Focal

Focal is an advanced camera application designed to provide a wide range of features across various smartphones, tailoring some unique facets to specific devices. It is a successor to the once-popular CyanogenMod camera app and is now available for free in a beta version. As with beta releases, users might encounter some bugs or issues, and constructive feedback is appreciated to help improve its functionality.

The main purpose of this photography tool is to enhance and diversify the photography and videography experience on mobile devices. It incorporates several modes: a standard photo and video mode with supplementary capabilities such as burst shooting, timers, and scene selection; a panorama mode for capturing wide scenes; and PicSphere, an open-source technology for creating immersive 360° spherical images.

In photo mode, users benefit from tools like automatic picture enhancement and composition overlays for better shot framing. Certain devices offer additional settings, including color adjustments, HDR, and manual exposure. This camera tool also enables quick shot mode, allowing users to capture images swiftly by double-tapping the screen.

For video enthusiasts, the app supports the recording of high-frame-rate videos, ensuring smooth playback for dynamic scenes. Its user interface is designed with convenience in mind, enabling gestures like swiping and pinning for widget interaction and access.

As a comprehensive toolset for mobile photography, the app works predominantly on phones but generally should function on tablets too. It is open source, allowing for community contributions and transparency. Users should note that as the software is in beta, more recent devices may provide a better user experience when compared to older models.

Overall, Focal aims to offer a sophisticated camera experience, blending traditional features with innovative options for today's smartphone photographers.