A new phone from Google is going to come, so it is understood that we are going to get many new features. As the Google Pixel 9 series was launched on August 13 in India at the Made by Google 2024 event. The launch of this phone has ended the wait and impatience of many people. Talking about the specs of the phone, you must have come to know about it, but this new phone has a new feature which people are liking very much. By the way, this new feature has been named "Add Me" and in this blog we will know about this new feature.
The Pixel 9 game-changing feature "Add Me," designed for those moments when you want everyone, including the photographer, in a group shot but don't have anyone to take the picture. This innovative tool merges two photos, seamlessly combining them so it looks like everyone was in the frame from the start. However, tech enthusiasts have discovered that with some tweaking, this feature isn't entirely exclusive to the Pixel 9 series—it can also run on the Pixel 8 Pro!
How "Add Me" Works
The "Add Me" feature accomplishes this by capturing two different pictures, one of the group minus the photographer, and then a picture of the photographer standing in the spot they're supposed to be in the picture. Once you have taken both pictures, Google's AI and AR technologies combine the two pictures and have the appearance that everyone was there from the beginning.
This can be particularly useful when you are walking alone on a hike or want the benefits of a memorable picture without having to find someone to take a picture for you at the event. For example, you would be able to take a family photograph that is memorable on your trip to the beach or camping site taking the picture yourself of a family gathering, using "Add Me" makes sure everyone enjoys the photograph without anyone being excluded.
How to Use the 'Add Me' Feature
With the introduction of the Google Pixel 9, you will no longer need to be the person out of the pictures in your group photos simply because you were behind the camera. Thanks to a new feature called ‘Add Me,’ you can combine two different images with ease so everyone, including the person behind the lens, get's in the action. Here are the directions to use this great feature:
Ensure Your Software Is Up to Date for that Settings > System > Software Updates.
Also, make sure your Pixel Camera app is updated via the Play Store.
Once your phone is ready, open the Camera app.
Select the ‘Add Me’ Feature
Have everyone except the photographer stand in the frame.
Leave space for the photographer to be in the shot later.
Snap the first photo.
Now, swap places with someone in the group, handing them the phone.
Stand in the frame where you want to appear in the final shot.
Snap the second image with you in the frame.
The ‘Add Me’ feature will automatically stitch the two photos together using AI and augmented reality.
You’ll find the merged image in your Google Photos app, where it will appear as if everyone was in the shot from the beginning. No more awkwardly missing out on group photos!
How to Enable "Add Me" on Pixel 8 Pro
While Google initially made the "Add Me" feature available only on the Pixel 9 devices, users have found a workaround. If you own a Pixel 8 Pro, here's what you need to do:
Install Pixel Camera APK 9.5.118: This newer version contains the necessary software for enabling the feature.
Root Your Phone: This is the tricky part. You'll need to root your device and activate the Cottage__cottage_enabled flag to unlock the feature. Rooting allows deeper system access, so proceed with caution if you're not familiar with it.
Google AR Core Services: This service plays a crucial role in ensuring the feature functions smoothly by using augmented reality (AR) to combine two images into one.
Once enabled, "Add Me" works like a charm on the Pixel 8 Pro, just as it does on the Pixel 9 series.
While the feature is smooth on the Pixel 9 and 8 Pro, we did try to extend it to older models like the Pixel 6. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9's "Add Me" libraries turned out to be incompatible with older devices like the Pixel 6, suggesting hardware limitations.
Even though "Add Me" is just available on the Pixel 9 series (and unofficially for the Pixel 8 Pro), Google may supply it to older Pixel models in the next Pixel Feature Drop. Google consistently brings some new features over to its older Pixel phones, so Pixel 6 and 7 users will have to wait.
A Fun New Way to Take Group Photos
Not only does Add Me bring convenience, but it also infuses an aspect of enjoyment to group photographs. In fact, if you feel adventurous enough, it is possible to take a photo with two pictures of the same person (think "Parent Trap"). Nevertheless, Google’s AI may pick up this and leave only one rendition of you in the ultimate image. When this works though, the outcomes are awe-inspiring. Whether you are the proud owner of a Pixel 9 or simply discovered the secret to the Pixel 8 Pro trick, the "Add Me" utility changes how we engage with group photos there will no longer be an awkward decision about who will get left out of the shot, begging a stranger to help, or relying on the gods of timing to get a perfect shot - all simply amazing, spectral-powered group images every single time.
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