So you can use Google’s Real Tone filters on an Android mobile

One of the major updates to the Google Pixel 6 camera was the introduction of Real Tone imaging technology, with the aim of delivering more natural and accurate skin tones in images.

At the time, Google felt that people with darker skin often didn’t look the way they should in images captured in the smart phone, often with high contrast and washed out, and sometimes even with a green tint.

This initiative is therefore in fact a means of not discriminating with filters based on skin color.

Technology in the Pixel 6 was meant to help in that regard, with Real Tone technology, which aims to make skin look naturally lit and as true to life as possible.

As you’d expect, the tech was exclusive to the Pixel 6 for quite some time. But ultimately, Google decided the technology shouldn’t be exclusive to its smart phonesand added the feature to Google Photos for all iOS, Android, and desktop users to enjoy.

The new filters, called Beach, Honey, Island, Desert and Clay, are gradually coming to devices around the world. Once the update is installed, we explain how to use the new Real Tone filters on your Android, iPhone, desktop or laptop.

How to Use Google’s Real Tone Filters on Android

The process for using Real Tone filters on your Android smartphone is quite simple; Just wait for the update to appear on Google Play and make sure you’re running the latest version of the software, although it’s true that the update rollout is slow.

Once you’re up to date, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Select the photo to which you want to apply the filter.
3. Tap the edit icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
4. Swipe to the editing tools at the bottom of the screen and tap Filters.
5. Select one of the new True Tone filters (Beach, Honey, Island, Desert or Clay) to apply to your image.
6. Tap the filter a second time to adjust the intensity of the effect.
7. If you want to adjust other elements of the image, press “Adjust”.
8. Once you’re happy with the image, tap Save Copy to save your changes.

How to Use Google’s Real Tone Filters on iOS

As with the Android version of the Google Photos app, the update that enables Real Tone filters on iOS is slowly rolling out worldwide. Make sure your app is up to date and follow these instructions:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Select the selfie you want to edit.
3. Tap the edit icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
4. Swipe to the editing tools at the bottom of the screen and tap Filters.
5. Select one of the new Real Tone filters (Beach, Honey, Island, Desert or Clay) to apply to your selfie.
6. Touch the selected filter a second time to adjust the intensity of the effect.
7. If you want to adjust other elements of the image, press “Adjust”.
8. Once you’re happy with the image, hit “Save” to save your changes.

Don’t worry if you still can’t find the filters; As we said before, the rollout is slow and may take a while to reach your iPhone, but it’s on its way.

How to Use Google’s Real Tone Filters on Desktop

There is also a way to access Real Tone Filters on a laptop or desktop using the browser version of Google Photos, accessible via photos.google.com. The editing tools are not as advanced as the mobile variants, but you can also apply filters. Here we explain how to do it:

1. Go to the Google Photos website.
2. Select the selfie you want to edit.
3. Tap the edit icon in the top right corner.
4. The Filters tab should already be selected; simply select one of the new True Tone filters (Beach, Honey, Island, Desert, or Clay) to apply to your chosen image.
5. As we said before, you can’t adjust as many settings as you can in the smartphone apps, but you have limited customization options using the icons on the top right for cropping and editing. .
6. Select Done to save your edit, or tap the three dots and select Save a Copy to save a copy of the image while keeping the original.