Nokia is giving developers the tools to write Windows Phone apps that lets users do more with their photos, like combine shots taken with the front and back cameras.
Nokia is continuing to bet on camera hardware and software to help differentiate its products, and part of this push is the latest Nokia Imaging SDK beta, version 1.2. The Local Blending API makes it possible to combine and position images of different sizes on top of other images, a potential storehouse of fun for selfie addicts. It can also be used to add badges or stickers to images.
The new Image Alignment API can be used to stabilize photo sequences, including animated GIFs, from minor shakes. That's especially useful on phones without optical image stabilization functionality.
The Imaging SDK 1.2 Beta is compatible with the newly announced Windows Phone 8.1. On Wednesday Nokia presented the Lumia 630, 635 and 930, which will run the upgraded version of Microsoft's OS. They will start shipping this summer. The SDK is also compatible with Windows Phone 8.0, Windows 8.1 and 8.1 RT.
Nokia has also made available APIs that let developers add elements of the phone vendor's music service to apps, as well as incorporate location-based services.
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