What Is Ultra HDR? New Image Format Taking HDR Photos To The Next Level
With the new Pixel 8 series, Google introduced a new image format called Ultra HDR. This year's phone release is betting big on artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and with the introduction of Android 14, new software changes are also upon us. One such key change is the introduction of Ultra HDR (high dynamic range) image format.
What is Ultra HDR?
A new image format, Ultra HDR is designed to handle HDR content better and to make it look better on devices that support it. Essentially, to view Ultra HDR as intended, you need a device with a screen capable of showing it as it is.
Ultra HDR is an extension of the JPEG format, which means that all images are saved with a .jpeg extension. All Ultra HDR images, then, would also be visible on devices that support standard JPEGs, without the HDR.
Also read:?Five New Exciting AI Features On The Google Pixel 8 Series
As of now, the ability to take Ultra HDR images is limited to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones with the latest version of the Camera app.
What are the benefits of Ultra HDR?
According to Google, Ultra HDR is the next generation of HDR content. For instance, the company claims that on supported devices, Ultra HDR can offer a more lifelike look than a standard HDR owing to how it handles contrast.
How does Ultra HDR work?
Ultra HDR uses standard JPEG format with a layer of gain maps, i.e., extra information that can change the characteristics of the image depending on the device on which it is being viewed.
The new format uses these gain maps and the metadata of your JPEG photos to make them look more realistic. Essentially, when you view Ultra HDR images of a compatible devices, it rushes pixels into action to display the image in great detail.
Also read:?Google Pixel 8 Pro Bets Big On AI Capabilities: Find Out Features And Pricing Here
In the near-future, Ultra HDR needs more smartphone manufacturers to get on board. It is backwards compatible, and Ultra HDR also has the support of Google - all Android 14 devices may read it. In addition, to click Ultra HDR, companies need to incorporate the hardware into their devices, going beyond the Pixel 8 series.
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