The Essential Phone (PH-1) has picked up support for Auto-HDR, as part of a recent update for the Essential Camera application on the Play Store.
Android co-creator Andy Rubin’s smartphone startup Essential has released a much-requested update for the Essential Camera application – the default shooting client on the Essential Phone – bundling a new Auto-HDR algorithm for improved performance and scene-by-scene rendering, as well as support for Dynamic HDR.
We just released an update to Essential Camera App that adds Auto-HDR, a new HDR algorithm that improves camera performance and scene rendering, dynamic HDR and Flash indicators, and various stability fixes. Download it here: https://t.co/zXoZ765GHF pic.twitter.com/sxLcHEHJ5n
— Essential (@essential) February 8, 2018
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a near-standard feature that alters the way the camera processes images. The extent of the alteration varies depending on the device, but you can usually expect HDR to capture greater detail in bright and dark areas. Be warned, though: An HDR image weighs a lot more than a standard JPG.
It’s hard to see the addition of a couple of camera tweaks drive additional sales – and with disappointing financial results last quarter and high-ranking staff walking out left, right and centre, that’s what Essential would have hoped. But keeping the handset updated can only have a positive impact on the brand…in the long run.
Related: Galaxy S9
What Essential is in dire need of is a talking point. At this stage, the only way it can achieve that is with new hardware. Recent reports have revealed that the firm is working on a successor to the first-generation Essential Phone, designed to improve on all of the unit’s shortcomings in order to appeal to the mass market.
Calling all Essential Phone owners! Let us know what you think of the Auto-HDR feature over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
