Google Photos takes advantage of Android 14's Ultra HDR format for richer photos

In May 2023, Google said that Android 14 will support the Ultra HDR format for both images and movies. This format, which debuted in Android 14 Beta 2, is believed to be 100% compatible with regular JPEG photos and supports 10-bit HDR photographs. This implies that HDR and non-HDR screens may both display Ultra HDR pictures. Images will appear in SDR on non-HDR displays, but on HDR displays, the colors and contrast will stand out.

AssembleDebug claims that Google is now developing Ultra HDR functionality for Google Photos. A new build code version v6.51.0.561138754, which was discovered in Google Photos in late August, serves as proof of this. The code version for Google Photos' Ultra HDR functionality was discovered by AssembleDebug.

High dynamic range, or HDR, delivers better picture and video quality than SDR because it has a wider range of colors and brightness.

Modern smartphones come equipped with the newest technology, including HDR-compatible cameras and screens. That UltraHDR will soon be available in Google Photos is fantastic. Because UltraHDR keeps the JPEG format, your photographs will still look beautiful on older devices while allowing you to make the most of your phone's camera and display.

It seems that Google is collaborating with industry leaders in semiconductors like Qualcomm to enhance their SoCs for UltraHDR. Additionally, Google Photos is switching to UltraHDR as the default format for picture uploads, backups, editing, sharing, and downloads.