Android users may soon find it easier to scan QR codes from a distance, thanks to a cutting-edge feature Google is developing. The tech giant is refining a code scanner that intuitively recognizes a QR code within the camera’s view, zooms into it, and then reads the code. Although not yet available on devices, Google has included it in their most recent APIs available to developers.

Acceleration in Artificial Intelligence has made this feature easier to implement

The innovation lies in the revamped Google QR Code Scanner API. While it powers Google’s native QR Code Scanner app, its versatility allows integration into third-party apps as well. A standout benefit for developers is the elimination of the need for camera permissions. This not only streamlines the user experience but also simplifies the development process.

Google

A cornerstone of this feature is Google’s advancements in on-device machine learning. Instead of simply reading a QR code, the API interprets it, delivering only a Barcode object to the application, a move that fortifies user privacy. Although the intricate workings of this technology remain shrouded, the application of AI upscaling in other media sectors gives a hint of its capabilities.

Mishal Rahman, a noted Android authority, reveals that this auto-magnification trait has found its way into the latest ML Kit barcode scanning API library. This library, available through Google Play Services, hints that Android devices (version 13 and above) might soon flaunt this feature, given their reliance on the same library.

However, questions still exist. Will phones with subpar cameras leverage this feature effectively? And will it be exclusive to Google’s Pixel? As the feature’s rollout garners momentum, we’ll be watching closely, eager to witness its impact on the Android ecosystem.

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