Google Pixel’s Super Res Zoom now coming to ChromeOS

Google’s playing around with the idea of bringing the Super Res Zoom feature, which is a hit on Pixel phones, to Chromebooks. The aim? To give you sharper, more detailed zoomed-in images, no fancy telephoto lenses needed.

Using a Chromebook for snapping pics comes with its challenges, mainly because it doesn’t have all the fancy photo tricks you get on smartphones like the Pixel with the Google Camera app. But fear not, Google’s on it. Chromebook Plus devices are already scoring some cool built-in upgrades, like better lighting and background blur features.

Here’s the scoop: Google is gearing up to bring “super resolution” digital zoom to Chromebooks. This nifty feature, powered by machine learning (ML) and already a hit on Google Pixel phones, is set to give Chromebooks the power to make zoomed-in pics look crisper, all without needing a special telephoto lens. Just to give you an idea, Pixel Pro phones can hit a whopping 30x hybrid zoom with Super Res Zoom, especially when teaming up with a telephoto lens.

Guess what’s in the works? The ChromeOS Camera app is getting a facelift with support for digital zoom and the cool “super resolution” feature. Right now, it’s kinda like a secret in the Dev channel, hidden behind a flag. It’s not live yet, but this sneak peek suggests that Super Res Zoom is on its way to ChromeOS.

Here’s the interesting twist: It looks like this feature is rolling out for all Chromebooks, not just the Chromebook Plus models. While it’s a nice addition, it also leaves us wondering. The camera goodies on Chromebook Plus are mainly geared toward video calls, but now they’re testing out super resolution for photos. This makes us think that Google might have plans for Chromebooks with rear cameras, giving them a reason to throw in Super Res Zoom in ChromeOS.

In a nutshell, this little trial is a big move for Chromebook photography. If they nail it, Super Res Zoom could turn Chromebooks into unexpected champs at snapping sharp, detailed pics, even when you’re zooming in. It’s still in the early stages, but the outlook for Chromebook photography seems pretty bright.

Stay tuned for more updates and the official launch of Super Res Zoom on ChromeOS!