When Apple unveiled their upgraded 4K Apple TV box, they also introduced a new feature for iTunes content purchases that would automatically give users 4K versions of their movies and TV shows, when available. So when Google announced that they'd be bringing 4K content to the Play Store, it was obviously pretty disappointing that they either couldn't or wouldn't offer the same upgrade path, instead making users purchase 4K content separately even if they already owned the HD version of it.
So yes, while that sucked, Google has finally jumped on the upgrade bandwagon, and now some of your current movies from the Play Store will be made available in 4K at no extra charge. Obviously this won't apply to every single movie (not everything is available in 4K) but when it's there, you're set. This does include standard definition purchases, which is awesome, but notably does exclude any films from Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Studios, which is much less awesome. You're still going to have to re-buy those old Marvel movies for the increased resolution.
There are some less exciting bits in this announcement, too, including pricing for 4K movies dropping starting today, which likely puts them more in line with standard HD purchases, and 4K playback support on more Sony and Samsung smart TVs.
Read more: Google
