Most of the new camera features Google has introduced to its Pixel devices in recent years involve AI-based post-processing, but Made You Look, announced at its Made by Google 2024 event on Tuesday, is different: it reaches back through the history of photography to borrow from an old favorite technique: tricking a cranky child into smiling.
Sure, there are plenty of AI features to help you out already, like Best Take, but that's not the most fun part. Following in the footsteps of generations of exhausted parents who vainly tried to make their kids laugh by waving around stuffed toys and making funny faces, Made You Look flashes two cartoon characters to help you get a better shot.
The feature will be available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold next month, a foldable phone that requires a front-facing display for taking photos, making clever use of the external screen.
“When you turn the feature on and open your camera, an eye-catching image of a bright yellow chicken will be projected onto the outer screen,” Google writes. “The image will then be projected onto the outer screen and react to grab your opponent's attention so you can take a picture.”
Google also plans to add licensed characters in the future, starting with Joy, Amy Poehler's character from Pixar's “Inside Out” series.