6 phones.

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Google Camera drops ultra-wide lens support for astrophotography on the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G

The Google Camera 8.1 update is limiting the use of its astrophotography feature. For devices like the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G, these will lose the ultra-wide astrophotography support, which uses the ultra-wide lens. If you still want to use that sensor, it works with regular Night Sight photos (Night mode for other devices). Your Pixel will prompt you to "Zoom to 1x for astrophotography" before you can enter that mode.

Astrophotography works to help you take photos of the night sky when it's incredibly dark. You'll need to prop up your Pixel to get it to work. It isn't clear why Google introduced this change in November, but it might have something to do with overall image quality. 

Source: 9to5Google

Google brings the Pixel 5's camera app to older Pixels

Source: Google

While version 8.0 of the Google Camera app was initially just available for the Pixel 5, it seems Google is now ready to share its features with older Pixel devices. Version 8.1 of the app has started to roll out to devices as old as the Pixel 2 and 2 XL.

It's not a complete overhaul of the app, but some of its features have been redesigned or reshuffled. Older Pixels should see features like zoom shortcuts and Audio Zoom, which can reduce background noise. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL get access to the Pixel 5's Cinematic Pan video recording feature designed to produce smooth panning shots. The update is in the middle of its rollout, so you might have to wait a bit for it to come your way.

Source: The Verge

Google Pixel 5 screen gaps are part of the design

If you're one of the Pixel 5 owners who is bothered by the gap between the screen and the body, unfortunately, that seems to be intentional. A community representative from Google posted on the official Pixel forums that the gaps are part of the Pixel 5's design.

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