mobile photography Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Google details its future Android 16 plans this year, and highlights new features

Google's developer blog details the upcoming Android 16 SDK release, set for a significant update in Q4 2025, with a Q3 update introducing the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The official launch of Android 16 on June 10 includes features such as "outline text" for Accessibility settings, Adaptive Apps for foldable devices, and consistent progress notifications. Beta testers can opt out of the program to receive the stable version if they haven't joined the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. Key enhancements focus on app experiences on larger displays, including adaptive functionality and real-time tracking for activities. Improvements in mobile photography include night mode scene detection and UltraHDR capabilities. Accessibility is improved with the new "outline text," and privacy features include defenses against intent redirection attacks and location masking when pairing devices. Additional performance optimizations involve 16KB pages and updates to JobScheduler and Android Runtime. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch display, advanced AI software, and a larger battery.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Skylum Teams Up with Google to Bring Luminar to Android and ChromeOS

Google has announced a collaboration with Skylum to bring Luminar, a photo editing software, to Android and ChromeOS devices. Luminar is designed to provide an optimal user experience across various devices, adapting to different screen sizes and aspect ratios. The software includes AI-powered editing tools such as Enhance AI, Relight AI, and Sky AI, along with traditional manual editing functions. Luminar is available for download from the Google Play store, with monthly subscription plans starting at a specified amount, annual plans offered at a discounted rate, and a lifetime license available.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

How to Take Photos on Android Without All the Post-Processing Junk

Smartphones now offer the ability to capture RAW photos, which retain all sensor data in an uncompressed format, ideal for editing. Google Pixel devices can capture both RAW and processed JPEG images. To enable RAW capture on Google Pixel, access the camera app, go to Settings, select the Pro tab, and toggle on the RAW/JPEG option. Editing applications like Adobe Lightroom can be used to fine-tune RAW images. ZeroCam is an app that allows users to capture photos without filtering or post-processing, focusing on simplicity with a single shutter button. It offers a trial period, after which it requires a minimal subscription fee. Camera FV-5 Lite provides manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, allowing for greater control over images. It includes features like burst photo mode and automatic exposure bracketing, with some functionalities available only in the paid version. The Blackmagic Camera app is designed for videographers, offering professional controls such as an RGB histogram and image stabilization, and is compatible with recent flagship devices from brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

This Android camera app alternative is way better than what you’re using

The Pixel 8 Pro excels in mobile photography with its advanced AI capabilities, but some photographers seek more control through third-party apps. ProShot, priced at .99, is a popular choice on the Google Play Store, offering various camera modes (Auto, Program, Manual, and customizable settings) and drive modes (Photo, Video, Slo-Mo, Light Painting, and Timelapse). It allows users to adjust flash settings, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and focus with a user-friendly interface, including a unique one-finger zoom feature. ProShot includes an Evaluator tool to assess device compatibility before purchase. Users need a solid understanding of photography fundamentals to fully utilize ProShot's features, as manual focus provides greater control over shots compared to autofocus. The app does not have a free version or trial, but it can enhance mobile photography for those with foundational photography knowledge or a willingness to learn.