Uploading those 4K videos just got faster (sort of) on Google Photos

By Hillary K. Grigonis October 2, 2017

google photos low resolution video update albums 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google Photos on Android just got a speed boost — the photo storage and sharing app just updated over the weekend with a quick fix for uploading video on slow connections.

The update is a continuation of a feature launched earlier this year, bringing the same functionality to videos. An earlier update allows the software to detect when the connection is weak. When a slow signal is identified, the app uploads a low-resolution file, waiting for a Wi-Fi connection before uploading the image in all its full-resolution glory.

That same feature is now available for video files — the app, detecting slow signals, will upload a lower resolution video for sharing, replacing the file with a full-resolution version once a Wi-Fi connection is available. Google doesn’t clarify at what size the files upload on the limited connection.

While the feature has been in place for photos for several months, videos tend to have larger file sizes, particularly for longer videos. As more smartphones adopt 4K video and the larger file sizes that come along with it, the feature becomes even more important.

For now, the update is only available for Android users — so the faster backup speed isn’t yet available for those 60-frames-per-second 4K files from the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Google Photos on iOS was last updated shortly after the launch of iOS 11, adding compatibility for Apple’s new smaller size HEVC photos and HEVC videos as well as general performance improvements.

The speed improvements are part of a string of several updates over the last several months. This spring, the app expanded with family sharing for both single files and albums, with any photos added to the album automatically updated for that shared user. At the same time, the app gained Google Lens, an artificial intelligence platform that recognizes objects through a smartphone camera. The app also an auto white balance option to its selection of editing tools.

Google Photos has only been around for about a year and a half, integrating with other Google products to do such things as making photo backups with Google Drive and integrate with Google Assistant, as well as adding other features like A.I.-powered tools, editing tools, and printable photo books to the list of features.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

Mobile

Can you stream Netflix in 4K with 5G?

can you get netflix in 4k with 5g phone

Now that 5G network coverage is spreading across the U.S. at a rapid rate, it's time to start talking about potential 5G use cases that will make it worthwhile for the average consumer. So we're digging into 5G technology and asking one of the most important questions: Can you stream Netflix in 4K with 5G?

In theory, the answer to that question is yes. In practice, we probably aren't quite there yet. 5G is faster than 4G in some areas of the U.S., offering higher download speeds and a more consistent connection. However, it's unlikely that you'd be able to stream Netflix in 4K with 5G right now. But that doesn't mean it won't be possible in the future.
Limits on streaming quality
The fact that 5G isn't powerful enough to handle 4K streaming just yet isn't the only hurdle here. Some major 5G carriers compress and limit streaming video quality on some plans, making it currently impossible to get anything beyond 1080p on your mobile device. So if 4K streaming is something you really want, just make sure you understand the limits of your phone plan before you hop on the 5G bandwagon.

Computing

LG’s UltraFine OLED Pro monitor looks like the ultimate 4K display for creatives

LG's UltraFine Pro brings OLED screens to Apple creative pros.

[LG at CES2021] LG UltraFine OLED Pro - The Master of Visual Tech

At the Consumer Electronics Show, LG is announcing its first 4K OLED monitor catered for creative professionals. Part of its top-end lineup of monitors, the new LG UltraFine OLED Pro sports a punching 8 million pixels, as well as a stunning 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.

Deals

The best 4K TV for PS5 is heavily discounted this Prime Day

lg cx oled tv deal best buy black friday prime day sale 2020 4k

Prime Day has finally arrived, after months of waiting, and with it comes a ton of terrific deals on everything from headphones to kitchen equipment. But some of the best Prime Day deals to be had are on big-ticket electronics items, like Prime Day 4K TV deals. Although there are 4K TV deals to be had all year round, this week will see some exceptional bargains which likely have the best prices for 2020. This LG CX OLED 4K TV, for example, is $200 off its original price, bringing the price down to $1,600. However, if this deal isn't convincing enough, head over to the best Black Friday deals for incredibly affordable options.

The 55-inch OLED 4K TV has stunning picture quality which is buoyed by solid HDR performance, making it great for those looking for a medium-size TV for watching movies or playing games. In our review of the LG CX we even went as far as to call it the best TV you can buy in 2020. The TV itself is super slim and sleek, fitting into any home, and the picture quality is aided by a simple setup wizard that lets you tweak the settings and A.I. functions to your preferences. This step is important as what makes this OLED TV stand out from its competitors is LG's processing, which helps a good screen turn out a stunning picture.