March 31, 2008
Adobe Launches Photoshop Express Public Beta
SAN JOSE, Calif. — March 27 , 2008 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Express public beta, a free Rich Internet Application (RIA) available to anyone who wants to store, sort and show off digital photos with eye-catching effects. During the public beta period, Adobe will solicit Photoshop Express user feedback on product features and functionality, which will continue to evolve over time. As the newest addition to the Photoshop family line, Photoshop Express has taken much of Adobe’s best image editing technology and made it simple and accessible to a new online audience. Photoshop Express allows users to store up to 2 gigabytes of images online for free, make edits to their photos, and share them online in creative ways, including downloading and uploading photos from popular social networking sites like Facebook.
“Photoshop is trusted technology that has changed the visual landscape of our world. Now, Photoshop Express allows anyone who snaps a digital photo to easily achieve the high-impact results for which Adobe is known,” said Doug Mack, vice president of Consumer and Hosted Solutions at Adobe. “Photoshop Express is a convenient, single destination where you can store, edit and share photos whether you’re at home, school or on the road.”
Simple, Fun and Accessible
With Photoshop Express, digital photos can be uploaded and sorted anytime, edited non-destructively to always preserve the original image, and shared from anywhere, on any Web browser. In a few easy clicks, Photoshop Express empowers anyone to make standard edits, such as removing blemishes and red-eye, converting to black and white, cropping and resizing, and much more.
No experience is required to add special effects that will impress friends and family. In keeping with its one-click approach, Photoshop Express offers tricks like Pop Color which selects an object in an image, mutes the background color of the photo and allows the user to swap the object’s color so it jumps off the page. Sketch effects help photos look like drawings and the Distort feature allows you to distort facial features or objects within the images for a comical or artistic effect. Even users with limited photo editing knowledge can simply select what looks best from a line-up of sample photos with visual hints showing different variations of the added effect.
Photoshop Express offers a variety of creative sharing options, including uploading and showing off photos and slideshows in your own online “Gallery” hosted by Adobe, or conveniently embedding or linking photos to social networking sites and personal blogs without having to leave the application. Slideshows never looked better with animation that makes photos float and fly across the screen, allowing for viewer interactivity and unique presentation styles.
Adobe Photoshop Family
Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are at the heart of the Photoshop family, joined by solutions for users at every level who want to bring out the best in their digital images. Photoshop Lightroom™ addresses the workflow needs of professional and serious amateur photographers. Photoshop Elements provides exciting tools and sharing options for photo hobbyists.
Photoshop Express is the latest step Adobe is taking to leverage the advanced technology that underpins its award-winning creative products and deliver it to new online communities. In early 2007, Adobe also announced the availability of Adobe® Premiere® Express, an online video editing and mash-up tool on partner sites such as MTV and Photobucket. Adobe Premiere Express leverages the functionality found in Premiere Elements, a fully-featured desktop video editing program.
Free and Available Now
Adobe Photoshop Express beta is available now for free via any Web browser at http://www.photoshop.com/express . Photoshop Express was created with Flex, Adobe’s free, open source framework for building RIAs. Flex applications provide a consistent, rich user experience across operating systems and all major browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and others. An Internet connection and an up-to-date Flash® Player 9 are all that are required to experience Adobe Photoshop Express. In its early phases, Photoshop Express is available to US residents-only in English. Users may experience slow performance if accessed outside of the US. Future plans include availability in other languages and countries.
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February 06, 2008
EasyBook software updated to include new XL photo book.
Cologne, February 2008
Photo books ordered via the Internet are increasingly popular and begin to replace the traditional photo album more and more. With current and future customer preferences in mind, the online photo service Pixum keeps improving its range of photo book offers. The EasyBook software that has been available within the UK since October 2007 has now been updated to include a new XL photo book.
More room for creativity at low cost and effort: This is the gain of the new Pixum EasyBook photo book software. You can choose from five different types of book in up to four different formats. The new XL book in 12x12inch format leaves a stunning expression. The square EasyBook is also available in moderate 8x8 inch size. If you like it classic, you may prefer the large EasyBook in A4 portrait format. Last but not least, the smart Booklet in pocket format captivates with handy size and pocket-money price. This range of formats and cover types can be designed and ordered with the new Pixum EasyBook software which allows for comfortable, simple and intuitive handling.
