Google Photos is now rolling out an “Ultra HDR” editing feature to some users, allowing them to convert standard photos into Ultra HDR after they’ve been taken, according to Android Authority.
This feature has been in development since last September, when signs of it were first spotted in the Google Photos app. It is tied to the Ultra HDR file format introduced with Android 14, which enables capturing and displaying photos with a wider range of light and color, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images.
Ultra HDR is backward-compatible, meaning it can still display normally on older, non-HDR devices by packing both SDR and HDR versions of the image into a single file. The new editing option will be available in the “Adjust” section of the photo editor, replacing the current “HDR Effect” option, and will allow users to tweak the Ultra HDR strength using a slider.
The feature appears to be rolling out with Google Photos app version 7.24.0.747539053, but its availability is dependent on a server-side rollout, so users may not see it immediately. Once available, the converted image will be labeled “Ultra HDR” in its details and will have a noticeably smaller file size due to the use of a gain map that stores luminosity information.
The gain map allows devices to render brighter, more colorful images without needing to store as much data as a full-resolution image. This development is significant for photo sharing, as it enables users to upgrade everyday photos to Ultra HDR, making them look their best on supported displays without requiring special hardware or settings.
