The Portrait photography mode is undoubtedly one of the Google Pixel 2 smartphones’ most impressive exclusive features.
The feature, which helps users create a background-blurring bokeh effect, produces some great results and adds to some already impressive camera tech.
Now, the feature can be added to non-Google Android phones, thank’s to a handy new modification of the Google Camera app, from the helpful folks at XDA Developers.
If your phone is running Android Oreo (we’re aware that applies to far less of you than it reasonably should at this stage) you can install the tool.
Related: Pixel 2 deals
After one member got the feature working on the OG Pixel and some Nexus devices last week, XDA Senior Member Arnova8G2 has it up and running on non-Google phones.
Those include 64-bit handsets from OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi and even the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 if you’re running the leaked Oreo ROM.
The mod can be downloaded here.
Shallow depth of field
Portrait mode features on both the front and rear facing cameras on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, even though neither have a duel lens system.
Google uses a synthetic shallow depth of field effect to compensate and the results are largely great.
The company starts by generating a HDR+ image, then using a technique it calls “machine learning-based foreground-background segmentation.” It then uses a depth-sensing algorithm to help with that bokeh effect.
Google writes on the subject on its research blog.
Have you sprung for a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL smartphone yet? Does the camera live up to its best-in-class rating? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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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.
