We’ve all encountered situations where scanning a QR code from a distance becomes a challenge, like in crowded places or when the code is placed far away. To address this issue, Google is planning to introduce an auto-zoom feature to its Code Scanner API on Android.
This new feature will allow users to effortlessly scan QR codes from a distance without the need to manually adjust the zoom or frame the scanner optimally. The functionality will leverage Google’s on-device Machine Learning capabilities for code interpretation. To ensure user privacy, the API will only output a barcode object to the app, with “all image processing taking place on the device, and Google won’t store the results or image data.”
Mishaal Rahman, formerly known as Twitter user X, was the first to spot and report this new feature. It has now been incorporated into the ML Kit Library, which is accessible to developers as part of API library version 17.2.0.
The auto-zoom feature won’t be limited to Google’s QR Code Scanner app only; developers of other apps can also integrate this functionality into their QR code scanner apps without requiring camera permissions. This not only saves time for developers but also maintains a high level of privacy for users.
While there is no specific timeline for the release of this feature, it is expected to be beneficial, especially in countries like India, where QR codes are widely used for daily transactions, especially through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Overall, this new auto-zoom feature for QR code scanning promises to enhance the user experience and convenience while maintaining privacy and security.
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