EasyBook software – create your book within minutes
With the Pixum EasyBook software, you can easily create your photo book offline. After downloading the software with only approx. 800 KB, only few mouse clicks are required to fill the desired book type with photographic life and to place it into the Pixum shopping cart. Three minutes for a 26-pages book; even beginners will not take longer. The customer has all tools and design options always on screen thanks to the well-arranged software layout. In case of questions, the EasyBook Assistant can be opened with one click to answer all questions and offer a solution.
Elegant EasyBook types for the most precious memories
Whether you decide for a hardcover with your own photo over the whole book cover, for the elegant linen cover or the deluxe model with faux leather for the XL book; every EasyBook type is a classy gift idea with high value. All books’ page number is adjustable from 26-98 depending on number and arrangement of photos. The 200g paper ensures a perfect presentation. The EasyBook Hardcover is provided with a protective film for increased durability; a personal text on the book spine is possible. Linen and faux leather covers are available in different colours. Starting at £21.99 for the square Linen Cover and at £22.99 for the square Hardcover, your personal book is the ideal affordable solution for your most precious memories. You decide yourself how much your memories are worth; nothing is a better tribute to a special occasion than the new deluxe EasyBook XL, starting at £39.99. All prices are for 26 pages, plus shipping costs.
EasyBook Softcover and Photo Booklet: quick and low-priced
The EasyBook Softcover is a low-priced alternative to the Hardcover. It features the same options and quality, but with a flexible cover. You get an EasyBook Softcover with 26 pages for only £16.99 plus shipping. For only £5.99 plus shipping costs, the Pixum Photo Booklet in handy pocket format (5x5.5 inches) is the perfect form to offer snapshots of special events as a gift. The high-quality paper cover accommodates up to 50 pages, stapled to the cover, also in square or A4 format. The Pixum EasyBook software has proven its success. Since October, it has allowed for the ordering, printing, binding and despatching of high-quality photo books for glad recipients all over Great Britain. With the extended range of products, it is bound to become increasingly popular.
More information about Pixum and this topic are available on www.pixum.co.uk.
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December 20, 2007
Phase One Delivers Capture One 4 Next-Generation RAW Workflow Software
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Dec. 19, 2007 — Phase One today announced the availability of Capture One 4, the next generation of the world’s first RAW workflow software. Built on a new architecture, the successor to Phase One’s entry-level Capture One LE offers photographers – pros and enthusiasts alike – a RAW workflow solution for superior image quality.
A newly designed user interface offers high fidelity color and detail reproduction, plus new timesaving workflow features. Capture One 4 supports medium-format digital backs and a wide range of DSLR cameras.
“Our recent survey of professional photographers shows that pros have fully adopted digital and RAW format, with 89 percent of total images now being captured digitally and over 50 percent of them in RAW format,” said Ed Lee, Director at InfoTrends.
“Capture One excels at RAW workflow,” said Jan H. Christiansen, marketing director for Phase One. “Today, it is no less an art to develop digital images than to process film in the darkroom. Ours is not an ‘end-to-end’ solution, but devoted to helping photographers achieve the highest quality from the images they have captured.”
About Capture One 4
Capture One 4 marries sophistication with a simple, intuitive ease. It invokes more consistent use of shortcuts, tools and naming. It is compatible with many other popular applications; for example, users can have a seamless workflow with Capture One to process RAW files and Adobe Photoshop to post process images.
o New user interface offers maximum space for the images. Images, not sliders and controls, are the focus. A darker background permits easier image viewing and enhancements. As with previous generations of Capture One, a guided workflow is available to assist the photographer in the image enhancement process;
o View and work with up to 12 images simultaneously at full resolution;
o Multiple Variants of a single RAW image can be made with virtually no disk and performance overhead;
o Manage and transfer license codes, so Capture One 4 can be used on
one computer one day and on another computer the next.
