A live streaming feature that was supposed to be exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 series is quietly starting to appear on older Pixel phones. The tool, known as Connected Cameras, gives users more flexibility during live streams by letting them connect a second Pixel phone or even a GoPro as an extra camera. In practice, that means creators can switch between multiple angles in real time.
Interestingly, users on forums and social media are reporting that the option is turning up on devices as old as the Pixel 6a and as recent as the Pixel 8 Pro. That’s a surprise, considering Google had pitched it as one of the Pixel 9’s stand-out features.
Key takeaways
- Connected Cameras, which lets you stream with multiple camera angles, is appearing on older Pixel models.
- Google originally said the feature was exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.
- Owners of the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 Pro are now seeing it in their settings.
- It works with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
- The rollout is probably tied to a software update, possibly one of Google’s Pixel Feature Drops.
So how does it work? The setup is fairly straightforward. Your main Pixel phone acts as the “host,” while the second device, whether it’s another Pixel or a GoPro, becomes the secondary camera. The two connect over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and once you’re live, you can flip between the different angles with a tap. It’s easy to see how this could make a livestream feel more polished, whether you’re vlogging, showing off a product, or even recording an interview.
When Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series, it emphasized that Connected Cameras was powered by the new Tensor G4 chip. But the fact that the feature runs on older devices using the Tensor G2 and G3 suggests it doesn’t actually need the latest silicon to perform well. That’s good news for Pixel owners who don’t want to upgrade just to try out new camera tools.
Google has a bit of a pattern here. The company often rolls out software features first on its newest phones, then gradually extends them to older devices through its Pixel Feature Drops. This not only lets Google test things on a smaller scale before a wider release but also keeps existing phones feeling fresh for longer. Seeing Connected Cameras show up on the Pixel 6a, 7, and 8 Pro fits right into that approach.
That said, if you look at Google’s official support page, it still lists the Pixel 9 series as the only models that officially support the feature. Even so, screenshots and confirmations from users tell a different story. One Reddit post from a Pixel 8 Pro owner showed the new toggle in settings, while others in Telegram groups have spotted it on Pixel 6a and Pixel 7 units running Android beta builds.
In many ways, this rollout highlights Google’s ongoing effort to add value to older hardware through software updates. It shows how much mileage you can get out of a phone long after its launch. And for creators, having access to multi-angle live streaming on older Pixels could open the door to more creative, professional-looking content without the need for extra gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Connected Cameras feature?
A. The Connected Cameras feature lets you use a second device, like another Pixel phone or a GoPro, as an external camera to capture different angles during a live stream.
Q. Which older Pixel phones are getting this feature?
A. The feature has been reported to appear on Google Pixel devices from the Pixel 6a to the Pixel 8 Pro.
Q. How does the Connected Cameras feature work?
A. The main Pixel phone acts as the host, and the second device connects to it via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to provide a separate camera feed.
Q. Is this feature available for all live streaming apps?
A. Based on user reports, the feature works with major live streaming platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Q. Is this an official feature for older phones yet?
A. While Google’s official documentation still lists the feature as a Pixel 9 exclusive, user reports confirm it is being rolled out to older devices through software updates.
