The Silicon Review ^Asia

Instagram rolls out a new feature called ''Focus'' which is similar to the iPhones's portrait mode feature. It would create a beautiful snap on any smartphone in the market today. The feature allows users to take pictures by focusing on the person and blurring the background to provide a professional look to the picture.

According to Instagram, Focus will be located in between the superzoom function and record button. It is designed to take selfies and rear camera pictures. However, it is currently not available for all the phones but will work in a few iPhone models and Android devices.

To use Focus, users must first open Instagram and then swipe left to access the camera. After that, at the bottom of the screen, users have to scroll through the options to find the new feature. When the mode is selected, users can take pictures by clicking on the subject and Focus will automatically blur the background. Once the photo is captured, it can be added to the storyline and shared with all the users. Later on, it can also be saved in the phone’s memory.

Instagram’s new feature will be able to leverage background segmentation and face detection technology instead of using dual cameras to enable the effect to take place. This would also negate the need to download an external app to use portrait mode on a phone that lacks it.