Google Photos gets support for Ultra HDR image format with Android 14: report

According to reports, Google Photos will support the Ultra HDR image format. The feature was recently discovered in the code strings in the Google Photos app (version 51.0.561138754). In this case, the image quality will be significantly improved. The feature is said to offer a much wider range of highlight and shadow information than standard JPEG files. The app previously announced it would add an HDR effect for videos, as well as a Magic Eraser feature, to Google One subscribers.

According to a report by Android Police via @AssembleDebug, some code strings related to the Ultra HDR image format have been discovered in Google Photos version 6.51.0.561138754. The feature was reportedly seen in late August. The code strings are like “Ultra HDR disabled”, “UltraHdrPreviewFragment”, “EDITOR_ULTRA_HDR_PREVIEW” and “photos_mediadetails_details_ultra_hdr”. As such, it is speculated that with Android 14, Google will introduce Ultra HDR support to the Photos app.

HDR images (high dynamic range images) offer better image quality than SDR images (standard dynamic range images). It’s said to offer a wider range of colors and brightness, meaning Google Photos users will be able to see better tones and colors in images. Currently, the Photos app offers HDR image support.

At the beginning of February this year, Google announced the introduction of an HDR effect for videos for Google One subscribers. The feature aims to allow users to enhance the brightness and contrast of their videos for dramatic effect. In addition, Google Photos has also added Magic Eraser support for all Google One subscribers. Magic Eraser is a machine learning and AI based photo editing feature that helps users remove unwanted objects and people in photos.

The feature was previously exclusive to Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series smartphones without a subscription. In addition, a new set of collage editor styles has also been added to the Google Photos app. It allows users to add styles to a single photo in a collage.