Google consistently prioritizes enhancing photography on Pixel phones. With the introduction of Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the tech giant has redefined photo capture with AI. Among the array of features in the Pixel 8 series, the Best Take stands out as revolutionary.
This feature offers more than meets the eye, promising a transformative impact on everyday photography with your phone. My experience over three days with the Pixel 8 Pro confirms this. Let’s delve into utilizing Best Take on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, accompanied by my impressions.
Understanding the ‘Best Take’ Functionality on Pixel 8/8 Pro
How often have you found yourself taking numerous photos with friends, only for each person to remain dissatisfied with the final result? Even upon selecting a photo, there are occasions where not everyone is content with the outcome. However, this is no longer an issue with Google Photos’ innovative Best Take feature, currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Through AI, the Best Take feature analyzes similar shots and compiles facial expressions from each, ensuring a comprehensive selection. For instance, when capturing a group photo or a selfie with friends, moments are often missed due to someone looking away or blinking upon snapping the picture. This can detract from the quality of the photo, necessitating repeated attempts.
With the Best Take feature in the Google Photos app, you can capture multiple shots and later select the best facial expression for each person in a shot, ensuring the best outcome without needing perfection each time.
Moreover, this feature isn’t limited to group selfies but also works for individual ones. However, it’s especially handy for group selfies, where getting the perfect shot can be more challenging.
Using the Best Take Feature on Pixel 8 Pro
What I particularly appreciate about the Best Take feature is its simplicity. Proficiency in photo editing isn’t necessary; a few taps, and the AI handles everything. Here’s a concise guide on using the Best Take feature with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro:
1. Start by capturing several group selfies or individual ones.
Note: If Google Photos Backup is enabled, your photos will automatically sync to your Google Photos account. If not, activate it manually in Google Photos Settings.
2. Open the Google Photos app on your Pixel 8 series phone.
3. Select any one photo from your shots.
4. Next, tap Edit and swipe on the bottom panel in Google Photos.
5. Here, go to the “Tools” tab to find the Best Take feature. Tap it, and AI will start looking for similar shots.
6. Once analyzed, it will present different facial expressions for you to select.
7. Tap faces to see all expressions from various shots compiled. Select the one you like; it should instantly replace current facial expressions and angles in your photo.
8. And that’s it; changes have been made to your photo. However, you can also “Save a Copy” of the edited image.
Here’s a quick before and after photo created using the Best Take feature in Google Photos on Pixel 8 and 8 Pro:
Pixel 8 Pro Best Take Example: Before (L) vs After (R)
Note: The Best Take feature does not function system-wide. Its use is restricted to shots stored and backed up on Google Photos.
Is Google Pixel 8’s Best Take Worth the Hype?
Best Take stands out as one of the coolest recent smartphone photo editing features. However, it’s not entirely novel. Remember when Nokia Lumias dominated the smartphone market with their flagship cameras? Lumia phones, despite the Windows Store drawback, were remarkable and ahead of their time.
Almost a decade ago, Nokia introduced devices akin to the current Google Pixel 8 series, exemplified by the Lumia 925 and 1020. They performed exceptionally well. Tech influencer @sondesix shared this insight on X (formerly Twitter), evoking a strong sense of nostalgia.
I remember how popular these camera features were. They took the tech world by storm back in the day, which is why everyone wanted to own a Nokia Lumia. Now? Your Lumia is probably dead, gathering dust in a drawer somewhere. The point is, Google has a history of killing products. There’s a website dedicated to everything Google has killed. That’s why I frowned when I heard the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were getting 7 years of software support. Can Google stick to its promise?
The Best Take feature is, without a doubt, a remarkable camera addition that eliminates the need to search for the perfect photo. Why search when you can effortlessly create one in seconds? My encounter with Google Photos’ Best Take feature was impressive, leaving me astounded by its precision. It raises the question: could Skynet become a reality sooner than we think? The feature’s excellence is such that it seamlessly swaps facial expressions in photos, rendering Adobe Photoshop almost obsolete.
Yet, it ultimately hinges on how much you intend to utilize these AI capabilities. Pixel phones have consistently prioritized delivering the ultimate Android experience and unmatched camera performance. If that’s what you seek, there’s nothing comparable in today’s smartphone market. Embracing these phones requires a leap of faith. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments regarding your fascination with the latest Google Pixel 8 series and its AI photo editing features.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
