Shoot smarter with Microsoft’s AI camera app for iPhone

Microsoft’s Lumia phones may not be the success that Windows fans hoped, but Redmond isn’t done with smartphones just yet. The company has started to develop a ton of apps and services for its former rival platforms, including today’s new app: Microsoft Pix.

The new iPhone app is designed specifically to out-do Apple’s camera app when taking automatic photos, thanks to the inclusion of AI algorithms for adjusting camera settings, enhancing photos and choosing the best single photo out of a burst.

Smart Capture

You can also enable additional AI-driven features, intended to improve focus, colour and exposure based on people detected in a photo.

People-Centric

There’s even a Live Images mode, which captures live images whenever ‘interesting motion’ is detected. That works even on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which don’t support Apple’s Live Photos mode.

More Fun

Once the photo is taken, you’re free to switch between the original and enhanced photos to see the differences. Microsoft is betting that you’ll prefer their version, and early user reports seem quite positive.

Side-by-Side

We tried it our earlier today and we reckon our images did come out a little better on Microsoft’s app — even if our subject matter isn’t quite as interesting as their example shots. The app takes more time to get going, and the processing time is a few seconds, but white balance seems better and the burst mode is invaluable. All in all, I’d reckon it’s worth a shot, at least.

IMG_2469

Microsoft Pix is available now from the App Store. It’s free, so why not try it out yourself? You can also take a look at our photography accessories, like lenses and tripods, for the iPhone of your choice:

Photography accessories for — iPhone 7 / 7 Plus, iPhone 6S / 6S Plus, iPhone SE

Thanks for checking out the article, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

For more photography tips, check out our recent articles on shooting macro images and taking the best photos on the iPhone SE or iPhone 6S / 6S Plus.