Google has announced that your purchased movies will automatically be upgraded to 4K for free in the US and Canada. The company is also lowering its prices for 4K movies.

Google is upgrading your movies
The change had been rumored after code strings in the latest version of Google Play Movies app were discovered. Google has now officially confirmed the move.

- ”When 4K titles are available from participating Hollywood studios, we’ll upgrade your past movie purchases so you can stream in 4K, even if you originally bought the movie in SD or HD. It’s all on us, just open the Play Movies & TV app and we’ll let you know which titles have been upgraded,” said Ben Serridge, Product Manager, Google Play Movies & TV.

At the same time, Google is lowering its prices for 4K movies that have historically been significantly more expensive than the HD versions. Google did not comment specifically on HDR (High Dunamic Range), which is a more significant improvement but notes on its support page that some movie support HDR when watched through Samsung TVs or Chromecast Ultra.



Apple has been offering free 4K HDR upgrades since late 2017 and began offering free Dolby Atmos upgrades last month. Google does not yet offer Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision HDR through its Google Play Movies store.

The company said that you can enjoy 4K movies on 4K Android TV models including Sony TVs and Nvidia Shield, 2017+ Samsung TVs, and via Chromecast Ultra connected to a 4K TV. It will also soon add support for LG TVs.

At this time, the 4K upgrade policy is in effect in the US and Canada.

- ”We think watching in 4K should be a no brainer, so we’re continuously working to make that a reality. With Google Play, it’s now easier than ever for you to watch movies in the best quality possible, no matter which device you're using. And it doesn't stop here, we'll continue to make improvements so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favorite movies, whenever and wherever,” the company said.

Alongside the 4K upgrade, Google has updated its Google Play Movies app ” with a modern look and feel to provide a better experience” on TVs from Samsung, LG, and Vizio.

- Source: Google