4K content on Google Play Store has been available in Canada and the US for some time - but now, almost a year later, it has finally hit the UK.
Those with a Google Chromecast Ultra streaming stick connected to a 4K TV, or with a compatible Android TV (Google isn't saying which just yet), will be able to purchase 4K titles from the Google Play Store. A minimum 15Mps internet speed for playback in the higher resolution is also required.
We expect a fair share of new releases to be available in Ultra HD - today, though, we can only see Spider-Man: Homecoming flagging a UHD option in the ‘New Movies To Own’ section
A search for ‘4K’ and ‘4K movies’ within the store doesn't bring us any closer to discovering available UHD titles either.
As you might expect (and can see in the image above), a UHD version costs more than the HD equivalent – in this instance, £13.99 and £9.99 respectively. We're pleased it isn't a huge premium to pay – especially when you consider HD versions of even newer releases (Beauty and the Beast, for example) are also £13.99.
Google isn't quite matching the genorosity of Apple - it has a wider catalogue at the moment, and is automatically upgrading previously bought films from its iTunes Store to 4K (and HDR) when they're available. But newly purchased films on both services look to be similarly priced.
So what about HDR? Google’s support page offers information on HDR playback specifically for American and Canadian users, but it looks like the UK will have to wait a little longer.
MORE:
4K and Dolby Vision films arrive on iTunes Store
Google Play Music adds sound quality options for downloads and streaming
How to watch 4K video online and on TV
6 reasons the Apple TV 4K is huge news for Ultra HD
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray: all the 4K discs on sale and coming soon
