Final beta version of Android 8.1 unlocks Pixel 2’s hidden imaging chip

While there aren’t that many exciting things released in the final preview build of Android 8.1, it does introduce one interesting feature for Pixel 2 owners: unlocking the Visual Core chip on the new Google devices. This imaging chip has been dormant since the phone was released but it looks like Google is ready to share it with developers. For those who are using the correct API, they can use Google’s HDR+ using the dedicated imaging chip. The processor, which was designed by Google, is meant to speed up photo taking while taking advantage of the clean HDR+ images the camera can produce. And we’re happy that eventually we’ll get more apps who can use this feature. Android 8.1 is expected to be released widely next month.

Source: The Verge