Google confirms that Pixel 2 camera won't get Top Shot feature

Many of the features launched with the Google Pixel 3 have made their way to earlier Pixel devices, including Google Playground, Call Screen, Google Duplex, and more.

However, one feature will not be making its way to previous Pixel devices, and that’s Top Shot: the camera feature that takes a long series of photos for you and then automatically selects the best of the bunch. According to Google (via Android Police), there are no plans to bring Top Shot to the Google Pixel 2, which presumably means it’s not coming to the original Pixel either.

This is interesting because there have been reports on Reddit that users have been able to access Top Shot features on the Google Pixel 2 XL. According to Android Police, this might be because the Pixel 2 can work with Top Shot photos taken with a Pixel 3. In other words, if you take photos with a Pixel 3 and then access those pics via Google Photos on your Pixel 2, you should be able to see Top Shot features.

Android Police breaks down the way it tested out this theory, so give that a read if you’re interested. The important takeaway, though, is that Google itself confirmed that Top Shot is staying on the Pixel 3, at least for now.

With the imminent release of the Google Pixel 3a, however, it’s possible that Top Shot could be available on those devices. We will have to wait until May 7 to find out, as we expect Google to launch the 3a and 3a XL then during Google I/O 2019.

If you desperately want Top Shot on your earlier Pixel device, there is a way to make it work. Head to XDA Developers for tips on this process. Don’t worry, it doesn’t require you to root or otherwise alter your phone.

NEXT: Here’s how Google brought Pixel 3’s Top Shot mode to life