With the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google surprised everyone last year by managing to introduce Portrait mode on the handsets despite their single lens setup at the rear. Even more impressive was the fact that Google managed to bring Portrait mode for the front camera purely using its machine learning prowess.
Now, a developer has managed to hack and make a custom version of Camera NX that brings Portrait mode to the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and the first generation Pixel devices. Over on its release post, the developer provides all the nitty gritty details as to how he managed to bring the Portrait mode feature to older Nexus and Pixel devices. The whole process does sound easier than what many would have imagined it to be.
The initial feedback about this port has been overwhelmingly positive with most Nexus 6P and original Pixel owners being impressed with the depth effect being applied by the Portrait mode. The app does not work on other Android devices running Oreo but there is a possibility that would be ported to other devices eventually as well. If you own a Nexus 6P, 5X or Google Pixel, make sure to download the modified CameraNX APK from below. Do note that the Portrait mode’s blur effect would only work on a human face and won’t be visible on other objects. The original Pixel and the Nexus 6P still have a pretty good camera and with Google’s famed Portrait mode now available on them, users would have less of a reason to upgrade to a newer device.
