Google working to offer improved computational photography for darker skin tones, likely to debut with the Pixel 6 series

At its Google I/O event yesterday, the company announced several changes that are coming to its Pixel cameras. Google said that it intends to fine-tune its image processing algorithms to ensure better photographs of people with darker skin tones. 

According to Google, computational photography has traditionally not taken people of color into account leading to a less-than-ideal representation of not only darker skin tones but also curly and wavy hair types. This is of particular concern in selfies and portrait shots. 

Google said that it has partnered with a range of expert image makers and has taken thousands of image datasets to help train for improved accuracy in the auto white balance and auto exposure algorithms. The algorithm is also given an aesthetic feedback to ensure people of color look more beautiful and truer to real life. 

Apart from software tuning, the next generation Pixels are also slated to bring in some new developments including a possible under-display camera tech for the selfie camera. The Pixel 6's primary camera is expected to be a 50 MP Sony IMX700 or IMX766 sensor, and it will most likely be accompanied by an 8 MP periscope camera with 5x optical zoom, an ultra-wide camera, and a color correction sensor.

Google hasn't shared a timeline for these improvements, but they can be expected to hit the Pixel lineup first most likely starting with the upcoming Pixel 6 series. Support for previous generation Pixels is also likely. 

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