What to know

  • Google Photos now offers an Ultra HDR conversion tool to enhance standard photos with richer color and brightness.
  • The feature is rolling out gradually and may not be available to all users immediately.
  • Ultra HDR images take up less space and remain compatible with non-HDR devices.
  • You can apply Ultra HDR to both new and existing photos using the Adjust tab in the Google Photos editor.

Google Photos has introduced a new Ultra HDR conversion tool that allows you to upgrade your standard photos, making them more vibrant and detailed. This feature is available in Google Photos version 7.24.0.747539053 or newer, but its rollout depends on a server-side update from Google. If you do not see the option yet, you may need to wait until Google enables it for your account.

To use the Ultra HDR feature, open any photo in Google Photos and tap the Edit button. In the editing interface, scroll to the Adjust section, where you will find the new Ultra HDR option. This replaces the previous HDR Effect tool. You can use a slider to control the strength of the Ultra HDR effect, allowing you to fine-tune the enhancement to your preference. After applying the effect, you can save the edited image as a copy to preserve the original version if desired.

Ultra HDR images are designed to display a wider range of colors and brightness, making photos appear more lifelike, especially on devices with HDR-capable screens. However, these images remain backward compatible, so they will display normally on non-HDR devices without the enhanced effect. The Ultra HDR format uses a gain map to store brightness information separately, which often results in smaller file sizes compared to standard JPEG images.

This update is significant because it allows you to enhance not only new photos but also older images already stored in your Google Photos library. The Ultra HDR label will appear in the photo details if the effect has been applied. If you do not see the Ultra HDR option yet, ensure your app is updated and check back later, as the rollout is ongoing.

Via: lifehacker, android authority