Google is testing a new one-touch video enhancement feature that runs locally on the device.
Google is currently in the process of testing a new one-tap enhancement tool that would make it much easier to improve the look of video recordings with Google Photos.
According to app expert AssembleDebug, working with Android Authority, the latest version (6.81.0.628906483) of the Google Photos Android app adds code for a new one-tap video enhancement feature that will automatically adjust a video's brightness, contrast, saturation and “other qualities” to improve its appearance.
The feature is not yet available for use, but AssembleDebug was able to manipulate some hidden software flags to enable it and test it out. According to the report, the new feature “takes some time,” depending on the length of the video. Unlike the Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive Video Boost feature, it processes everything locally on the device rather than in the Cloud. After processing, the enhanced video can be saved as a copy, leaving the original video intact.
When enabled, the feature announces itself with a pop-up declaring, “New! Enhance your video with one tap” above a familiar magic wand icon toward the bottom of the screen.
The ability to enhance video in this way mirrors the similar “Enhance” feature that has long been available for still photos. If Google can noticeably improve the quality of recorded video without the hassle of manual editing, it will likely prove very popular.
Based on a single result published in the original report, the unreleased feature does indeed significantly improve saturation and contrast with a single tap.
Unlike the Video Boost, the new feature doesn’t require any specific hardware and is, therefore, likely to be made available for all devices, according to AssembleDebug. It’s also likely to be significantly less powerful as, unlike Video Boost, it doesn’t rely on selecting the enhanced mode beforehand and recording in a different, higher-quality format. The flexibility of being able to work with any video is the key benefit here.
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