A new PNG spec (programmax.net)

Article summary

A new PNG specification has been released, adding features such as proper HDR support, recognition of animated PNGs, and official support for Exif data. The update aims to keep PNG current and competitive after 20 years of stagnation. Many programs already support the new PNG spec, and work has begun on the next two updates. The next update is expected to improve HDR and Standard Dynamic Range interoperability.

Main themes

• PNG update
• backwards compatibility
• compression algorithms
• format extensibility
• security risks
• image formats
• file format design
• ecosystem fragmentation

What commenters say

• Adding a new compression algorithm to PNG could break backwards compatibility and lead to fragmentation in the ecosystem.
• Improving compression without breaking compatibility is possible by changing implementation details of the encoder.
• The flexibility to add new compression types to PNG may encourage the development of better or unorthodox encoders.
• Extending the PNG format without breaking compatibility is preferable to introducing a new file format.
• The potential for fragmentation in the PNG ecosystem is a concern, but it may be mitigated by careful design and implementation.
• Some argue that having an extensible format and never extending it is pointless, while others believe it is a sign of a well-designed format.
• The use of an extensible format can lead to security risks if not properly restricted.
• The benefits of improving PNG compression may be limited by the availability of other advanced lossless formats.