Smartphones use tiny sensors like the accelerometer and gyroscope to know when you're taking a picture. These sensors feel the motion of your hand, and once they detect that you’re holding the phone still, or moving it in a way that looks like you're trying to take a photo, they tell the camera to focus and snap.
Examples
- Your phone knows you're taking a photo because it feels your hand stop or move up like you’re holding it in front of your face.
- When you shake your phone, the sensors detect the motion and know you might be trying to take a selfie.
- Even when you press the screen to take a picture, the sensors help it focus better.
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See also
- How Do Smartphones Know When You're Taking a Photo?
- How Do Selfie Sticks Work?
- How Do Smartphones Know When You're Tired?
- How Does Your Phone Know You're Talking to It?
- How Do Smartphones Know You're at the Airport?