o Recover details in highlights and shadows with high dynamic range
control;
o Import and export images in DNG format, for more options to share and archive;
o Powerful new shortcut architecture allows faster image import, adjustment and processing;
Pricing and availability
Existing Capture One customers can upgrade to Capture One 4 at no extra cost. Designed for Windows XP (SP2)/Vista and Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5, Capture One 4 is available now via download at http://www.phaseone.com/4 for 129 USD and 99 EUR through Phase One’s e-Shop
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October 03, 2007
ACDSee 10 Photo Manager Announced
VICTORIA, British Columbia – October 2, 2007 – ACD Systems International Inc. unveiled ACDSee 10 Photo Manager today, the latest update to its popular photo organization and sharing software. Improved features combine to make ACDSee 10 the most powerful and affordably priced tool available for seamless integration with photo sharing sites such as Flickr and SmugMug, as well as cameras and other devices. Additional features include real-time viewing, management and editing of multiple image files, even in large albums and photo collections.
“Our number-one goal with ACDSee 10 Photo Manager is to help people make the most of their photos and the digital devices they use every day,” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. “The pace of sharing images moves faster as technology advances. People want easy-to-use tools to organize, edit and share files. ACDSee 10 is designed to make it simple to manage growing digital image libraries, share photos with friends and family and explore creative possibilities.”
Integration with External Devices and Photo Sharing Platforms
Once images are indexed by Photo Manager’s database, the new, online Uploader tool is optimized to share them quickly and easily through Flickr, Smugmug and other popular photo sharing Web sites. Frequent updates to the Uploader will include access to additional photo sharing sites and features.
The new ACDSee Photo Widget makes it simple to add a slideshow of photos or layouts to a Web page or blog and is powered by ACDSee’s free album-hosting service, SendPix. Images can also be directly exported to Microsoft Office® PowerPoint® or PDF documents, and files can be sent by e-mail directly from ACDSee software without the need for time-consuming resizing of images. With ACDSee, it’s also easy to create CDs, DVDs, prints and more at home or online.
For easy downloading, ACDSee 10’s “smart” features import, rename and categorize new photos automatically upon connecting a camera, camera phone or other device to one’s computer. Files can be unzipped within the software, which is designed for viewing and organizing archived items in one step. The time-saving PhotoDisc feature allows users to view thumbnails and manage images stored on external media without the need to first copy files to their hard drives.
Viewing and Organizing Made Quick and Easy
Photo Manager’s new Instant Preview feature allows users to simply scroll a mouse over thumbnails for instant viewing of images right in the browser. The new virtual Photo Calendar tool allows for instinctive searching of photos or other digital assets, such as scrapbooking kits, by viewing images by date on a friendly, calendar-like interface. As with previous Photo Manager releases, using Quick View mode also means no waiting to view files.
“ACDSee is the best product we’ve found for organizing, comparing and browsing our images at DPReview,” said Phil Askey, webmaster, Digital Photography Review.
Users can tag photos with custom categories or through metadata tools, such as the new, multi-word keyword feature, to greatly reduce searching time. It is also possible to assign images to as many categories as needed without duplicating files.
Automatic Image Adjustments
New, sophisticated image processing in ACDSee 10 actively analyzes each photo and can automatically apply optimal settings. One example is ACDSee’s patent-pending Shadow/Highlight tool, which restores detail into areas of photos that are too light or dark. Users can leverage powerful new image editing functions such as advanced red eye correction, which makes it possible to replace red eye with the subject’s actual eye color and then adjust it for brightness and intensity. Other special effects allow users to erase blemishes and make colors more true to life.
Pricing and Availability
ACDSee 10 Photo Manager is available for a free 30-day trial and for purchase for $49.99 (USD) at www.acdsee.com. Users can bundle this program with ACDSee Photo Editor for the combined price of $79.99 (USD). Photo Editor is the companion software that helps users of any skill level enhance photos and create their own digital layouts to print and share.
