In May, Google unveiled the groundbreaking Ultra HDR format for Android 14, bringing a significant enhancement to image rendering. This innovation enables the automatic rendering of 10-bit images by the system platform, facilitating seamless interaction between apps and HDR images while displaying them in standard dynamic range when necessary.
Google Photos Embraces Ultra HDR
Recently, Google Photos version 6.51.0.561138754, released in late August, caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. A perceptive observer examining its code discovered several lines explicitly referencing Ultra HDR support. This revelation signals Google’s preparations to integrate this exciting feature into its popular photo app.
A Glimpse into Ultra HDR
Ultra HDR is Google’s pioneering format designed for Android 14, ensuring backward compatibility with standard file formats like JPEG on Android devices. This format preserves a broader spectrum of colors captured in HDR (higher dynamic range) when viewed on screens that do not support HDR. However, when displayed on HDR-compatible screens, the saved file exhibits variations in color and saturation.
HDR technology elevates the quality of both images and videos by offering a wider gamut of colors and brightness levels across the entire spectrum. For instance, an HDR image or video capturing a night sky will appear darker compared to a standard dynamic range (SDR) counterpart in areas with no light. Nevertheless, it will make stars and other details stand out more vividly, closely mirroring the visual experience as perceived by the human eye.
Google’s introduction of Ultra HDR in Android 14 promises to enhance the visual richness of content on Android devices, aligning with the evolving standards of image and video quality, concludes NIX Solutions.