Google's Real Tone functionality is now available on Google Photos.
Last year, the tech giant introduced Real Tone with the Pixel 6 series. The functionality helps users capture various skin tones accurately. It uses an updated face detection algorithm that has the ability to recognize more diverse faces in different lighting conditions, which results in a better representation of various skin tones.
"These filters were designed by professional image makers to work well across skin tones, so you can choose the filter that reflects your style," Google said in a tweet.
In the recent I/O, the company said that they have expanded the Real Tone functionality and they would implement Harvard professor Dr. Ellis Monk's scale in Search and Photos to achieve similar results across all products.
Furthermore, Google Search results will also start showing a skin tone selector on specific queries that can help users better refine results accordingly.
There will also be a new set of Real Tone filters that are coming to Google Photos.
These new filters are named: Playa, Honey, Isla, and Desert. The new Real Tone filters will be available for Android, iOS, and the web.
The MST Technology
The Monk Skin Tone (MST) scale, which is created in partnership with Monk is an important next step to improving skin tone inclusivity in technology.
This new approach and scale will let the company evaluate whether a product or feature works well across a range of skin tones. Moreover, they will continue to work with Dr. Monk to evaluate the MST Scale across different product applications and regions.
This will help the company make progress in its commitment to image equity and improving representation.
How to Access the Real Tone Filters
The Real Tone filters can be accessed by going to Google Photos image editor and clicking on the 'Filters' tab. Users will also see a prompt upon selecting any of the filters 'Made with Real Tone.'
These new filters will also allow for more customization options that will enable users to refine their photos even further.
Quashing Racial Bias in Tech
Goole isn't the first-ever company to help address racial bias. Snap also announced in April 2021 that they are re-working their camera software to better represent people of color.
Google calls its project "Image Equity" and is working with outside experts in photography and representation. Some of the changes will involve training algorithms that render the photos on a more diverse dataset. This includes auto-balance adjustments that will bring out natural brown tones and prevent over-brightening and desaturation of darker skin tones.
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Written by April Fowell
