Google is working to make your photos on Instagram and Snapchat sharper, even in the dark. Thanks to Android 16, a new API will enable an optimized night mode on more devices. This advancement promises brighter shots with less noise, even on older models.
Users of smartphones Android often complain about poor photo quality taken with applications like Instagram or Snapchatespecially in low light. This problem is explained by a difference in camera management between the OS and certain applications, which don’t shoot always party of the phone hardware capabilities. Google collaborate for several years with manufacturers et Meta to improve this situation, in particular by introducing dedicated tools such as the Camera Extensions API, which make it possible to integrate advanced functionalities such as night mode.
With Android 16, Google is going even further. A new feature called Night Mode Indicator API will allow applications like Instagram or Snapchat to automatically detect THE low-light environments. These applications can then activate an optimized night mode to capture brighter photos et more detailedeven in the dark. This API can also informer the user on the light conditions in real timewhich will improve decision-making when capturing photos.
Android 16 expands Night Mode capabilities to Instagram and Snapchat.
Currentlynight mode of the Camera Extensions API is available on a limited number of smartphoneslike the Pixel 6 and above or the Galaxy S24. When the low light conditions are detected, a icon moon shaped appears in the application viewfinder. This allows the user to activate this mode. With Android 16this technology will be improved and extended to more devices. In addition, applications will benefit from better settings management lighting thanks to precise indications provided by the new API. These improvements could allow apps to compete with the native cameras on high-end phones.
Google specifies that this API will work with three levels : “UNKNOWN” (unknown) for poorly identified scenes, “OFF” when there is sufficient light, and “ON” in low light. These advances will not be limited to Instagram: Snapchat, which already uses the Camera Extensions API on Pixel phones, could also benefit. Ultimately, this technology will be integrated into more smartphones. Its aim is to guarantee better quality photos for all Android users.
