Google started shipping its much-talked about Pixel phones in India, two days ago. For the ones who have already ordered the device, here is something that you need to know. A Reddit thread has recently unleashed an issue with the camera lens in select units of Google Pixel phones. Folks at Google have also acknowledged the problem, and it is tagged under the name of "Halo Effect," which could be a software glitch. Pixel users can expect an update soon.
Many times we notice Halo Effect when shooting under the sun. However, smartphone cameras are not readily susceptible to such lens flare where light source hits the camera at a particular angle forming a rainbow effect. Some units of Google Pixel phones are somewhat more prone to this problem due to a software shortcoming in the camera app.
It took two hours for Google to reply to the Reddit thread and assure users with a fix. One of the Google employees IsaacOnCamera responded to user queries and explained the issue. He said,“The Pixel camera’s lens structure is highly controlled – this means that all Pixels take high-quality images, but it also means all Pixels have the same flare characteristics.” IsaacOnCamera also assured users that Google is working on an algorithm to stop the Halo Effect from appearing in final photos.
Google is planning to integrate the new algorithm into HDR+ feature, which will deduct the flare from appearing in the final images. It could also mean that users might have to use HDR+ mode to avoid the Halo Effect. Whatever may be the final solution, but for a phone that costs more than 50k in the Indian market - Things should run smooth especially for the frequently used features.
