Google Revisits JPEG XL in Chromium After Earlier Removal

'Three years ago, Google removed JPEG XL support from Chrome, stating there wasn't enough interest at the time,' writes the blog Windows Report. 'That position has now changed.'

In a recent note to developers, a Chrome team representative confirmed that work has restarted to bring JPEG XL to Chromium and said Google 'would ship it in Chrome' once long-term maintenance and the usual launch requirements are met.

The team explained that other platforms moved ahead. Safari supports JPEG XL, and Windows 11 users can add native support through an image extension from Microsoft Store. The format is also confirmed for use in PDF documents. There has been continuous demand from developers and users who ask for its return.

Before Google ships the feature in Chrome, the company wants the integration to be secure and supported over time. A developer has submitted new code that reintroduces JPEG XL to Chromium. This version is marked as feature complete. The developer said it also 'includes animation support,' which earlier implementations did not offer.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.