Zoom enhance launches for Pixel 8 Pro, Android 15 QPR1 beta approaching

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Zoom Enhance is now rolling out to Pixel 8 Pro, improving image quality with AI.
2. Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 is coming soon, with stability improvements and bug fixes.
3. Users should consider opting out of the Android Beta Program before QPR1 to avoid data loss.

Google has started rolling out the long-awaited Zoom Enhance feature for the Pixel 8 Pro, which was first introduced during the Made by Google 2023 keynote. This AI-driven feature aims to improve image quality at higher zoom levels by intelligently filling in the gaps between pixels and predicting fine details. This allows users to capture sharper, more detailed photos without making the images look overly processed or artificial.

Zoom Enhance was mentioned in a recent Google blog post highlighting some of the camera capabilities of the upcoming Pixel 9 series. While this feature is available out-of-the-box for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and other models in the Pixel 9 lineup, it is now being gradually released to Pixel 8 Pro devices.

To access Zoom Enhance on your Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll need to head to the Google Photos app. This feature is integrated into the “Tools” section of the app rather than directly within the camera interface. Once the feature is available on your device, you’ll be able to enhance your existing photos by applying Zoom Enhance, which processes the image for a few seconds and then allows you to compare the improved version with the original.

Currently, the latest version of Google Photos (v6.95) is rolling out through the Google Play Store. However, the Zoom Enhance feature might not appear immediately, as its activation seems to be controlled by a server-side switch. It’s expected to become widely available in the coming days or weeks.

In other news, Google is preparing for the release of Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1, with Beta 4.2 being the final preview before the stable launch. This upcoming release will include important bug fixes and improvements to the stability and performance of Android 15. Google is urging testers who want to receive the final stable public release of Android 15 to opt out of the Beta Program soon. Opting out after installing QPR1 Beta 1 will result in a data wipe, so it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully.

The stable release of Android 15 is expected to arrive in September, with QPR1 Beta 1 following shortly after. If you choose to remain in the Beta Program, you can expect a relatively stable experience with the QPR releases.