Google Pixel 2 Software Tidbits: Camera has “Face Retouching” and “Motion Photo” Mode

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We’re just 2 days away from the official announcement of the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. As we near the announcement, we are hearing and seeing more information about the upcoming devices. New renders today show off the design of the Pixel 2 XL, confirming the presence of dual stereo speakers as we previously reported. Pretty much everything that can be leaked about them has been leaked. While we know about most of the major new software features of the upcoming Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL—such as the always-on ambient display mode and the squeezable frame—there are still a few minor features left to uncover.

Before we dive headfirst into the Pixel 2 official release news cycle, we wanted to share with you perhaps the last bit of information our source shared with us about the software found on the two phones. These two features are fairly minor and only concern the Google Camera app.

First, there is purportedly a “face retouching” feature, which is likely to be an automatic algorithm that cleans up blemishes and other imperfections from your skin before snapping a selfie. This feature sounds a lot like a “beauty mode” that has been a staple of many smartphones sold in Asian markets, so we don’t expect much innovation from this feature.

Second, there is a new “motion photo” feature. From the feature’s description:

When motion is on, each photo you take could include a short video before and after the shot. The video may be included when you share the photo.

Judging by this description, the feature reminds me of iOS Live Photos.

We’re pretty excited about the upcoming Google Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL announcement. Join us on October 4th for coverage of the Google event. The easiest way to read the latest posts on the XDA Portal is to use the XDA Labs app.