HTC releases Dual Lens camera SDK for HTC One (M8) developers

TC has officially released a software development kit (SDK) for the Dual Lens camera system, a key feature on the recently-launched HTC One (m8).

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Originally designed to create bokeh-style light effects, add post-capture refocusing abilities and create faux 3D effects using a second depth-sensing camera paired with the company's Ultrapixel sensor, the One (m8) may soon gain more camera tricks thanks to the release of the SDK to third party developers. Officially still in preview, the SDK includes all the tools needed to take the depth information from the second camera and use it to create image effects in third party apps - not just HTC's official gallery app.

"Our hope is that developers will use this SDK to tap into the power of the Duo Camera and come up with their own cool, creative ideas for the depth sensor," an HTC representative said following the SDK's release.

This could potentially mean extended support for the DimensionPlus 3D effect, which is currently limited to the HTC One m8, or the ability to share images complete with their depth information. We're hoping for Lytro-style cards for posting to Facebook and Twitter, but until developers start experimenting it's unclear what could be in the works.

Anyone hoping to create an app using the SDK will need to create an HTCDev account before downloading the software, which is free to do. Once registered, the dual lens SDK can be downloaded directly from HTC here.