Google is reportedly developing a new feature called HDR Emoji for its Google Chat app. The feature could make emoji appear brighter and more detailed on supported devices, improving their visibility in conversations.

The development came to light through an APK teardown of the latest Gmail version. The app’s code contains references to displaying supported emoji in high dynamic range (HDR), with enhanced brightness and contrast.

Google has not officially announced the feature or confirmed when it will become available to users.

Google Is Working on HDR Emoji for Google Chat

The upcoming HDR Emoji feature aims to improve how emoji appear on compatible displays. By increasing brightness and contrast, Google could make emoji more noticeable and easier to distinguish during conversations.

HDR technology allows supported displays to show brighter highlights and a wider range of visual details. Applying this technology to emoji could give some characters a more vivid appearance compared with standard emoji.

However, the actual visual improvements will depend on how Google implements the feature and which devices support it.

Feature May Support More Than Custom Emoji

It remains unclear whether HDR Emoji will work only with custom emoji or support a wider selection of characters.

The code discovered in Gmail refers to “supported emoji,” suggesting that the feature could extend beyond custom symbols. This wording leaves open the possibility that Google may enable HDR effects for a larger part of its emoji library on compatible devices.

Google has yet to share further details about device compatibility or any technical requirements for using the feature.

When Will HDR Emoji Arrive in Google Chat?

Google Chat is part of Google Workspace and serves as the company’s messaging platform for personal and professional communication. The app replaced Google Hangouts as Google’s main chat service.

Although the discovery suggests that Google is exploring HDR emoji support, references found in an app’s code do not guarantee that a feature will reach the public. Google could still change its plans before the official release.

For now, the company has not confirmed a launch date or explained whether HDR Emoji will be available to all Google Chat users. More details should emerge if Google moves forward with the feature.