what are .webp files and why has my online experience been plagued by them?

No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 417 points – 1 years ago

I don't know what a .webp file is but I don't like it. They're like a filthy prank version of the image/gif you're looking for. They make you jump through all these hoops to find the original versions of the files that you can actually do anything with.

Edit: honestly I assumed it had something to do with Google protecting themselves from image piracy shit

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Potientially dumb question here, but how does Google own a file format? They own the patent?

I think so, but I'm no expert on the details of legal ownership.

@Dark_Arc@lemmy.world added a good comment here that explains the royalty free licensing.

Thanks!

look up mp3 -- that didn't become public domain until pretty recently (I think 2017?)

not an uncommon thing really

Wait LAME encoders are now obsolete? Tf? How did I miss this?