Android 14adds support for Ultra HDR, which we firmlybelieve is the future of photography. This new image format builds on the reliable JPEG and comes embedded with an HDR gain map in the metadata. When viewed on a compatible device and app, the HDR gain map is automatically applied, allowing for more vibrant colors and contrast that lets the picture pop. So far, only Google Chrome andGoogle Photos have added support for Ultra HDR. Joining this list isGoogle Messages, enabling you to share the stunning photos captured from yourPixel 8in all their glory.
Any Ultra HDR picture you share over RCS using Google Messages will retain its HDR gain map. This ensures that when opened on a compatible device, the recipient will view the photo with more vibrant colors and contrast. AsAssembleDebug discovered, Google did not add Ultra HDR support in Google Messages now — it was quietly added back in September 2023, just before the debut of the Pixel 8 series.
Ultra HDR images shared through Google Messages are not highlighted using any special icon or text, making it difficult to tell them apart from regular JPEG photos. However, when you open an Ultra HDR image on a compatible device like the Pixel 8 series, the HDR gain map is automatically applied, leading the photo to pop with better colors and highlights. This will be evident as the screen adjusts its brightness based on the HDR gain map.
Many social media platforms compress and strip the HDR gain map of metadata of Ultra HDR pictures. While Google Messages strips some metadata, it leaves the gain map intact. So, if you back up an Ultra HDR image sent to you through Google Messages over RCS, it will show up in Google Photos with the gain map metadata.
Do note that Google Photos does not support editing Ultra HDR pictures while retaining their gain map — the edited photo will not have the metadata. To avoid this, you’re able to use Adobe Lightroom, whichsupports editing and exporting Ultra HDR images.
Currently, theGoogle Pixel 8and 8 Pro are the only two Android phones that support capturing 10-bit Ultra HDR photos, while you may view the images in all their glory on thePixel 7 seriesand newer models. As new Android flagships hit the market, the list of supported devices should go up in the coming months.
If you want to see how Ultra HDR pictures are better than regular photos, visit thisGitHub repositorymade by Android expert Mishaal Rahman. The improvement will be immediately evident if you view the images on a compatible device, like a MacBook Pro or the Pixel 8.