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September 24, 2007
New Photoshop Elements Packs Powerful Editing Punch
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 24, 2007 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo-editing software*. Available for Windows®, Photoshop Elements combines power and simplicity for consumers to find, view and easily infuse creativity and personality into their photos. This landmark release helps consumers at all experience levels achieve outstanding results and provides interactive options for sharing unique creations via print and Web.
In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere® Elements 4 software, a complete home video-editing solution (see separate press release). Available separately or together in a single retail package, Photoshop Elements & Adobe Premiere Elements give photo and video enthusiasts more creative ways to organize, edit, create and share digital photos and home movies.
“Photoshop Elements is the one-stop-shop for consumers to go faster and farther with their photos,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. “We’re helping people flex their editing muscle, without breaking a sweat. We’ve redesigned the user experience to more prominently showcase photos, direct consumers to features that help turn photos from good to great in just seconds and inject a dynamic element into their creations.”
Make Photos Look Their Best
Photoshop Elements software helps enthusiasts achieve desired results quickly and easily. New Photomerge® technology helps address the challenge of capturing the perfect group photo by combining the best facial expressions and body language from a series of shots to create a single cohesive group shot. The new Quick Selection Tool reduces a once time-consuming select-and-adjust task to a single click. Photographers at all grades - beginner to expert - can choose from one of three edit modes, each geared toward a different experience level. A new Guided Edit mode helps walk users through the steps of improving a photo. Photoshop Elements 6 streamlines editing with clean, uncluttered screens that draw focus to where it belongs, with new tabs providing simple access to the many capabilities of the program. Tight integration with Adobe Premiere Elements and a shared Organizer, with a common database accessible from either application, allow users to do more with their photos and videos with speedy performance and easy import, tagging and retrieval tasks. Additional enhancements include an improved conversion tool that dramatically converts color images into elegant, nuanced black-and-whites.
Share Photos In Fun, Unique Ways
Photoshop Elements 6 offers users more creative sharing possibilities, including online galleries based on Adobe Flash® which provide an interactive experience for friends and family to enjoy. With a variety of settings and themes, these galleries can be easily accessed via the Web and help bring moments and memories to life. Animated slideshows, e-mail and printed creations available in Photoshop Elements such as photo books, scrapbook pages, cards and CD/DVD labels deliver high-impact sharing options, and also require no previous experience.
Pricing and Availability
Photoshop Elements 6 and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows are available separately for an estimated street price of £69.99 each. Photoshop Elements for the Macintosh platform is expected in early 2008. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows is available as a bundle at an estimated street price of £99.99.
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September 20, 2007
Next-Generation Workflow Management with ACDSee Pro 2
VICTORIA, British Columbia – September 11, 2007
ACD Systems International Inc. has put a new level of control and convenience into photographers’ hands with the release of ACDSee™ Pro 2, featuring next-generation workflow management and RAW processing functionality tested by thousands of professional photographers.
This updated version of the industry’s most complete, “one-stop” software package for viewing, processing, editing, cataloging, publishing and archiving digital images is rich with new features. The capabilities of ACDSee Pro 2 leverage the power of today’s digital SLR cameras and support an expanding variety of RAW-format files. The upgrade was developed with input from more than 2,500 photographers from around the globe who participated in a beta-testing program earlier this year.
“Our Pro 2 software serves professionals and avid amateur photographers who need advanced tools,” said Mark Franklin, executive vice president of ACD Systems. “The ability to work directly with our customers has allowed us to develop a product release that will bring unprecedented efficiency to the photographic community, freeing them to focus on what they do best – producing quality images.”
ACDSee Pro 2’s expanded processing power and speed allows viewing and handling of large RAW files with the speed of smaller JPEGs. File manipulation is made easier with cutting and pasting of RAW photo settings, one-step rotating and cropping, and recovery of up to two stops of lost highlight detail with the Highlights Recovery slider. RAW files can now be simultaneously exported to up to 14 different formats and multiple resolutions. Options to rename, resize and embed color profiles are also included in this time-saving operation.
