Google plans to expand Ultra HDR capture support for third-party apps, aligning with Android 14’s capability for true HDR photos, as reported by Android Authority.
However, many current third-party apps lack Ultra HDR functionality, but future updates aim to change this, enabling broader compatibility.
Unlike traditional HDR formats, Ultra HDR is based on JPEG, ensuring compatibility across various devices, regardless of HDR support. It embeds an HDR gain map in image metadata, enhancing colors and contrast when viewed on HDR-capable displays.
Although initially integrated into Android 14 via the Camera2 API, not CameraX, Google plans to extend support to CameraX with updates to its CameraX library, starting from version 1.4.0-alpha05 released in April, as announced at Google I/O 2024.
This update introduces new APIs for Ultra HDR image capture, including methods to query device compatibility and output formats.
CameraX 1.4 update
The update introduces new APIs for the ImageCapture and ImageCaptureCapabilities classes, enabling apps to query and capture Ultra HDR images in JPEG/R format. Ultra HDR images saved in JPEG/R format appear as standard JPEG files on older devices but display in HDR on updated apps and HDR-enabled devices.
In terms of support, while Ultra HDR is supported by Google Chrome on Android and desktop, few apps currently fully support it. Compatible devices include Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 7 and 8, OnePlus 12 and Open, and select newer Windows PCs with HDR displays like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7X.
As developers update their apps with CameraX 1.4.0, expect broader support for Ultra HDR image capture across various platforms and devices.