When Google announced its new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones it proclaimed the handsets were both rated as having the "best smartphone camera." Some Pixel owners are now reporting a lens flare/halo effect in images and Google has acknowledged the issue and says a software fix is coming.
Although Apple hasn't revealed how many iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models it has sold, free iPhone 7 deals and reports of the company gaining about 8 million additional iPhone sales before the end of 2016 due to Samsung's recall of its Galaxy Note 7, point to better than expected iPhone sales.
As with most new smartphones on the market, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus owners reported issues with phone call audio, which Apple fixed with a software update.
Now, while Google also stands to benefit from the Note 7 debacle, new Pixel and Pixel XL owners are reporting an issue with the one of their new smartphone features, the rear camera.
A redditor posted a message on Google's Product Forums stating that a group of several thousand Android/Pixel enthusiasts have been noticing an issue with the camera on the new smartphones. Extreme lens flaring, which produces a halo effect on images, has been reported, leading some to question if it's a hardware issue.
Google, wasting no time in leaving its Pixel owners wondering if it was indeed attributable to its hardware, a Google rep quickly replied to the message to set the record straight and acknowledge the issue:
"We have seen reports about this "halo/arc flare". This is the specific kind of flare that appears as a bright/low-contrast arc in the corners of the frame."
"You can expect a software update in the next few weeks that will improve the effects of this issue. We're working on some algorithms that recognize the halo/arc flare, characterize it mathematically, and then subtract it from the image. :-) You will need to use HDR+ to see the benefits of this software," wrote Google's IsaacOnCamera.
He also explained that Pixel owners don't need to get their smartphones replaced to fix the issue, as one of the benefits of the Pixel and Pixel XL's cameras is the software Google uses in the new smartphones, which he claims will allow the camera to get better over time.
It's good to know that Google is closely monitoring its online forums and replies directly to its customers. It also highlights Google's new 24/7 support feature which is exclusive to the Pixel and Pixel XL. Customers receive 24/7 technical support in call or chat and users can share their smartphone screen in real time with one of Google's support reps.
If you have a Pixel and Pixel XL, expect a software update soon. Are you experiencing this issue on your Pixel or Pixel XL? Please let us and our readers know in the comments below.