Cataloging images is now even easier with ACDSee Pro 2’s improved metadata features, including automated metadata-based file sorting capabilities, and read/write capabilities for XMP sidecar files and digital negatives (DNG). Enhanced editing is made possible through tools such as opacity and blending, channel mixer, and patent-pending shadow and highlight controls. Other key features in ACDSee Pro 2, which is Certified for Windows Vista, include uploading to online services like Flickr and advanced browsing capabilities such as “Group By,” “Filter By” and “Events View.”
“I haven't found a better program than ACDSee Pro to blaze through my workflow. I can fly through a thousand-picture assignment and have a tight edit sent to a client in no time,” said David Honl, a photojournalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.
Selected Formats Supported by ACDSee Pro 2
For the complete list of camera RAW formats supported by ACDSee software, visit http://www.acdsee.com/products/acdseepro/rawformats.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IIINikon D80
Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi Nikon D200
Epson R-D1 Olympus E-510
FujiFilm FinePix S5 Pro Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
FujiFilm FinePix S6000fd Pentax K10D
Imacon Ixpress Phase One H 25
Kodak DCS Pro SLR/c Ricoh GR Digital
Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Samsung Pro 815
Leaf Aptus 75 Sinar 12582980-byte
Leaf Valeo 22 Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Leica M8
Nikon D80
Nikon D200
Olympus E-510
Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1
Pentax K10D
Phase One H 25
Ricoh GR Digital
Samsung Pro 815
Sinar 12582980-byte
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100
Pricing and Availability
ACDSee Pro 2 is available now for $129.99 (USD) by visiting www.acdsee.com. Current ACDSee customers are eligible for a 30-percent customer discount via online purchase of the ACDSee Pro 2 upgrade.
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June 01, 2007
Software enhances all shades of grey from black to white
Kiel, Germany – June 1 , 2007. Digitisation of X-rays made easy with SilverFast X-Ray by LaserSoft Imaging
SilverFast X-Ray by LaserSoft Imaging is designed for one specific use: the digitisation of X-ray films. SilverFast X-Ray is not only easy and comfortable to use, but also delivers a full-screen preview at user-defined zoom levels.
Anyone who regularly deals with X-rays knows that the accurate analysis of X-rays depends on the detailed display of all shades of grey between black and white. The digitisation of such images is now fast and comfortable with SilverFast X-Ray. The special version of the professional scanner software SilverFast Ai renders highly detailed images, which display the full range of tonal values.
SilverFast X-Ray comes with special features designed to meet the professional requirements of X-ray analysts such as medics and scientists: the software delivers a preview prior to the actual scan, which can be adjusted to the size of the screen. The full-screen preview can be zoomed (zoom function) via a slider. Other features include a real-time correction and the fact that the user scans the actual image that is displayed on the monitor (WhatYouSeeIsWhatYouGet control).
The automated functions of the software allow anyone to simply click a button and obtain near perfect results. The scan frame is dragged around the X-ray film displayed on the screen and the intelligent auto-adjust function takes care of the rest!
Thanks to another top-notch feature, it is further possible to switch from X-ray to the standard user interface to then access the full functionality of SilverFast Ai – the professional scanning tool, in order to scan any other type of images.
SilverFast X-Ray can be purchased directly from the manufacturer for the price of US$ 399.00
For further information please visit: www.silverfast.de
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May 24, 2007
REALVIZ Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 Now Available
REALVIZ is pleased to announce the availability of version 5.6 of their award-winning software, Stitcher Unlimited. Version 5.6, which is available from this week, introduces Mac® Universal compatibility, as well as HDR capabilities. A Japanese-language version is also scheduled for release later this spring, in addition to the existing English and French versions of the software.
REALVIZ Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 now has full HDR compatibility for the very first time, enabling users to load, stitch, and save HDR (High Dynamic Range) images. With HDR imaging, users are able to create projects, which combine under- and over-exposed areas in the same harmonious panorama. A perfect synergy with the external tools available on the market for image tone mapping, such as Adobe® Photoshop®, Photomatix® or HDR Shop, is ensured through compatibility with the most commonly used HDR image file formats: OpenEXR (.exr, 16 or 32 bits per channel), and Radiance RGBE (.hdr). The enhanced core engine of Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 makes all image processing operations available for images with 32 bits per channel. HDR panoramas produced with Stitcher Unlimited 5.6 can be used as a lighting environment map for 3D studios to obtain ultra-realistic 3D scenes, and to ensure consistent lighting of virtual objects placed in real environments.
