Scanning QR codes on mobile devices has often been a bit of a hassle. While Android has tried to make it easier through Quick Settings shortcuts and camera integration, the small size of QR codes often requires users to zoom in or get closer for successful scanning. However, Google is addressing this inconvenience with updates designed to significantly improve the QR code scanning experience.
Introducing Auto-Zoom to Barcode Scanning APIs
Recent tweets by Mishaal Rahman have shed light on Google’s efforts to enhance Android’s barcode scanning capabilities. The company has introduced an auto-zoom feature to both the ML Kit’s Barcode Scanning API and its proprietary Code Scanner API. This update eliminates the need for manual zooming when attempting to scan QR codes at a distance.
Google has updated ML Kit's Barcode Scanning API and the Code Scanner API with auto-zoom, enabling the camera to automatically zoom in to scan barcodes that are far away. The scanner will intelligently detect barcodes and zoom in so the user doesn't have to manually adjust zoom. pic.twitter.com/yZGjJsrgI9
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 3, 2023
Distinguishing Between Google Code Scanner and ML Kit Barcode Scanning API
Rahman’s tweets also highlighted the distinctions between the Google Code Scanner API and the ML Kit Barcode Scanning API. The former enables applications to scan barcodes without necessitating a custom UI or dedicated camera interface.
ML Kit Barcode Scanning is intended for more complex use cases that need a custom UI. There's an unbundled version that's downloaded by Play Services and a bundled version that's statically linked to apps at build time.
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 3, 2023
In contrast, the ML Kit Barcode Scanning API is tailored for more complex scenarios that require custom user interfaces. The ML Kit Barcode Scanning API comes in bundled and unbundled versions to accommodate diverse integration preferences. Developers are required to integrate the API into their apps before users can access these enhanced features.
As a result, third-party apps using either API will soon be equipped with the capability to automatically zoom in on distant QR codes. Furthermore, given that the built-in QR scanner in Android 13 and later versions utilizes the ML Kit Barcode Scanning API, this auto-zoom functionality could potentially extend to QR code scanning within the camera app as well.
Visualizing the Improvement: Video Demonstration
Rahman’s tweet included a video demonstration of the feature using a regular Android camera. The footage depicts the camera detecting a distant QR code and autonomously zooming in to align with it. While seemingly a minor improvement, this added convenience is sure to be well-received by users seeking a smoother QR code scanning experience.
Looks like my assumption was right: Google is already preparing to upgrade Android's QR code scanner with this new auto-zoom feature!https://t.co/ZpAFnUumCI
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 4, 2023
