As part of its hardware launch event today, Google unveiled a new camera.
Called “Google Clips,” the $249 device is powered by artificial intelligence and can automatically capture moments that would otherwise require a human to take a photo or video. It was designed “with parents and pet owners in mind,” Google product manager Juston Payne said today on stage.
The camera is hands-free and has an attached clip that also works as a stand; it’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
The hardware features a high-performance lens, a powerful image sensor, and a shutter button. The software uses machine learning to detect faces and other recognizable images “so you can enjoy the moment and instantly get shots you couldn’t get before,” Payne said. Clips works with an accompanying app for iOS and Android devices.
“It is important to stress here that the camera isn’t continually shooting and saving pictures, or taking them at set intervals,” BuzzFeed’s Mat Honan noted. “Rather, it is making value judgments about the shots it selects. It effectively acts as a personalized photo editor.
The Verge also has a detailed look at how the camera works here.
Google today also announced new Pixel smartphones; a new laptop called Pixelbook; and new smart home speakers, among other products.