“We're pushing the envelope once again to bring our users the very latest tools to maximize their creativity and productivity,” said Dominique Pouliquen, REALVIZ CEO. “Panoramic photographers, virtual tour creators, graphic artists, CAD designers, architects and VFX professionals will all benefit from this latest addition to Stitcher Unlimited. We’re also delighted to be porting Stitcher to the new Mac Intel for the first time. This has been a major factor for us in our bid to meet the needs of our loyal Mac user base. With HDR fast becoming ever more popular amongst the digital content creation community, the timing of this release could not be better!”
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March 09, 2007
Adobe Unveils Plans for Two Editions of Photoshop CS3
SAN JOSE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Nevada — March 8, 2007 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show that it will expand its digital imaging product line, offering two editions of Adobe® Photoshop® CS3. In addition to the highly anticipated Photoshop CS3 software for designers and professional photographers, Adobe will also deliver Photoshop CS3 Extended, a completely new edition of Photoshop which allows cross-media creative professionals to stretch the limits of digital imaging. Photoshop CS3 Extended includes everything in Photoshop CS3 plus a new set of capabilities for integration of 3-D and motion graphics, image measurement and analysis. Photoshop CS3 Extended also simplifies the workflow for professionals in architecture, engineering, medical and science.
Both Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended software will be formally introduced on March 27, 2007 - as part of the company’s launch of Creative Suite 3, where further details will be disclosed. The software is expected to ship in Spring 2007.
"We never imagined that Photoshop would someday help make major motion pictures, let alone save lives," said John Loiacono, senior vice president of the Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. "Whether it's a video producer texture editing the backdrop of a movie or a researcher counting hundreds of cancer cells, diverse industries are already relying on the professional standard in digital imaging."
Breadth of Advanced Features in Photoshop CS3 Extended
With Photoshop CS3 Extended, film, video and multimedia professionals, and graphic and web designers can leverage the power of the Photoshop image-editing toolset and paint engine when editing 3D and motion-based content. Film and video specialists can perform 3-D model visualization and texture editing, paint and clone over multiple video frames. Animators can now render and incorporate rich 3-D content into their 2-D compositions. Graphic and web designers can create an animation from a series of images - such as time series data - and export it to a wide variety of formats, including QuickTime, MPEG-4 and Adobe Flash® Video.
“The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) is over 60,000 members strong and as it continues to grow, so do the variety of uses for Photoshop,” said Scott Kelby, president of NAPP. “Photoshop CS3 Extended will further redefine who the ‘creative professional’ is, allowing cross-media professionals to really push the limits of their craft, while also inviting engineers, scientists and architects to add the power of Photoshop to their arsenal.”
Photoshop CS3 Extended also enables users to extract valuable quantitative and qualitative data from images. In addition to measurement and analysis tools, architects, medical professionals and scientists will enjoy increased support for specialized image formats so they can easily view, annotate, and edit images in their native format. Radiologists can closely monitor a patient’s progress over time, scientific researchers can create animations from medical images for presentation purposes, and architects can make accurate measurements of objects in their 3-D images.
“With the release of two new editions of Photoshop, Adobe continues to push the boundaries with innovative tools that empower people to communicate visually in powerful new ways,” said Alexis Gerard, author of “Going Visual” and president of Future Image Inc., hosts of the 6Sight® Future of Imaging conference. “While Photoshop CS3 will remain the digital imaging standard for photographers, Photoshop CS3 Extended is bringing to new audiences the proven benefit of Photoshop, and also exploring feature sets that eventually may benefit a broader market.”
Availability
Announced in December 2006, a beta version of Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Macintosh and Windows is currently available for download for Photoshop CS2 users on the Adobe Labs Web site: http://labs.adobe.com .
Both Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended software will be formally introduced on March 27, 2007. Available as Universal Binary for the Macintosh platform as well as for Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows Vista® computers, the final shipping releases of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended are planned for Spring 2007.
