Low-end Samsung phones will take selfies to adjust brightness
What's the story
Samsung's lower-end phones could soon get a small but pretty useful feature - auto-brightness. Yes, we know that most budget phones made by the South Korean giant lack the hardware to automatically change brightness. But, in this particular case, the phones will take selfies for the job, SamMobile reported. Here's how that would happen.
Problem
Samsung's infamous way of cutting costs
Samsung offers a number of budget phones in India, but in order to do that, the company opts certain cost-cutting methods like ditching sensors. Most lower-end devices - including the J series - miss out on ambient light sensors that deliver automatic brightness adjustments. The feature isn't a major requirement but definitely proves handy when screen brightness increases automatically during outdoor trips.
Alternative
But now, they have found a workaround
The problem still exists but seems like Samsung has found a workaround - selfies. Recently, the company issued a firmware update for Galaxy J8, which adds a selfie-based auto-brightness option. Using this, the phone takes a quick selfie every time the device is unlocked and uses the amount of light captured to adjust brightness automatically.
Train
Still, you'll have to train the system
The feature sounds pretty functional, but it is important to note that it would not adjust brightness on its own - at least in the early days. You'll have to turn the auto-brightness on and continue adjusting brightness manually for a few more days. The phone will compare the captured lighting conditions with different brightness levels to learn and start adjusting automatically.
Privacy
Also, Samsung won't store your photos
The idea of a photo-being taken on unlocking a phone can raise concerns among privacy enthusiasts. But, Samsung has explicitly mentioned that the photos taken for auto-brightness capabilities won't be stored anywhere on its servers, regardless of whether they have your face or not. The company made this clear in a special attention note for Galaxy J8 users.
Information
No word on release for other phones
Theoretically, the feature should work on other budget phones from Samsung, including Galaxy J4 and J6. But, as of now, there's no official word on when that might happen.