Source:
https://scmp.com/tech/apps-gaming/article/1995723/microsoft-releases-iphone-app-it-says-takes-better-photos-apples
Tech

Microsoft releases iPhone app it says takes better photos than Apple's camera

Microsoft Pix's simple interface lets your phone identify the best settings when taking pictures

The Microsoft Pix app has facial recognition technology so the camera app won't take a photo if the subject's eyes are closed. Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft is trying to make the iPhone's camera better.

Microsoft Research announced a new app for the Apple iPhone on Wednesday that uses artificial intelligence to take better photos. It's called Microsoft Pix. "It puts the skill of a professional photographer in your pocket," Microsoft researchers wrote.

The Microsoft Pix user interface is simple — almost too simple. It doesn't have any modes or settings. Instead, it lets the computational power of the phone identify the best settings for exposure, focus, and even the exact second to take the photo.

The app even has facial recognition technology so the camera app won't take a photo if the subject's eyes are closed. It automatically takes photos in burst mode and then chooses the best single photo from the batch, deleting the rest.

Microsoft Pix also has built in-algorithms that correct for shaky hands and can turn a photo or video into a looping GIF.

The result, according to Microsoft? Better pictures with sharper focus and clearer color.

Microsoft Pix is free for iPhones and can be downloaded now.

WATCH HOW IT WORKS: