Google activates Pixel Visual Core for third-party apps

When Android 8.1 rolled out to the Pixel 2, it enabled the Pixel Visual Core image processing chip, a hidden chip that promises better processing speed and efficiency for the phone’s main camera app. Now, Google is activating this chip for third-party apps that use relevant Google APIs. This could mean your Instagram photos and Snapchat snaps will get the same improvements as the main Pixel camera gets. As The Verge’s Vlad Savov explains these apps can take advantage of the proprietary HDR+ algorithm and improve photo quality. The update is rolling out over the next few days.