In the fall, we are also expecting new smartphones from Google. Starting with the announcement of Android 14, the company mentioned the Ultra HDR feature, which should provide a wider range of colors and shades. So, along with the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, we can expect to see an improvement in the image of photos.

Now you can find lines in the code of the Google Photos app version 51.0.561138754 that indicate support for the new functionality. They look like this:

  • Ultra HDR disabled
  • UltraHdrPreviewFragment
  • EDITOR_ULTRA_HDR_PREVIEW
  • photos_mediadetails_details_ultra_hdr

Therefore, the company is already preparing updates for the next smartphones, one of which will be a new shooting mode. Ultra HDR is an additional layer (gain map) in a standard JPEG image. For comparison, it is explained that it is like watching TV in Ultra HD quality after the usual SDR.

Google Photos will have a significant improvement in photos

In addition, existing image viewers will be able to process and display Ultra HDR photos, so users will be able to take photos in this format and then share them with family and friends without any problems. Moreover, Ultra HDR is backwards compatible, which will also allow users to view photos in apps that do not support this functionality (with corresponding changes in image quality).

Despite the fact that the application code already contains some Ultra HDR features, the format itself is still not used. Activation is likely to take place closer to the presentation of the new smartphones, which is scheduled for the first half of October.