Clues contained in the code of the Google Camera Go application suggest great new features for the photo part of future Pixel 8, with a potential sensor change allowing the use of new HDR technology.
Known for their photo qualities, the Google Pixel could take a new step next year. This is what we learn fromAndroid Authority, which echoes the findings of developer Kuba Wojciechowski. The interested party unearthed interesting clues by digging into the code of the Google Camera Go application. These bribes of information suggest that the future Pixel 8, expected at the end of 2023, would support phased HDR.
This technology is not supported by the Samsung Isocell GN1 sensors of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7… which therefore suggests that Google would opt for a new sensor. In this case, the Isocell GN2, unveiled by Samsung last year, seems appropriate since it uses this technology. It allows in the state a real progress on the quality of the shots selected with a Pixel 8.
Pixel 8: more advanced HDR management… for ever more successful photos
As reminded Android AuthorityGoogle is currently implementing an HDR+ process to bracketing (fork shot, in good French). This technique consists of capturing five short exposures even before the shutter is released, then supplemented by a long exposure once the shutter is released. Stepped HDR technology, on the other hand, consists of capturing three separate exposures (short, medium and long) in very rapid succession, then merging them to arrive at the final photo.
Long story short, thanks to Google, we got a clean, unobfuscated version of Google Camera Go, which includes benchmarks that seemingly confirm that 2023’s flagship pixels – Husky and Shiba – will support step HDR. pic.twitter.com/YdaWTlGznN
— Kuba Wojciechowski⚡ (@Za_Raczke) December 19, 2022
Developed by Samsung, this new approach to HDR capture offers several advantages. According to the firm, the scaled HDR allows both to achieve more vivid colors, more detailed shots and faster capture (to avoid blurry photos and possibly reduce processing times by the ISP). but also to higher energy efficiency.
This HDR mode can indeed be used for up to 24% energy savings compared to the classic HDR of the GN1 sensors used on the current Google Pixel 7, for example.
If the transition to Isocell GN2 sensors becomes clearer, Google could also open the door to even more successful management of shots taken in low light. A credible and attractive prospect from all points of view, but which is still difficult to confirm as it stands: the Pixel 8 will not arrive on the market for at least 10 months.
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