What you need to know
Google Photos is ushering in a new era of image enhancement with the introduction of its Ultra HDR feature, effectively replacing the previous HDR effect. This innovative upgrade allows users to elevate the brightness and vibrancy of their photos, bringing a fresh perspective to their visual storytelling.
The rollout of Ultra HDR has commenced, with select Google Photos users already experiencing its benefits, as reported by Android Authority. The gradual server-side deployment suggests that a wider audience will soon gain access to this exciting feature.
Last year, Google laid the groundwork for Ultra HDR support in Android 14 and Google Photos, paving the way for this comprehensive editing tool. Now, within version 7.24.0.747539053, the Ultra HDR option can be found nestled in the “Adjust” tab, seamlessly taking the place of the former HDR effect.
When Ultra HDR is applied, users will notice a new “Ultra HDR” tag appearing in the image metadata, conveniently located alongside resolution and file size details. Interestingly, the Ultra HDR version may occupy less storage space than the original image. This efficiency is achieved through a compact gain map that avoids duplicating the entire image. However, for those who wish to preserve every nuance of their original capture, retaining the original file is advisable.
Ultra HDR represents a significant advancement in photo encoding, offering enhanced detail that translates to brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and more vibrant colors. Notably, each Ultra HDR file also includes a standard dynamic range (SDR) version, ensuring that even users with non-HDR displays can appreciate a true-to-life rendition of the image.