Ever since Apple introduced the portrait mode in iPhone, various OEMs have come up with their own equivalent camera feature in their smartphones. But this portrait mode feature was limited to only a handful of devices. Other smartphone users were required to download some 3rd party app from Play Store and App Store to enjoy this feature. Today, Instagram announced a new feature called ‘Focus’ that brings portrait mode feature to hundreds of millions of smartphone users.
When you open the camera in Instagram app, you’ll see “Focus” next to “Superzoom” under the record button. It works both with front and rear cameras. As soon as there’s someone in the shot, the person will stay in focus while the background softly blurs. If you are happy with what you are seeing on the screen, just tap to take a photo or tap and hold to record a video. Yes, Focus mode supports videos too!
This new Focus feature is available on iPhone SE, 6S, 6S+, 7, 7+, 8, 8+ and X and select Android devices. You can download this update version 39.0 for iOS in the Apple App Store and for Android in Google Play Store.
Instagram today also announced that they are rolling out the @mention sticker on iOS. After you’ve taken a photo or recorded a video in your stories camera, tap the new @mention sticker, start typing the name of the account you want to mention and select from the options that appear. Instagram also allows you to edit the sticker, you can rotate, scale and place your sticker wherever you want.
Source: Instagram