Google is updating the Jetpack CameraX library to support capturing Ultra HDR images, a new image format introduced in Android 14. This format allows for saving both SDR and HDR versions of an image in the same file. Currently, only camera apps using the Android Camera2 API can capture Ultra HDR images.
Ultra HDR is a Google-made image format based on JPEG, making it viewable on almost any device regardless of HDR display capabilities. However, when viewed on an HDR display, the HDR version of the image is shown with more vibrant colors.
To support Ultra HDR image capture, Google is updating the CameraX library. This update includes new output format APIs for the ImageCapture and ImageCaptureCapabilities classes in version 1.4.0-alpha05 released in April. The new APIs enable developers to query device capabilities for Ultra HDR image capture and set the output format accordingly.
Ultra HDR images will appear as regular JPEG files on devices with SDR displays but as HDR images on fully supported apps and devices. Currently, only Google Chrome fully supports Ultra HDR, with devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, Google’s Pixel 7 and 8 series, and OnePlus’ 12 and Open supporting the format. Windows PCs with HDR displays can also display Ultra HDR images.
The benefits of Ultra HDR images are best experienced visually, so it’s recommended to view them on a compatible device. The rollout of support for Ultra HDR in third-party apps that use the Jetpack CameraX library is expected with the release of version 1.4.0.