Instagram’s Android app is hiding a new shutter mode that could herald a forthcoming feature designed to enhance selfies and portraits.
A TechCrunch reader discovered a Portrait shutter mode hiding within the Android Application Package (APK) but it’s not yet usable.
The feature sounds like it may be used to capture the en vogue portraits with blurred backgrounds, also known as the ‘bokeh’ effect.
This is purely speculation on our part, but it could also signal Instagram will offer new lighting modes and filters that could liven up portraiture.
Image credit: Ishan Agarwal / TechCrunch
Apple has pioneered both approaches since launching Portrait mode within the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016. The firm expanded upon this with the iPhone 8 plus and iPhone X, which added new lighting effects.
Of course, iPhone owners are able to shoot in this mode and upload to Instragam, while many Android phones have launched their own approximations of the bokeh effect.
Related: Best Android games 2018
It’s possible Instagram is spicing up its shutter mode options in order to compete with Snapchat and encourage users to take photos within the app, rather than simply upload and edit.
In recent times the Facebook-owned company has focused on adding fun features like Boomerang and Superzoom, rather than those that would encourage more attractive, artistic photography.
Whether the feature is intended for imminent launch within the Android app (or iOS for that matter), or will ever make it to the full app, remains to be seen.
Instagram hasn’t commented on the discovery but, as TechCrunch points out in its report, the company also stonewalled the tech press over the new Giphy feature shortly before its launch in January.
Would this mode encourage you to use Instagram to take photos rather than simply edit using the sharing app? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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.
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.