Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and current state of HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging technology, highlighting its transition from professional use to mainstream consumer adoption, driven by advancements in smartphone technology and social media platforms [5][34]. Group 1: HDR Technology Overview - HDR technology has been around since the late 1990s, with its roots tracing back to the 1850s when photographers began experimenting with multiple exposures to capture a wider dynamic range [16][19]. - The transition from SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) to HDR involves significant improvements in image quality, with HDR images offering greater brightness and detail [10][12]. Group 2: Smartphone Influence - The iPhone 12 series was a pioneer in fully supporting HDR imaging, including both capture and display capabilities, using the HEIF format to store HDR images [21][24]. - Android devices lagged behind in HDR support, with hardware and software compatibility issues delaying widespread adoption until the introduction of Google's Ultra HDR standard in Android 14 [30][32]. Group 3: Industry Standardization - The introduction of Ultra HDR by Google marks a significant step towards standardizing HDR across Android devices, allowing for better compatibility and sharing of HDR content [32][34]. - Apple has also made strides in HDR compatibility by enabling HDR image capture in JPG format starting with the iPhone 16, enhancing cross-platform sharing capabilities [34]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The push for HDR adoption is fueled by social media platforms seeking to enhance user engagement through improved image quality, leading to a collaborative effort between manufacturers and platforms [34][36]. - The article emphasizes the importance of standardization in HDR technology, noting that the lack of a unified approach among Android manufacturers previously contributed to confusion and inconsistency in HDR image sharing [36].