Enhancing Videography on Android with New Eyes Free Extension
In the ever-evolving world of smartphone technology, Android’s upcoming release is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature for video enthusiasts. The new Android 15 update is anticipated to support an innovative Eyes Free videography extension. This extension is designed to lock and stabilize a specific region or object within the video frame, providing a smoother and more focused recording experience.
Third-party camera applications, which often offer advanced controls and artistic filters, will be able to integrate this feature through the Camera2 extension on compatible devices. This integration signifies a step forward in allowing these apps to harness the same sophisticated video stabilization techniques typically reserved for stock camera applications.
Android’s Camera2 API serves as the foundation for both OEM stock apps and third-party camera applications. It currently supports five extensions, including Auto, Bokeh, Face retouch, HDR, and Night mode, each enhancing the photography experience in its unique way. However, these have been limited to image captures and previews, not extending to video recording—until now.
The Eyes Free videography extension, as gleaned from the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), is set to be the first of its kind that can be utilized during video capture. This feature will allow apps that leverage the Camera2 API, such as Snapchat, to benefit from this video stabilization algorithm.
While most devices’ Image Signal Processors (ISPs) and camera pipelines support basic video stabilization, the Eyes Free videography extension represents a more advanced stabilization technique. The Camera2 Extensions API exists to bridge the gap between third-party and OEM stock camera apps, ensuring that all can access high-quality features like night mode, HDR, and bokeh. With the addition of the Eyes Free extension, Android 15 is poised to further democratize these advanced camera capabilities.
Even if device manufacturers do not adopt the Eyes Free videography extension, Android 15 may offer a software-based solution. A new toggle found within the Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy menu will enable a default software implementation of advanced camera features, including Eyes Free videography. This ensures that third-party camera apps can still offer this feature, providing users with a more consistent and enriched video recording experience across various devices.
As Android continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography and videography, users can look forward to more creative control and higher quality outputs, thanks to these thoughtful and innovative developments.
