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Google Photos to Introduce Ultra HDR for Standard Images, Report Claims

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Google Photos is reportedly rolling out a new feature designed to transform standard images into Ultra HDR photos, offering enhanced image quality. According to reports, this new editing tool is available in the latest version of the app for Android, allowing users to repurpose regular photos with additional image data. The result is enhanced vibrancy, brighter highlights, and deeper shadows on compatible HDR screens.

The feature was first discovered by Telegram user @greyishere and was subsequently reported by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority. The Ultra HDR option appears in the Adjust section of the in-app photo editor after updating to version 7.24.0.747539053. It replaces the previous “HDR Effect” setting, giving users a new way to enhance their images with more dynamic range after they’ve already been captured.

Ultra HDR aims to bring more detail to photos originally shot in Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), providing the benefits of HDR without the need for special hardware. This means that highlights will appear brighter and shadows darker, all while retaining fine details—on HDR-compatible displays. The best part is that these edited images can still be displayed properly on non-HDR screens, ensuring they’re universally accessible.

The feature was first spotted in development back in September 2023, though it was not widely available at that time. Users had to tinker with the app’s settings to activate it manually. Now, with its official rollout, Ultra HDR images are also optimized for smaller file sizes thanks to a more efficient gain map, which contains luminosity data and helps tailor the display experience across both SDR and HDR devices.

OpenAI Considered Acquisition of Google Chrome, Executive Reveals During Antitrust Trial

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An OpenAI executive revealed during a high-profile antitrust trial that the company would be interested in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser—if regulators succeed in forcing Alphabet to divest it. The disclosure was made Tuesday in Washington, where the U.S. Department of Justice is pressing its case against Google’s dominance in the online search market.

Nick Turley, head of product for ChatGPT, made the statement while testifying at the trial. The DOJ is seeking sweeping remedies to restore competition, arguing that Google has unfairly cemented its monopoly in the search industry through exclusive agreements and platform bundling.

Although Google has never offered Chrome for sale, the judge presiding over the case ruled last year that the tech giant does indeed hold a monopoly in search and related advertising. Google, for its part, has denied wrongdoing and is preparing to appeal the decision, maintaining that its products are chosen by users on merit.

The trial, which is being closely watched by the tech industry, also offers a window into the growing rivalry in generative AI. Prosecutors argued in their opening remarks that Google’s dominance in search could give it an unfair head start in artificial intelligence, allowing it to use its AI tools to further direct users back to its core search platform—tightening its grip on the market even more.

DOJ Claims Google May Use AI to Strengthen Search Dominance as Trial Kicks Off

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has raised concerns that Alphabet’s Google could further solidify its monopoly in the online search market by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) products. As the landmark antitrust trial kicked off on Monday, DOJ attorneys argued that Google must be subjected to strict measures to prevent it from using AI as a tool to extend its dominance. The case, which could have far-reaching implications, seeks to reshape the digital landscape by challenging Google’s grip on internet search, potentially shifting the balance of power in the online information realm.

The DOJ is asking the court to mandate significant actions, including requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser. The agency argues that such actions are necessary to break up Google’s monopolistic control over the search industry. In drawing comparisons to past antitrust cases, such as the breakup of AT&T and Standard Oil, DOJ attorney David Dahlquist emphasized that now is the time to send a clear message to Google and other monopolistic entities. According to Dahlquist, these companies need to understand that violating antitrust laws comes with serious consequences, signaling a shift toward stronger enforcement in the digital age.

The government’s case is not just about preserving competition in the current landscape but also about anticipating future challenges. As the online search space continues to evolve, with new technologies like generative AI—exemplified by tools such as ChatGPT—becoming more integrated into the user experience, the DOJ and state attorneys general are pressing for solutions that address both current and future competition concerns. They argue that the court’s remedy should be forward-looking, ensuring that the evolving technological landscape doesn’t become another avenue for Google to entrench its dominance even further.

With these new advancements in AI, the trial could serve as a pivotal moment not just for Google, but for the future of the internet. As the DOJ moves forward with its case, the outcome could set a precedent for how tech giants are regulated in an era where AI and automation are increasingly part of the digital ecosystem. The court’s decision will have lasting implications on how online platforms operate and compete, making this trial one of the most important antitrust cases in recent history.