The blog post explores the possibility of High Dynamic Range (HDR) emoji. The author notes that while emoji are widely supported, the current specification lacks the color depth and brightness capabilities of HDR, limiting their visual richness. They propose leveraging existing color formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision, already prevalent in video content, to enhance emoji expression and vibrancy, especially in dark mode. The post also suggests encoding HDR emoji using the relatively small HEIF image format, offering a balance between image quality and file size. While acknowledging potential implementation challenges and the need for updated rendering engines, the author believes HDR emoji could significantly improve visual communication.
The blog post "HDR-Infused Emoji" by Simon Støvring, published on April 16, 2025, delves into the exciting potential and nascent implementation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology within the realm of digital emoji. The author meticulously articulates the visual benefits HDR could bring to these ubiquitous pictographs, transforming them from relatively flat, two-dimensional images into more vibrant and nuanced representations. Specifically, Støvring highlights how HDR's expanded luminance range allows for a greater contrast between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites within an emoji, resulting in a more realistic and visually appealing representation of light and shadow. He further explains that this broader color gamut unlocks the possibility of displaying more saturated and vivid colors, thereby enhancing the expressive potential of emoji and facilitating a more accurate portrayal of real-world objects and scenes they represent.
The post proceeds to discuss the technical challenges associated with integrating HDR into the existing emoji ecosystem. The author notes the importance of adopting a widely supported file format capable of encoding HDR information and suggests the use of AVIF, a modern image format known for its efficiency and HDR capabilities. He emphasizes the necessity for operating systems and applications to support not only the decoding of these HDR-enhanced emoji, but also their proper display on compatible HDR-enabled screens. Støvring acknowledges the nascent stage of this development, indicating that widespread HDR emoji support is not yet a reality, but expresses his anticipation for its eventual adoption and the subsequent enhancement of digital communication it promises. He concludes by showcasing a preview of a few select emoji rendered in HDR using the AVIF format, providing a tantalizing glimpse of the richer visual experience this technology could offer. This preview serves as a concrete example of the potential impact of HDR on the future of emoji, transitioning them from simple graphic symbols into more visually compelling and expressive elements of online discourse.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43717606
Hacker News users discussed the technical challenges and potential benefits of HDR emoji. Some questioned the practicality, citing the limited support for HDR across devices and platforms, and the minimal visual impact on small emoji. Others pointed out potential issues with color accuracy and the increased file sizes of HDR images. However, some expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of more vibrant and nuanced emoji, especially in messaging apps that already support HDR images. The discussion also touched on the artistic considerations of designing HDR emoji, and the need for careful implementation to avoid overly bright or distracting results. Several commenters highlighted the fact that Apple already utilizes a wide color gamut for emoji, suggesting the actual benefit of true HDR might be less significant than perceived.
The Hacker News post "HDR‑Infused Emoji" discussing the blog post about HDR emoji generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters exploring various aspects of the topic.
Some users questioned the practical value and necessity of HDR emoji, particularly given the small display size and limited dynamic range of most devices where emoji are commonly viewed. One commenter pointed out the irony of using HDR in such a small format, suggesting it's akin to "HDR for ants." Another user questioned whether the perceived benefits would be noticeable at all, especially on devices not equipped with HDR displays.
Others expressed skepticism about the technical implementation and potential compatibility issues. Concerns were raised about the increased file sizes of HDR emoji and the potential impact on performance and bandwidth usage. One commenter highlighted the lack of widespread adoption of HDR across platforms, raising doubts about the practicality of the technology for emoji. Another user suggested that the extra data required for HDR might negate the benefits of small emoji file sizes.
Several commenters discussed the existing challenges with emoji rendering and consistency across different platforms. One user noted the already-existing issues with emoji variation and how HDR could potentially exacerbate these problems. Another pointed out that improving the basic rendering and consistency of emoji across platforms should be prioritized over adding features like HDR.
A few commenters explored the potential future applications of HDR emoji, suggesting that they could be useful in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) environments. One commenter speculated about potential applications in messaging apps like iMessage, though acknowledged the current technical limitations. Another suggested the potential for animated stickers with HDR, potentially opening up new avenues for creative expression.
There was also a brief discussion about the technical details of HDR, with one user explaining the limitations of the Rec. 2020 color space. Another comment offered insights into the RGB nature of emoji and the potential complexities of applying HDR to them.
Finally, some users expressed general disinterest or amusement at the concept, with one commenter sarcastically suggesting "HDR toast notifications" as the next logical step. Another user simply stated, "This is absurd," reflecting a sentiment shared by some regarding the practicality of HDR emoji.