Google adds raw support to Snapseed app for Android

With version 2.1 of Snapseed for Android it is possible to edit raw files. Since Android 5.0, manufacturers can add the option to save photos in raw format. Editing those files was not yet possible with Google’s own software.

Software developer Anton Daubert announced the arrival of raw support on his Google+ profile. At the time of writing, Snapseed has not yet received an update to version 2.1 in the Benelux, but the apk is already available for download. There is support for dng files, which can be made with a smartphone, but files from cameras can also be loaded if they are captured in the dng format.

After opening a dng file, Snapseed automatically displays the development menu for raw files. With Snapseed it is possible to perform similar edits on jpg photos, but raw files are not compressed and contain much more data. For example, more information can be recovered from light and dark areas in a photo.

Also the Google Photos app for Android gets an update. Version 1.8 adds the ability to hide certain people. In addition, face grouping is coming to more countries. Initially, this feature, which allows to group photos of people, was only available in the US. This function does not yet work in the Benelux. The app should also run faster after the update.