Saving smartphone photos from bad white balance with this new image sensor

The S1 module from Spectricity enhances the accuracy of smartphone camera reproduction of colors and skin tones by utilizing information from beyond the visible light spectrum.

Spectricity, a company based in Belgium, is introducing a new multispectral sensor called the S1 at CES 2023 that aims to improve the color reproduction of smartphone cameras. The S1 sensor, which can gather data beyond the visible light spectrum including in the near-infrared range, is intended to work in conjunction with the main camera system.

According to Spectricity CEO Vincent Mouret, the S1 will produce more accurate skin tones and better overall color reproduction. Mouret predicts that this technology will be incorporated into all smartphones within the coming years.

Smartphone cameras often struggle to accurately capture color and skin tones, especially in difficult lighting conditions. Google has attempted to address this issue with the Real Tone image processing technology in its Pixel phones, but Spectricity is focusing on hardware solutions.

The company claims that its technology is being evaluated by major smartphone manufacturers for use in future devices. As main cameras increasingly serve as short telephoto lenses, there may be room for another sensor. Spectricity predicts that the first phones with its technology will be released in 2024.