Google is hoping camera tricks can convince smartphone buyers to make the switch from iPhones to Pixel phones.
Its latest snappers already rely on AI to remove unwanted objects from your photos, unblur people in the frame, and recognise (and more accurately represent) a larger variety of skin tones.
Now, Google is offering even more camera and visual features via a new update for Pixel phones released from 2021 onwards.
The most eye-catching new addition lets you capture hands-free photos more effortlessly. Once the update arrives in the coming weeks, you’ll be able to take self-timed photos by raising your palm to trigger the timer after setting it for three or 10 seconds.
This way, you no longer have to rush to get a group pic organised once the clock starts ticking down.
The same goes for when you’re taking selfies: With the timer set, you can take a moment to fix your hair or better position yourself next to a landmark, before lifting your hand to initiate the countdown.
Also included in the update is a new wallpaper feature that turns your phone’s 2D cover photo into a fluid 3D scene. Plus, you can create live emoji wallpapers using different patterns and colours.
Both the camera and wallpaper features will be available on Pixel 6 phones and beyond. You can check out the full list of new features, including an enhanced battery-saver mode and new voice-recording improvements, here.
Google delivers most of its camera features using its custom Tensor processor and built-in artificial intelligence. It also boasts powerful image-recognition technology that it’s putting to use in its Google Lens app.
The Pixel 7 has two cameras on the back, including a 50-megapixel main and 12MP ultrawide, while a 5x telephoto is available on the Pixel 7 Pro. Google also recently announced its first folding phone, the Pixel Fold.
If you don’t own a Pixel but want to sample one of Google’s best AI features, you can fork out for a Google One storage subscription.
That way, you’ll be able to use the Pixel Magic Eraser function to scrub unwelcome objects from your pics on almost any smartphone.
