Google Photos brings improved HDR tools! Another new feature is coming to the web version. What is it?

Google is expanding the photo editing capabilities in the Google Photos app, specifically bringing improved HDR support (or High Dynamic Range). From now on, you can edit your HDR images using tools like Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser, or Portrait Light, without losing the HDR effect; thanks to machine learning, edited photos retain their full dynamic range including important metadata.

At the same time, Google is also introducing a new tool called “Ultra HDR”, which can now be found in the “Edit” tab. This allows fine-tuning the brightness and contrast of “HDR” images to make them stand out better on modern displays with HDR support.

Another change stems from this – the original HDR tool has been renamed to “Tone” to better reflect its function. The difference between Ultra HDR and Tone mode was provided in screenshots by the 9to5Google portal.

Another new feature is the ability to enhance classic SDR photos (Standard Dynamic Range) into HDR. Google claims that the result will be images with brighter highlights, deeper contrast, and better sharpness – ideal for today’s HDR screens.

Google Photos also boasts a web novelty

Google has also quietly updated the web version of the Google Photos service, where a new folder “Screenshots & recordings” has appeared.

This collection is located between the “Documents” and “Favorites” tabs, serving as an automatic album for screenshots and recordings – with the option of automatic archiving after 30 days.

Will you use the new tools?

Source: 9to5Google, Google Support