San Francisco, California – Google Photos users can now enhance their regular photos to Ultra HDR with a new editing option being rolled out. This feature, which is starting to appear for some users in version 7.24.0.747539053 of the app, allows for richer colors and brightness levels on devices with HDR displays.
The Ultra HDR functionality has been in development by Google Photos for some time, with initial signs of the feature spotted last September. The Ultra HDR file format was introduced with Android 14, enabling a broader range of light and color in images. This results in more vivid and lifelike photos, particularly noticeable on devices with HDR displays. Additionally, Ultra HDR images are compatible with older devices without HDR capability, as they are able to display both SDR and HDR versions in a single file.
According to a tip from a Telegram user to Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug, the Ultra HDR editing option is now available in Google Photos version 7.24.0.747539053. This update may not be immediately visible to all users, as it is being rolled out gradually on the server side by Google. Once the feature is activated, the Ultra HDR option will replace the existing “HDR Effect” in the photo editor’s “Adjust” section, allowing users to adjust the strength of the Ultra HDR effect using a slider.
In comparison screenshots provided, the difference between a standard image and one enhanced with the Ultra HDR effect in Google Photos is evident. The converted Ultra HDR image is labeled accordingly and features a smaller file size due to a gain map storing luminosity information. This enables devices to render brighter, more colorful images without the need for storing a larger amount of data as in a full-resolution image.
With the introduction of Ultra HDR as an editing option in Google Photos, users can now enhance their everyday photos to look their best on supported displays. This development eliminates the need for special hardware or settings, making Ultra HDR accessible for a wider range of users.