Google Pixel update, features: Google to launch software update to fix lens flare issue

Kristinova V. Justimbaste Monday, October 31, 2016

Promotional image for Google Pixel | Google

Google's latest smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, surprised many tech enthusiasts with its impressive features such as its camera. However, owners of the new unit have reported a few issues with the camera because it gives off a halo effect.

In a review by DxOMark, the publication gave the Pixel cameras an 89, beating the Apple iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The latest iPhone garnered an 86 while the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge nabbed an 88.

Pixel owners have been documenting their experiences with the Pixel camera. A number of users have expressed distaste over the halo effect. Video producer Danny Winget recently posted a photo on Twitter, showing it. He captioned the image, "This Halo effect is weird on the Pixel."

The issues has to do with the excess light that's reflected on the lens. Although the lens flare or the halo effect is often used for aesthetic value, casual photographers who simply want to take a decent selfie might not be too enthralled with it. Google, however, has reportedly been developing ways to fix the issue.

Most likely, Google picked up the widespread concern on the Pixel Community forums. Luckily, the company is already devising an update to remove the halo effect completely. Google employee IsaacOnCamera recently posted on the forum, "You can expect a software update in the next few weeks that will improve the effects of this issue." He added, "We're working on some algorithms that recognize the halo/arc flare, characterize it mathematically, and then subtract it from the image."

According to the employee, the update will be created specifically for the Pixel and Pixel XL HDR+ camera mode.

Sources noted, however, that since the update can be fixed through a software update, the issue doesn't have anything to do with the hardware. Hence, users who opt to have their devices swapped with a new unit will probably come across the same issue. Pixel owners should wait patiently until Google launches the upcoming update.