In the ongoing wave of Google app revamps, Google Photos has now stepped up its game with a groundbreaking addition. The latest enhancement to Google Photos is the introduction of a new Ultra HDR support, made possible through the Android 14 platform. Let’s delve into the specifics of this remarkable feature.
Details of the Google Photos new Ultra HDR
With the release of Android 14 Beta 2, Google introduced the world to a brand-new Ultra HDR format in May. This format is designed to enable the support of 10-bit HDR images that seamlessly coexist with traditional JPEG images. The brilliance of this innovation lies in its adaptability – it allows the system to display Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) images on non-HDR screens while significantly enhancing colors and contrast when viewed on an HDR-capable display
Photos is leading the charge as the first app to incorporate support for Google’s revolutionary Ultra HDR format. In version 6.51.0.561138754, savvy users discovered subtle hints of Ultra HDR support, signaling a groundbreaking change in how we experience our photographs. With Android 14, we can expect more third-party apps to leverage this capability, opening up new possibilities for vibrant, high-resolution visuals.
The beauty of the Ultra HDR lies in its ability to harness the full potential of modern displays and camera setups on the latest smartphones, all while retaining the user-friendly JPEG format. This means you can capture breathtaking photographs and showcase them in their full glory, taking advantage of the impressive color depth and contrast that HDR offers. Even more impressive, when you share these images via Google Photos links, they remain accessible to viewers on conventional SDR screens, ensuring your visuals are versatile and widely viewable.
While the images may not look as jaw-dropping on SDR screens compared to their HDR counterparts, the ability to seamlessly bridge the gap between different display technologies marks a significant step forward in photography and image sharing. Google’s commitment to innovation and accessibility shines through in this latest enhancement to Google Photos, setting the stage for a future where stunning visuals can be enjoyed by all, regardless of the display they use.