For more information, please visit the Adobe Web site: www.adobe.com/go/photoshop .
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February 28, 2007
Lexar Introduce Image Rescue™ 3 Image Recovery Software
Fremont, CA , February 27, 2007 - Lexar, a leader in advanced digital media and accessories, today introduced Image Rescue™ 3, the new version of the company's award-winning image recovery software. In most circumstances, Lexar Image Rescue 3 allows users to recover lost or deleted photo, video, and audio files, regardless of flash memory card format, manufacturer, or mass storage compliant reader. Designed for both professionals and consumers alike, Image Rescue 3 boasts a redesigned, step-by-step interface that walks the user through the intuitive image recovery process, delivers extensive recovery capabilities, and offers a live online customer support chat link as an enhancement to its existing support features.
"Image Rescue 3 is designed to address the serious concerns of both professional photographers and the ever-expanding group of consumers that use flash memory for storing and sharing digital images, videos, and audio files on their cameras, MP3 players, and PDAs," said John Santoro, Senior Product Marketing Manager responsible for software, Lexar. "We are happy to extend the reach of this popular software to a wide audience while continuing to provide professional photographers with a reliable recovery application. Both consumer-level users and professionals can rest a bit easier knowing that the risk of permanently losing a favorite image, video, or song is now greatly reduced."
"As the volume of digital devices featuring removable flash memory card slots has increased dramatically in the past few years, so has the number of cards owned by individual consumers," said Chris Chute, manager with IDC's digital imaging practice. "An image recovery application that recovers still images, video, and audio - but also works effectively with all manufacturer brands - is ideal."
Image Rescue 3 is available for download free of charge with purchase of all Lexar Professional and Platinum II CompactFlash®, Secure Digital™, and Secure Digital High Capacity™ memory cards. Image Rescue 3 is compatible with Windows 2000/XP (or higher) and Mac OS 10.2 (or higher), and recovers files from all popular flash memory card formats, including CompactFlash Type I and II, SmartMedia™, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick Pro™, Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, MultiMediaCard™, and xD-Picture Card™.
In addition to being included as value-added software on all Lexar Professional and Platinum II CF, SD, and SDHC memory cards, Image Rescue 3 will be available at photo specialty stores nationwide and for easy download at http://lexar.com/software/image_rescue.html for $29.95.
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January 29, 2007
Adobe Debuts Photoshop Lightroom 1.0
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 29, 2007 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced that Adobe Photoshop® Lightroom™ 1.0 software is now available for pre-order and is expected to ship in mid-February 2007. Photoshop Lightroom enables professional photographers to import, manage and present large volumes of digital photographs, helping photographers spend more time behind the lens and less time at the computer. With more than 500,000 photographers participating in the public beta program over the last 12 months, Photoshop Lightroom now includes a wealth of innovative features that streamline digital photography workflows. Recognizing the photography community for their efforts, Adobe is offering Photoshop Lightroom at a special introductory price of US $199 through April 30, 2007 at the Adobe Store. Photoshop Lightroom will later sell for an estimated street price of US $299.
“It’s an unlikely scenario that professional photographers would moonlight as software developers,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president, Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. “Fortunately for us, they were willing to give it a shot. Everything, from image viewing and evaluation tools to timesaving editing features, was developed with the help of photographers. This was truly a collaborative effort and we extend our thanks to everyone who provided invaluable feedback to help us deliver a powerhouse professional photography tool.”
Lightroom Feature Advancements
Photoshop Lightroom includes new functionality added since beta 4.1, with significant changes to the Library and Develop modules complementing improvements to the Slideshow, Print and Web components. While in the Library module, new advanced keywording tools help photographers filter through large collections, and an improved import dialogue with more flexible file handling allows more choice when determining file location. The new Key Metadata Browser provides quick access to key information tags with an improved ranking and rating system that now incorporates color labels and a pick/reject system that sorts and locates photographs faster than ever. New to the Develop module, Virtual Copies and Snapshot tools help present multiple versions of the same image, providing the most choice to clients without the confusion of saving separate physical versions.
