Google introduced the ‘Add Me’ feature in the Pixel Camera app in the Pixel 9 series phones, alongside other AI features like Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio. This feature is apt for situations where you want to include the person taking a group photo or someone else.
For example, a person takes a picture of everyone in the group. Then, someone else takes a picture of the person who captured the original group picture in the same background. Your Pixel 9 series phone will use on-device AI to seamlessly merge the two images to ensure that everyone becomes part of the group photo.
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How This Feature Can Be Useful
The ‘Add Me’ feature is a game-changer for capturing group photos at family gatherings, friends’ get-togethers, or team-building activities. Otherwise, you have to settle for a selfie or leave the person taking the picture out of the shot. With the ‘Add Me’ feature, you can easily take full group photos that include everyone, and no one gets left out.
- Whether it’s a family reunion or a night out with friends, this feature allows you to capture perfect group photos without excluding the photographer.
- Ideal for small group travel, the ‘Add Me’ feature enables you to capture stunning scenery with everyone in the group, without needing a tripod or a stranger’s help.
- For some creative photography, you can also use the ‘Add Me’ feature to create artistic shots by allowing the same person to appear multiple times in different poses within the same frame.
How to Use ‘Add Me’ With Group Photos on Pixel Phones
At the time of writing in August 2024, the ‘Add Me’ feature is exclusive to the Pixel 9 series. Since it relies on on-device AI, this feature may not work on older Pixel models. Also, make sure your phone runs the latest Pixel Camera app version.
1. Open the Add Me Option: In the Pixel Camera app, ensure you’re in Photo mode, and tap on the ‘Add Me’ option.
2. Take the First Photo: Capture a photo of your group members. For the best results, make sure the background remains still and there’s enough light.
3. Take the Second Photo: Make someone take a photo of you in the same background. The Pixel Camera will assist by displaying the previous frame, including people and objects from the first photo, to help align the second shot.
4. AI Magic: After snapping two images, the Pixel will use its on-device AI to merge you with the others seamlessly. Within a few seconds, you will see the combined photo.
5. Managing Photos: The Pixel 9 phone will saves the original images on your phone. You can delete them later to free up space.
Things to Know About the ‘Add Me’ Feature
The ‘Add Me’ feature only works effectively in a bright environment and when the background is static. We encountered issues when trying to use the feature with a TV running in the background or even with a waterfall. In such scenarios, even the capture button is grayed out and will not let you capture the shot. This limitation is common in public places where people typically take group photos. However, this isn’t always the case, just make sure the majority of the background is not moving drastically.
While the results are often impressive, flaws can sometimes be noticeable due to minor user errors. For example, I took a photo of my colleague and then asked him to take one of me. Although he framed the shot perfectly, he held the phone higher than I did. This difference in angle caused some objects to repeat and others to appear transparent. You can easily retake the shot when it’s just two people. But with a group of 40, these small issues can be a deal breaker.
Here’s another example: After taking the first photo, we accidentally moved a chair before the second shot. Since someone was standing behind that chair in the first photo, the final photo had no legs or the chair. In another instance, the feature placed the person in front of others, even though we expected him to be in the background based on the preview. Additionally, his legs appeared on top of the other people, which was funny but not useful at all.
Despite the feature being named ‘Add Me,’ if there are multiple people in the second photo, it will add all of them to the first photo. However, this only works when there are people in both photos. The AI detects people in the images and merges them into a single photo. If there are no people in the second photo, the AI doesn’t know what to do, resulting in no output at all.
‘Add Me’ in Pixel Camera: Final Thoughts
Overall, the ‘Add Me’ feature is a smart and practical use of AI, to easily capture group photos that include everyone. To get the best results, ensure the environment is well-lit, the background is stable, and the framing is precise. However, since the feature isn’t flawless, it’s a good idea to review the output each time to avoid any mishaps with your cherished group photos.