Google and Mozilla Want AV1 Image Format to Become Standard

There’s a new web image format on the horizon.

The companies behind Chrome and Firefox are pushing for a new, more efficient image format. We’re talking about the AV1 image file format which would replace JPEG and HEIC. The reason behind this change has something to do with format efficiency and image licensing. As we all know, JPEG is not the most friendly format when it comes to image sizing and quality. Moreover, HEIC is often plagued by various licenses. AV1 aims to solve both problems, which is why Google and Mozilla are at the head of a special consortium of Internet businesses. The consortium is the Alliance for Open Media, and it actively pushes for the proliferation and standardization of AV1.

AV1 details.

It would appear that AV1 files are 15 percent smaller than HEIC for comparable quality, which makes them half the file-size of JPEG. For iOS and MacOS, Apple relies on HEIC as a default image format. On the web, JPEG, PNG, and GIF have remained the most popular image formats for over 20 years now. Kelly Thompson, the general manager at 500px, has issued a statement on the matter:

“It seems downright silly that we’re still relying on compression tech from 20 years ago. The equipment we’re using to capture and display images is now exceeding JPEG’s upper limits.”

Adopting this new image format could be beneficial for everyone. For once, it would result in lower Internet bandwidth usage, which would be great for both regular users and ISPs.