If you have not already figured it out — 2014 is the year of fake ‘bokeh’ effect in the smartphone world. While HTC used a second camera to achieve this effect, other OEMs are just using software tricks to achieve the desired results. Even the latest update to Google Camera introduces Lens Blur, which allows users to blur the background behind the subject. 

Joining them today is Sony that has uploaded its Background defocus app on the Play Store for a limited set of Xperia devices. The app will allow Xperia owners to click a photo and then blur the focus around the subject for a fake ‘bokeh’ or shallow depth of field effect. Unlike lens blur and other similarly named effects, Sony’s Background defocus app actually allows users to select the level of blur as well.

The app captures two photos in quick succession with different focus settings and then uses the captured data to allow users to focus on a subject and blur the background behind it. If you own any recent Xperia handset from Sony, chances are the app is compatible with your device.

Download: Background Defocus

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