Google Photos is gearing up for a major upgrade in photo quality! Remember when Google teased us with Ultra HDR in May, promising wider color and tone ranges for photos on Android 14 devices? Well, it looks like that promise is about to become a reality for the Google Photos app, as some sneaky folks dug into its code (version 51.0.561138754) and uncovered hints of Ultra HDR support.
Now, what are these code hints, you ask? Well, they include phrases like “Ultra HDR disabled,” “UltraHdrPreviewFragment,” “EDITOR_ULTRA_HDR_PREVIEW,” and “photos_mediadetails_details_ultra_hdr.” These clues suggest that Google Photos is getting ready to step up its game when it comes to high-quality photos.
But here’s the kicker: for Ultra HDR to shine, we’ll need an update to Google’s camera app. This update should enable Android phones, maybe even the upcoming Pixel 8 series, to capture images in this Ultra-High Dynamic Range. Picture it like adding an extra layer of magical information, a “gain map,” to your regular JPEG photos. The result? Picture quality that’s as impressive as upgrading your old TV to Ultra HD. Cool, right?
And here’s the best part: you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Ultra HDR is like a friendly chameleon – it adapts! Your Ultra HDR photos can still be seen on apps that don’t support the latest tech, but they’ll appear in regular SDR quality. So, snap those Ultra HDR shots and share them with abandon, knowing that everyone can enjoy them.
As for when this Ultra HDR goodness will officially land in Google Photos, we can’t say for sure. But keep your eyes peeled, as it might drop just before the expected release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October 2023. The photo quality game is about to get a major upgrade, and we can’t wait to see it in action!
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