Smartphone cameras have become a key measure of each new handset’s success, with manufacturers hurdling over themselves to deliver the most powerful selfie-snapping tools. Google is well aware of this fact, and proved it with the Pixel 2′s whizz-bang camera.
It’s not all about the hardware though, ‘cos Google jam-packed their new offering with a schmick portrait mode. The subtle background blurring effect has received favourable comparisons to fully-fledged DSLRs, with fans pleasantly chuffed at the software’s capability.
Here are a coupla shots, provided by Google’s own photography boffin:
Yes, it even works on dogs.
Now, thanks to some aftermarket tinkering, that same software has been made available to folks without access to Google’s premium offering. After XDA Developers member Charles_I recalibrated Pixel 2’s Portrait Mode for the original Pixel, Pixel XL, and Nexus 5X and 6P phones, Arnova8G2 has provided an update which provides the goods to a whole suite of phones.
That offering reportedly means Samsung Galaxy S8 users can access portrait mode, along with users of certain Android Oreo-capable Xiaomi, OnePlus and Moto G5s Plus devices.
We should note we haven’t yet given it a road-test ourselves, but the prospect is mighty exciting for those who enjoy a spot of artificial depth of field. You can check out the files HERE.
