Google Photos Enhances HDR Image Editing for Pixel Users, Memories To Replace With Timeline Feature

Highlights

• Google Photos has introduced a new machine learning model.
• It preserves Ultra HDR quality during photo edits
• The new model is currently only available for Pixel 8 and newer models.
• Google working to rename its “Memories” feature to “Timeline” as per leaked Google Photos code.

Google Photos is a great app to store all your pictures in one place. However, if you have ever tried editing a picture in the Google Photos app on your smartphone, you must have noticed that pictures usually lose their quality post editing. While users have often raised this issue in forums and online communities, it appears Google has finally found a solution but it may not be for you.

Google has recently rolled out a new machine learning model that will now allow users to edit their pictures in the Google Photos app without losing Ultra HDR quality. Users would now be able to use even complex tools such as the Magic Eraser without worrying about the quality of the picture.

However, this new model is only for Pixel phone users for now. Google has made available this new feature on the Pixel 8 and newer models.

This model will ensure that even after making detailed edits to HDR images, their high dynamic range (HDR) quality is preserved.

Previously, editing HDR photos in Google Photos would often result in pictures losing important elements such as brightness and contrast. With this new machine learning model, HDR photos will retain their original quality even after edits.

The key improvement comes from the way Google’s model predicts and recreates missing HDR metadata.

When you edit features like Magic Eraser or use tools like Photo Unblur, Portrait Blur, or Magic Editor, the model steps in to prevent issues like “ghosting,” where edited SDR images don’t align with the HDR Gain Map. By predicting and blending these areas seamlessly, the edited images maintain vibrant HDR quality without any unwanted artefacts.

Google Photos May Replace Memories to Timeline Feature

Meanwhile, a recent Android Authority report has revealed that Google might be likely planning to rename its “Memories” feature to “Timeline.”

Android Authority found the information from a code of Google Photos with reference options like “Add to your Timeline” and “Go to your Timeline.”

This indicates a shift in how photos will be organised in the Google Photos app in future.

As per the report, the code also suggests that Memories won’t completely disappear but might be moved to the Collections tab as it refers to “Memories has moved to Collections.”

Moreover, Google is testing several other changes in the app including a modern video player and better identification of AI-generated images.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the issue with editing pictures in the Google Photos app?

Answer. Pictures usually lose their quality post-editing in the Google Photos app. Google has addressed this by rolling out a new machine learning model that preserves Ultra HDR quality.

Q2. Is the new improvement in editing pictures in Google Photos available to all?

Answer. No, this new model is only available for Pixel phone users specifically on the Pixel 8 and newer models.

Q3. How does the new model improve the editing process in Google Photos?

Answer. The new model predicts and recreates missing HDR metadata, preventing issues like “ghosting” and ensuring HDR photos retain their original quality post-edit.

Q4. Is Google renaming a feature in the Google Photos app?

Answers. Yes, as per reports, Google might rename the “Memories” feature to “Timeline” and move it to the Collections tab. They are also testing a modern video player and better identification of AI-generated images.

Also Read: Google Photos to soon add long-awaited flip or mirror feature for photos and videos

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