HTC puts sdk online for use of the second camera lens of the new HTC One

HTC has put the SDK online with which developers can create effects that use the second camera lens of the One (M8) smartphone. The manufacturer hopes that there will be more applications for the second lens on the back of the smartphone.

The SDK is online on HTC’s developer site, although a login is required for download. The SDK contains two APIs: one that allows developers to extract information from the second lens for use in their own apps, and one for the DimensionPlus file format, which stores image information from the two sensors.

HTC had previously promised that it would release the SDK, although this is a preview of it. The second camera lens is one of the points with which HTC hopes to distinguish itself from the competition. The camera lens makes it possible to store depth information about photos. This allows effects such as blurring the background or changing the focal point of the photo in post-processing. Google is trying the same thing, but without a second lens in its own Camera app.

The manufacturer released its One (M8) in early April. In addition to the two camera lenses, the phone has a 5″ screen with full HD resolution and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 soc. The housing of the phone is largely made of aluminum.