Google is preparing to drop a load of new features onto Pixel phones soon to help make the devices “more helpful.”
One of those new features is going to be the ability to create post-snap portrait mode pics. Basically you can snap a photo with the Pixel in normal mode and you can add portrait mode’s blur effects after the fact.
The best part about this for users is that Google says it will make the feature usable on pictures that were even taken years ago.
Google’s computational photography software will take care of all the heavy lifting in terms of blurring the background. All the user has to do after setting up to add the blur is manage the blur slider bar to adjust things to their liking. Then hit save.
Post-snap portraits and other new features are already rolling out
Google doesn’t say how long it will take but it does mention that the post-snap portraits are already rolling out to Pixel devices.
Presumably this is just for the Pixel 4 devices, even though the effect can be applied to pictures that were taken on older phones. Google doesn’t exactly clarify if it’ll be coming to Pixel 3a, Pixel 3, or Pixel 2.
Those older devices are getting some new feature though. The recorder app for example is going to be available on all generations of the Pixel. And the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a will be getting the live caption feature that Google introduced with the Pixel 4 during its announcement.
Google is also bringing the digital wellbeing feature to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL.
Updates to call screen and Duo are coming
If you’re using the Duo app for video calls then you’ll be happy to know that Google is making some improvements to the app.
Things like auto framing, to keep you centered even as you move throughout the call, and machine learning-powered audio predictions for when the call hits a rough patch thanks to spotty internet connections.
These are features just for the Pixel 4 specifically, but there will be at least one Duo feature improvement coming to the Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 series as well. Specifically a portrait filter. After you enter a video call on Duo, you can setup a portrait filter that blurs out the background.
This helps to keep you in focus and just like with the auto framing, keep you as the center of attention. It can also be useful for helping keep privacy of others around you if you happen to take the call in a public place. As mentioned Google has already started rolling out these features, and it should arrive on all compatible Pixel devices “in the coming weeks.”