Another new feature is the Windows Studio Effects. It is essentially new effects integrated into the camera that aims to improve the video calling experience in Windows 11. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Studio Effects In Windows 11?
Studio Effects are a bunch of improvements that came with the Windows 11 22H2 update. They are completely integrated into the OS and applies to all the audio and video stream from the default camera and microphone on your computer. The new effects improve the overall video-calling experience on Windows 11.
Over the last three years, video calls have become an integral part of our life. It all started with the pandemic and still going on. So, Microsoft is looking to improve the video calling experience while maintaining the privacy of the users.
Service providers are actually working all over the globe, trying and testing new features to do the same. Microsoft went one step further with the Studio Effects feature and integrated the privacy features directly into the camera feed.
The best part is that you can apply the effects directly to your video stream even if the video calling app isn’t providing the features. So, take a look at all the features that came with the Studi Effects in Windows 11.
Auto Framing: Auto Framing is the brand new Studio Effect feature. It is designed to always keep you centred in the video frame, even if you are moving around or the webcam is placed at an angle. It’s nice and makes your video feed look professional.
It is always difficult to make video calls with multiple video feeds on the screen. So, Microsoft made sure the camera always stays focused on you with Auto Framing even if you have to move around. It eliminates all the distractions, and calls look and feel more connected.
Voice Focus: Another great achievement from Microsoft. Even with good quality webcams, audio quality can be shotty. Bad-quality audio or background noise can be quite distracting and, it can prevent you from properly communicating with the callers.
So, Microsoft came up with Voice Focus. It is designed to eliminate the background noise from the audio streams, making your voice clearer. Microsoft achieved this by using an advanced AI.
Background Blur: The most sought-after video calling feature. The feature helps to maintain the privacy of the callers by blurring the background. It’s easy to implement, several webcam manufacturers are trying to adapt it for years, and Microsoft did it in one go.
Microsoft added this feature with the 22H2 update and it can blur the background of any video stream in real-time. Again, Microsoft used a sophisticated AI that detects different backgrounds and blurs them automatically, protecting your privacy.
Eye Contact: Finally, the Eye Contact feature. Sometimes video calls can feel unnatural. Most of the time, this is due to multiple numbers of callers. Microsoft fixed this issue with the Eye Contact future. The new Eye Contact Studio Effect was developed by Microsoft to ensure that you and other participants can always stay in contact with each other.
How to Use Studio Effects In Windows 11
Surprisingly, The new Studio Effects in Windows 11 feature won’t work even if you have installed the latest 22H2 update. This feature will only work with ARM-based computers. Windows Studio Effects depend on NPU to intelligently integrate the effects into the camera feed in real time. So, if you don’t have an ARM-based computer, forget about it. Otherwise, follow the steps below.
Enable Studio Effects in Windows 11
Now that you are aware of all the requirements; let’s proceed with the steps to enable Studio Effects in Windows 11 on your computer.
- Open the Settings app on Windows 11. You can press Win + I on your keyboard for it.
- Click Bluetooth & Devices on the left side of the panel.
- All the connected devices will be visible on the right side of the window. Scroll down and click on the Cameras option.
- Now, you have a list of all the cameras connected to your computer and you can change their settings as per your requirement.
- Go to the camera to which you want to apply the Studio Effects. Click on it. Do the same if you have multiple cameras. If you want to apply Studio Effects to the built-in webcam, click on Integrated Camera, whichever is visible on your computer.
- Toggle the switch for the Automatic Framing option if you wish to apply this effect. Windows 11 will crop your camera feed to ensure that you’re always in the center of your camera frame.
- You can also toggle the switch for the Background Blur option if you want to blur the background.
- You also get the option to select the Blur Type. You can choose the Standard Blur if you want to blur the background heavily. It provides maximum privacy. You can choose Portrait Blur for a more visually pleasing blur. Portrait Blur lightly blurs the background, making it look like a professional camera.
- Finally, you have the Eye Contact option. It is the latest studio effect, and you can turn it on if you want to control the camera feed. Eye Contact ensures you are constantly making eye contact with your call participants.
- There are different types of Eye Contact options on Windows 11. If you cannot view the options, click the listing for Eye Contact to expand and select the type of Eye Contact from there. So, this is the way to enable and apply the new Studio Effects in Windows 11.
Should I Upgrade to Windows 11 22H2?
You won’t have to upgrade if you don’t want to. But it is recommended by Microsoft. They have also recommended waiting until the Windows 22H2 update is fully available to get the most stable version of it. Currently, Microsoft is releasing parts of 22H2 every few weeks. So, you may have to wait a few months.
Is It Possible to Use Several Studio Effects Simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to use several Studio Effects simultaneously. But it is not recommended for all computers. Studio Effects can be very demanding. If you use multiple Studio Effects simultaneously, it will be very taxing on your computer’s CPU. So, it is not recommended on computers with low-end CPUs. If you have a powerful computer, go ahead. Still, be careful if you already do heavy tasks on your computer.
Why Studio Effects Only Available on ARM-Based PCs?
The Studio Effects on Windows 11 is reliable on an NPU or a Neural Processing Unit to analyze and adjust your camera’s feed in real-time. Unfortunately, NPUs are currently only available in ARM-based CPUs, making this an exclusive feature for these devices.
Enjoy Studio Effects on Windows 11
Video calling has become a necessary feature since the pandemic. It is used for work, and education and has become a regular source of communication. So, it has become necessary to ensure the privacy of the callers. The most concerning part were the clear absence of any sort of privacy features at all. It was good that Microsoft took a step to protect the privacy of its users. So, enable Studio Effects on your Windows 11 computer and enjoy trouble-free and secure video calling.
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