Some owners of the Google Nexus 5 who have recently updated their handset to Android 5.1 have reported issues with the camera app on the device.
According to a number of reports, the camera app and also apps that use the camera activity appear to crash.
After updating my Nexus 5 to 5.1, I began noticing some strange behavior with the camera. After about a day of my device being on, attempting to launch any activity that used the camera (Camera, Snapchat, Twitter’s camera component), the activity would crash. A reboot temporarily fixes the issue, but after a day or so, it always returns.
The video below shows the issue with the camera app on the Nexus 5 running Android 5.1.
Understanding the Camera Issue
The problem seems to be related to the way the camera software interacts with the new Android 5.1 update. Users have reported that after a day of normal use, any attempt to launch the camera or any app that uses the camera functionality results in a crash. This includes popular apps like Snapchat and Twitter, which rely heavily on the camera for their core functionalities. The issue is temporarily resolved by rebooting the device, but it reoccurs after some time, indicating a deeper software conflict.
This issue is particularly frustrating for users who rely on their camera for daily activities, whether it’s capturing moments, video calling, or using augmented reality features in various apps. The inconsistency and unpredictability of the camera’s performance can significantly impact the user experience.
Potential Workarounds and Solutions
While waiting for an official fix from Google, some users have tried various workarounds to mitigate the issue. One common suggestion is to clear the cache and data of the camera app. This can be done by going to Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage > Clear Cache/Clear Data. However, this solution has had mixed results, with some users reporting temporary relief and others seeing no improvement.
Another potential workaround is to use third-party camera apps. Some users have found that alternative camera apps available on the Google Play Store do not crash as frequently as the default camera app. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may not offer the same level of integration and features as the native app.
As yet there are no details on when Google will issue a fix for this camera problem on the Google Nexus 5. The company is likely aware of the issue, given the number of reports and discussions in various forums and tech websites. Users are advised to keep their devices updated and to check for any new patches or updates that may address the problem.
The Nexus 5, despite being an older model, still has a dedicated user base that appreciates its design and functionality. Issues like this highlight the challenges of maintaining software compatibility and performance across different versions of an operating system. As soon as we get some more details, we will let you guys know.
Source Google, Android Police
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