The Halide 3.1 update introduces improved photo straightening, a warmer appearance, and enhanced focus tapping features.

      A few weeks post-launch, Halide is already evolving with new features and a warmer aesthetic.

      Smartphone photography has turned into an overly processed jumble, emphasizing algorithms over authenticity. I recently encountered an Instagram comparison of photos taken with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 17 Pro, and honestly, I found some shots from the decade-old camera preferable. This trend is partly why apps like Halide have gained such popularity.

      Users now favor authenticity, and Halide’s Process Zero mode, which eliminates the excessive processing that Apple applies to photos, offers a refreshing alternative. Recently, Halide launched its Mark III update, which introduced features such as Looks—a collection of film-inspired color profiles—and a comprehensive Photo Lab for editing RAW files, complete with a histogram, a Film tab for grain and vignetting, and the ability to import RAW files from external cameras.

      Now, Lux Optics, the creator of Halide, is preparing to unveil the Halide 3.1 update, which will add several new features to enhance the app further.

      What’s new in Halide 3.1?

      Within the Photo Lab, the Frame tab now allows you to rotate and flip images, ideal for instances when you capture a photo in an incorrect orientation. There’s also a new perspective correction dial that operates without the involvement of AI, akin to the keystone correction that photographers have utilized for years with tilt-shift lenses.

      Halide 3.1 also introduces Scarlet, a new color profile designed to highlight warmth and medium-high contrast, with a distinct enhancement in red tones. It’s particularly suitable for sunsets or anything featuring vibrant reds, such as fireworks.

      What else has Halide modified behind the scenes?

      Additionally, Halide has streamlined its settings. User interface themes and icon choices are now found under Customization, and you can adjust compression to achieve a balance between texture and file size. Advanced users can also choose a RAW-only capture mode, although Halide provides a warning beforehand since most third-party apps struggle to accurately handle RAW files.

      Lastly, tapping within the viewfinder no longer alters focus or exposure while in manual mode—a minor adjustment based on user feedback that should make manual shooting more predictable.

      Individually, these changes might not seem extravagant, but they represent the features users have requested, and Halide has responded accordingly. If Halide continues to refine its offerings at this rate, it could very well establish itself as the essential camera app for many users.

      Rachit is a seasoned technology journalist with more than ten years of experience covering the consumer technology sector.

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