Google Photos to Get Support for Ultra HDR Image Format With Android 14: Report

Google Photos will reportedly add support for the Ultra HDR image format. The functionality was recently spotted in code strings of the Google Photos app (version 51.0.561138754). If that were to happen, it would be a huge improvement in picture quality. The feature is said to provide more extensive brightness and shading information than standard Jpeg files. The app was previously announced to add video HDR effects as well as a magic eraser feature for Google One subscribers.

according to a Report Android Police via @AssembleDebug discovered some code strings in Google Photos version 6.51.0.561138754 related to the Ultra HDR image format. The feature reportedly appeared at the end of August. The code string reads Ultra HDR Disabled, UltraHdrPreviewFragment, EDITOR_ULTRA_HDR_PREVIEW, and photos_mediadetails_details_ultra_hdr. As such, Google is presumably bringing Ultra HDR support to the Photos app in Android 14.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range imagery, provides better image quality than SDR, or Standard Dynamic Range. It is said to offer a wider range of colors and brightness, meaning Google Photos users will be able to see better tones and colors in their images. Currently, the Photos app offers support for HDR images.

In early February of this year, Google announced the introduction of video HDR effects to Google One subscribers. The feature is said to allow users to increase the brightness and contrast of videos for dramatic effect. Additionally, Google Photos has added Magic Eraser support for all Google One subscribers. Magic Eraser is a photo editing feature based on machine learning and artificial intelligence that helps users edit unwanted objects and people in photos.

The feature was previously only available on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 series of smartphones without a subscription. Additionally, a new set of collage editor styles has been added to the Google Photos app. It allows users to add styles to individual photos in a collage.