Pixel owners get behind the scenes look at 'Isle of Dogs' movie in VR

If you’re a Google Pixel owner (either generation) and are a fan of Wes Anderson, you’ll want to hear about this latest news from the company. Owners of these Google-branded devices get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage of the stop-motion film Isle of Dogs. The film is set in Japan and follows around a boy who goes on an epic adventure to find his dog.

The movie itself comes out at the end of March but for now Google Pixel owners just need to hop onto the Google Spotlight Stories app to access 360-degree virtual reality experience of the film. It’s advisable to use a Daydream View headset to get the full experience. On March 2, Isle of Dogs Behind the Scenes in VR will be available in VR, 360, and 2D via YouTube VR and Fox Searchlight YouTube app as well as any platform that supports YouTube VR app.

Source: Android Authority

Google offers some ‘loyal Nexus owners’ in the US up to $200 off Pixel 2 phones

Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Google seems to be offering some handpicked “loyal Nexus owners” a great deal that might entice them to get Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL phones. News about the deal was spotted on Reddit after a number of users got an email with the subject line “20% off Pixel 2, just for you.” The first line of the email says this is Google’s way of saying thank you to Nexus users. The deal will can be redeemed until the end of the month via Google’s online store. The savings can be applied to all Pixel 2 models. However, as mentioned in the story’s title it seems to only be available in the US. And not all Nexus users seem to be getting it, not even those who’ve had multiple Nexus are guaranteed to have gotten the offer.

Source: Android Authority

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.

Camera NX brings Pixel 2’s portrait mode to older Pixel and Nexus devices

You might not have the budget to get the Pixel 2 but if you own the first-gen Pixel, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X, you can still get access to the new Google devices’ portrait mode. Developer Charles Chow updated his Camera NX app to include the feature. Version 7.3 of the app will let you achieve what the new Pixel devices can do. All you need to do is open the hamburger menu and choose portrait mode and you’re good to go. If you want to read the technical bits of how he pulled this off, you can through this link.