Apple announced a new feature for their new iPhone at this week’s event, Live Photos, which takes a picture and also records a small video clip of around 3 seconds.
As you would expect, these new Live Photos take up more storage space than standard photos, and it looks like they will actually use around two times the storage of normal photos.
What Are Live Photos?
Live Photos are an innovative feature that aims to bring your photos to life. Instead of capturing a single moment, Live Photos record a 1.5-second video before and after you press the shutter button. This results in a short, dynamic clip that includes movement and sound, making your memories more vivid and engaging. The feature is designed to capture the essence of a moment, providing a richer experience than a still photo can offer.
Here is what Apple has to say about these new photos.
A still photo captures an instant frozen in time. With Live Photos, you can turn those instants into unforgettable living memories. At the heart of a Live Photo is a beautiful 12‑megapixel photo. But together with that photo are the moments just before and after it was taken, captured with movement and sound.
Compatibility and Usage
You will be able to view the new Apple Live Photos on existing iPhones, Macs, and iPads. This means that even if you don’t have the latest iPhone, you can still enjoy the dynamic experience of Live Photos. However, to take these photos, you will need Apple’s new iPhone 6S or 6S Plus. The feature is seamlessly integrated into the camera app, making it easy to switch between standard photos and Live Photos.
To view a Live Photo, simply press and hold the photo on your device. The image will come to life, showing the brief video clip along with the sound. This feature is particularly useful for capturing moments with movement, such as a child’s first steps, a pet’s playful antics, or the ambiance of a special event.
Storage Considerations
One of the trade-offs of using Live Photos is the increased storage requirement. Since each Live Photo includes a high-resolution image along with a short video clip, it takes up approximately twice the storage space of a standard photo. This is an important consideration for users who take a lot of photos and videos, as it could quickly fill up the available storage on their device.
To manage storage, users can take advantage of iCloud Photo Library, which allows them to store their photos and videos in the cloud. This can help free up space on their device while still keeping their memories accessible. Additionally, users can choose to disable the Live Photos feature when it’s not needed, opting for standard photos to save space.
Practical Applications and Examples
Live Photos can be particularly useful in various scenarios. For instance, they can capture the excitement and emotion of a surprise party, the beauty of a sunset with moving clouds, or the energy of a sports event. The added context provided by the movement and sound can make these moments more memorable and enjoyable to revisit.
Moreover, Live Photos can be shared with friends and family, allowing them to experience the moment as if they were there. This can be done through Apple’s messaging app, social media platforms, or even by setting a Live Photo as a dynamic wallpaper on your device.
In conclusion, Live Photos are a significant enhancement to the way we capture and relive our memories. While they do require more storage space, the benefits of having dynamic, lifelike photos make it a worthwhile feature for many users. Whether you’re capturing a special occasion or a simple everyday moment, Live Photos can help you preserve it in a more engaging and meaningful way.
Source MacRumors
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