Ultra HDR Editing Now Available on Google Photos App

Ultra HDR Editing Now Available on Google Photos App

Ultra HDR Editing on Google Photos is officially rolling out, offering users a simple way to bring out more vibrant colors and deeper contrast in their images—especially those taken on HDR-capable smartphones. This new photo enhancement tool taps into the capabilities of Android 14’s advanced imaging format, giving every picture a dynamic, professional touch.

🌈 What Is Ultra HDR?

Ultra HDR is a new image format introduced with Android 14. It combines Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) into a single JPEG R file, making it compatible across both HDR and non-HDR devices. On HDR displays, Ultra HDR photos pop with intensified color depth, clarity, and luminosity, while still appearing normal on standard screens.

🛠️ How to Apply Ultra HDR in Google Photos

To access Ultra HDR Editing on Google Photos, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Select a photo to enhance.
3. Tap Edit.
4. Go to the Adjust tab.
5. Locate the Ultra HDR option (replacing “HDR Effect”).
6. Use the slider to control intensity.
7. Swipe up to view photo details—it should be labeled “Ultra HDR.”

🔍 Note: Applying any further edits (like cropping or rotating) may disable the Ultra HDR effect.

🧪 Who Can Access It?

Even with the latest Google Photos app, Ultra HDR editing may not be visible immediately, as it’s rolling out via a server-side update. Google plans to expand access gradually in the coming weeks.

📦 File Size Optimization

Despite offering enhanced visuals, Ultra HDR images might have a smaller file size than the original. This is thanks to a gain map, which stores brightness info separately to maximize storage efficiency without compromising on quality.

📱 Device Compatibility

• Requires Android 14
• Optimized for HDR-capable displays
• Works on select Pixel and Android flagship devices

🖼️ Visual Comparison

💡 Final Thought

With Ultra HDR Editing on Google Photos, editing HDR images is now as easy as a single tap. As the feature rolls out to more devices, Android users can expect richer, more lifelike visuals—right from their default gallery app.