Google announced today that they will be turning on the Pixel Visual Core co-processor for multiple 3rd party photo apps, including Snapchat and Instagram.  This will allow these apps and their cameras to take advantage of the powerful  HDR+ algorithm developed by Google to increase clarity, contrast, and sharpness.  The Pixel 2 and 2 XL cameras are amongst the highest ever rated by somewhat controversial camera rater DxOMark, but even critics of that site agree – the Pixel 2 has arguably the best mobile camera in a smartphone.

Allowing other apps to take advantage of this software enhancement will certainly be a boon for those apps, and we hope that more 3rd party developers will be able to use the Pixel Visual Core in the future.  Click through here to read the full Google blog post on this, and you can also check out my brief primer on what the Pixel Visual Core is below.  Pixel 2 and 2 XL users – get excited!