During its recent media junket, HONOR Philippines released a beta update for its latest mid-range devices, HONOR 200 series, bringing the innovative AI Eraser feature. The update will eventually become available via over-the-air (OTA) download for HONOR 200 users sometime in September.
AI Eraser
The AI Eraser feature, integrated into the default edit menu, allows users to remove unwanted objects or individuals from photographs with ease.
This advanced tool offers two selection methods: Smart Selection, where users can draw a circle around the object they wish to erase, and Manual Selection, which enables users to paint over the unwanted element using a brush tool.
To access the AI Eraser, users can follow a simple process:
| Open the gallery or camera application |
| Select the photo to be edited |
| Tap the “Edit” option in the bottom menu |
| Choose “AI Eraser” from the available editing tools |
| Select either Smart or Manual Selection mode |
| Highlight the object for removal |
| Wait for the AI to process and remove the selected element |
Works well for Simple Scenarios
HONOR’s AI Eraser performs well in simple scenarios, but you’ll get varied results for more complex image compositions. HONOR did mention that it was an early version of the feature, and that the final one will be a significantly improved version.
You may even have to do several passes to “tidy up” the image. For this one, it was around 3 to 4 passes.
I’m not sure whether it’s an ethical thing built in, or if it’s just a glitch on the feature itself, but I did run into an error in a specific photo.
There are also times when the AI will replace the object rather than erase it. The example above shows that the AI has turned the Longganisa into ice cream. I know, it’s not a simple scenario, but nevertheless, we got a very interesting result.
Here’s another example. Notice how the AI not only removed the paper cup, but also the shadow. Note that it does not always do this.
So yes, even in its early stage, HONOR’s AI Eraser shows great promise with a good success rate. It needs to be refined, of course, but it’s good step forward for the brand, and we can’t wait to try out the final version that will arrive this September.
For the meantime, you may check out our full review of the HONOR 200 and 200 Pro.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
