At Google I/O 2022, Google announced a host of new features that will improve how efficiently third-party apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and others use the camera and video functions on Android smartphones. The tech giant is also making significant changes to the camera functionality on Android 13 to ensure the output images replicate the preview you see before capturing that image.
Third-party apps to use full video capabilities Google’s Camera2 API and the CameraX Jetpack library act as a bridge between the camera hardware and third-party apps that use the camera. This includes allowing apps to use all cameras and functions such as using all rear camera sensors as one logical sensor to enable seamless switching between sensors for zooming in and out and using different camera functions such as bokeh effect, noise suppression, focus metering, and exposure compensation.
For example, you will now be able to capture videos for your Instagram Stories using the telephoto or the ultrawide camera on the smartphone, or even switch from the telephoto to the primary camera — or vice versa — in between capturing the video. If your smartphone natively supports portrait video, you can also use that feature while recording videos using third-party apps.
Now, Google is changing that approach and adding a layer of default Google extensions. If a manufacturer does not provide specific extensions for a device, then Google’s software-based implementation can replace them and allow the most critical camera features to be utilized by other apps. More importantly, this will enable low-end devices to offer a better camera experience when used with apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, etc.