Most of the time, we execute APK teardowns by comparing the code of older app versions to an updated version. Newly released apps can hold juicy information too, though. We've quickly taken apart Google's newly released camera app and discovered a few tidbits worth mentioning.

Our primary target for this teardown is the strings file. This file holds a wealth of strings not yet revealed in the interface that look like they'll bring missing features back and add some new ones, too.

Photo Sphere Live Wallpaper

One of the most exciting finds in the strings file is reference to "featured" photo spheres, and displaying photo spheres as live wallpapers. There's not much information to go on, but it seems as though Google may start promoting the photo sphere feature from within the actual camera app.

<string name="photosphere_wallpaper_description">Displays photo spheres as a Live Wallpaper.</string>

<string name="select_featured_photosphere">Featured Photo Spheres</string>

<string name="select_featured_photosphere_description">Select one of our featured Photo Spheres.</string>

There's also a relevant PhotoSphereWallpaperPreferences activity, along with a colored photo sphere wallpaper to accompany the interface.

Advanced Camera, Time Lapse, Wide Angle Mode

Next up, more shooting modes. Currently, users can choose from photo sphere, panorama, lens blur, camera, and video. But there are three others hiding in the code - Advanced Camera Mode, Time Lapse Mode, and Wide Angle Mode. Time lapse and wide angle already have their own iconography.

<string name="mode_craft_desc">Switch to Advanced Camera Mode</string>

<string name="mode_advanced_camera_desc">Switch to Advanced Camera Mode</string>

<string name="mode_timelapse_desc">Switch to Timelapse Mode</string>

<string name="mode_wideangle_desc">Switch to Wideangle Mode</string>

Presumably, wide angle mode would allow for actual 16:9 capture, while time lapse mode has strings for capture intervals all the way up to 24 hours. Advanced camera mode is less clear, but there are more strings related to more fine-tuned shooting, including white balance settings that were present in the old app.

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_default">auto</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_title">White balance</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_label">WHITE BALANCE</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_entry_auto">Auto</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_entry_incandescent">Incandescent</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_entry_daylight">Daylight</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_entry_fluorescent">Fluorescent</string>

<string name="pref_camera_whitebalance_entry_cloudy">Cloudy</string>

Also of interest is a selection of "focus modes," which would calibrate the camera's focusing for specific tasks including macro shooting and "infinity," which would keep the entire depth of the scene in focus.

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_title">Focus mode</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_entry_auto">Auto</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_entry_infinity">Infinity</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_entry_macro">Macro</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_label_auto">AUTO</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_label_infinity">INFINITY</string>

<string name="pref_camera_focusmode_label_macro">MACRO</string>

There are also "scene" settings, including Action, Night, Sunset, and Party, along with a timer mode that can be set for up to 15 seconds.

Video Effects

Users may also remember the ability to take photos while shooting video - the feature isn't present in the new camera app, but there is a string for it.

<string name="video_snapshot_hint">Touch to take photo while recording.</string>

There are strings related to what appear to be video effects as well, allowing for "silly faces," and background replacement.

<string name="effect_silly_faces">SILLY FACES</string>

<string name="effect_background">BACKGROUND</string> ... <string name="effect_goofy_face_squeeze">Squeeze</string>

<string name="effect_goofy_face_big_eyes">Big eyes</string>

<string name="effect_goofy_face_big_mouth">Big mouth</string>

<string name="effect_goofy_face_small_mouth">Small mouth</string>

<string name="effect_goofy_face_big_nose">Big nose</string>

<string name="effect_goofy_face_small_eyes">Small eyes</string>

<string name="effect_backdropper_space">In space</string>

<string name="effect_backdropper_sunset">Sunset</string>

<string name="effect_backdropper_gallery">Your video</string>

Bits and Pieces

Finally, there's reference to a "torch" mode, which would likely use your phone's flash as a flashlight.

<string name="torch_on_desc">Torch on</string>

<string name="torch_off_desc">Torch off</string>

Final Thoughts

That's all we've found so far. If we find any other interesting bits, we'll update the post.

In the end, the first iteration of Google's Play Store-ready Camera app removed a few features from the old app, and added a great lens blur tool along with a slick new interface. As with any discussion of unreleased features, we can never be totally certain, but it looks like a lot of those features may be returning, and more new functionality just might be in tow.