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Google's JPEG encoder reduces image size by 35%, could help you save mobile data in the future

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By Milen Yanachkov

Published: Mar 17, 2017, 10:38 AM

Google

Google’s new open source image compression algorithm is capable of reducing the size of JPEG files by 35 percent, without compromising image quality too much, and the results it produces are compatible with all web browsers and image editing software.

Called Guetzli, which is apparently Swiss German for cookie, the new JPEG encoder does its magic during the so-called quantization stage of image compression, which is when the encoder tries to strike a balance between removing detail to keep size down, without obliterating the source image.

Guetzli uses what Google’s calling a “psychovisual model” to reduce file size, which approximates color perception and “visual masking” more thoroughly than other encoders. This, however, comes at a cost, and in this case that’s time, as Guetzli is decidedly slower than other image compression methods out there.

Check out these examples to get a better idea of how Guetzli works:

A crop of an image of a phone line hanging against a blue sky. From left to right – original image, libjpeg compression in the middle, and Guetzli on the right

As you can see, the new encoder fares better than libjpeg, although, as we said above, it needs more time to produce results.

Here is another example:

A crop of a cat’s eye. From left to right – original, libjpeg, Guetzli

Guetzli is open source and is good news for everyone, as it could help substantially reduce the size of image content online, as well as in apps. This would mean faster loading times and less data used.

source: Google via TheNextWeb

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