Google Pixel 4, 4 XL to get better AR capabilities with dual camera support

If you like playing around with Google's augmented reality animals in Search, these virtual creatures might look more realistic on Pixel 4 and 4 XL devices soon. The Google Play Services for AR app has been updated with "Dual camera stereo depth on supported devices." This app is instrumental for unlocking the AR experiences built with Google's ARCore SDK. The two Pixel devices are listed to get the dual camera support upgrade coming out in the next few weeks.

This update means that ARCore will get better depth perception with two cameras, meaning more realistic placements for the AR objects. Google hasn't mentioned when it will be coming to other devices.

Source: Engadget

Google discontinues Pixel 4, 4XL in the US

Google is done selling the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Both handsets are no longer for sale in Google's US store. A spokesperson for the company confirmed with The Verge that the "Google Store has sold through its inventory and completed sales of Pixel 4 [and] 4 XL." And that buyers in the US can only get it through partners who still have supplies. These two devices will continue to get access to software and security updates for three years from when the device first became available. 

It has been less than a year since the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL was unveiled, making this the shortest time for a Pixel phone to be on sale. It also means the company has no flagship handset for purchase at the moment. The Pixel 5 won't be coming out until the fall, while the Pixel 4a is a mid-range handset. 

Google's Black Friday deal slashes $250 off the Pixel 4, 4 XL

Google just launched the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL last month, but now might be the best time to get one. As part of its Black Friday sale, the company offers the flagship phones at $250 off its original retail price. This means you can get the Pixel 4 64GB for $749 instead of $999; the Pixel 4 128GB for $879 instead of $1,129; the Pixel 4 XL for $879 instead of $1,129; and the Pixel 4 XL for $1,009 instead of $1,259.

The Pixel 4 series runs on Android 10 with 6GB of RAM, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. This is the first Pixel to bring a dual-camera setup to the series. It also introduces the gesture-based Motion Sense.

Google Pixel 4's software white balance 'fix' seems to be causing problems

The white balance camera software fix on the Google Pixel 4 seems to be causing more issues than it should. But it doesn't look like it's affecting all users. Reddit user nalrodriguez discovered the problem when taking a photo while his Philips Hue light blubs were set to red. When he snapped a picture with the Pixel 4, the camera tried to auto-correct the room's white balance. But instead of getting a more natural-looking image, it turned the photo from red to yellow. Android Police reported a similar issue where a deep red theatre curtain turned pale pink.

Aside from not affecting all users, the issue doesn't seem to affect past Pixel devices, as well. The same Reddit user shared that he took photos with the Pixel 3 and it didn't have the same issue. Hopefully, Google finds a fix to this software bug soon.

Source: Android Authority