The process of embedding the date and time of capture directly onto a photograph, typically accomplished via an application on a mobile device operating with the Android operating system. This feature provides a permanent record of when an image was taken, visually integrated within the image itself. The visual integration differentiates it from metadata which is hidden. For example, a user may choose to automatically add a timestamp to every picture taken with their Android phone’s camera app.
The inclusion of this visible timestamp adds a layer of accountability and context to photographic evidence. It serves as a verification tool, essential in fields such as documentation, insurance claims, and personal record-keeping. Historically, dedicated cameras often offered this capability, and its integration into Android devices grants users a convenient and accessible method for timestamping images without requiring specialized equipment. The practice reinforces the authenticity and chronological order of images.