Additional tools added include a Hue, Saturation and Luminance targeted adjustment tool for precise and intuitive image edits. Clone and Healing features provide non-destructive edits to eliminate sensor dust across one or many images.
High-Quality Raw Processing
Photoshop Lightroom leverages Adobe Camera Raw technology and supports over 150 native raw file formats, in addition to JPEG and TIFF, bringing raw conversion into a single workflow experience. The latest camera models supported include the Nikon D40 and D80 and the Pentax K10D. This support means that photographers can use Lightroom with even the newest cameras on the market, knowing that the image files will be recognized today and in the future. Upon import, files can be converted to the Digital Negative specification (DNG) or renamed and segmented by folder or date. DNG is an industry-wide initiative to create a universal file format for solving workflow and archiving issues. It aims to eliminate barriers to new camera adoption while giving professional photographers the confidence that their digital body of work is securely archived and will remain accessible as digital imaging technology evolves.
“Photoshop Lightroom gives me the capabilities to get everything out of a raw file. Now I can easily duplicate enhancements and apply them across a range of similar images almost instantly,” said Denis Reggie, a nationally renowned celebrity and society wedding photographer. “Lightroom is brilliantly conceived and masterfully executed. I can see my digital workflow moving fully to Lightroom now that it is final.”
Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom will ship in mid-February 2007 and is available for pre-order in the United States and Canada through the Adobe Store at www.adobe.com/store for a special introductory price of US $199. The $100 discount is offered to all customers through April 30, 2007 in appreciation of loyal Photoshop users, early supporters of Photoshop Lightroom and beta participants who devoted time, energy and feedback throughout the process. Photoshop Lightroom will later sell for an estimated street price of US $299. Recommended system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4.3, 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor or Microsoft® Windows® XP SP2, Intel® Pentium 4® Processor, and 768 MB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a Universal Binary application that will run natively on PowerPC and new Intel-based Macintosh systems.
The announcement of Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 signifies the official conclusion of the groundbreaking Lightroom beta program. Users of Lightroom beta will have access to the program until its expiration on February 28, 2007.
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December 14, 2006
Adobe Releases Beta Version of Photoshop CS3
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Dec. 14, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) will introduce a beta version of Adobe® Photoshop® CS3 software, the next release of the world standard in digital imaging, on Friday, December 15th. Adobe is delivering a widely available Photoshop CS3 beta to enable customers to more easily transition to the latest hardware platforms, particularly Apple’s new Intel-based systems. The beta is available as a Universal Binary for the Macintosh platform, as well as for Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows Vista computers. The final shipping release of Adobe Photoshop CS3 is planned for Spring 2007. The software can be downloaded at:
http://labs.adobe.com, in the early hours Pacific Standard Time on December 15.
Packed with new features, Photoshop CS3 beta also includes a pre-release version of a major upgrade to Adobe Bridge, as well as a preview release of the all-new Adobe Device Central. Photoshop customers can use Adobe Device Central to design, preview, and test compelling mobile content, created specifically for smaller screens. This new tool, integrated in the Photoshop CS3 beta, simplifies and accelerates the creation of mobile content through a preview environment and built-in device profiles.
“This is an exciting time for the Mac, and Adobe wanted to ease the move to new Intel-based systems with a preview release of Photoshop CS3,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. “We didn’t want to leave Windows customers out of the party, so the beta is available to everyone in the creative industry's most passionate user community -- no matter what their platform choice. We still have some surprises in store, but this beta gives customers an early chance to see the power of another great Photoshop release, optimized and tuned to run natively on the latest hardware and operating systems.”
To utilize Adobe Photoshop CS3 beta, customers require a serial number from either Adobe Photoshop CS2, Adobe Creative Suite® 2, Adobe Creative Suite Production Studio, Adobe Design Bundle, Adobe Web Bundle or Adobe Video Bundle. Adobe Photoshop CS3 beta is available in English only. Customers who have a valid serial number for all other language versions of qualifying Adobe products can download the software. Without a serial number, users can still download Adobe Photoshop CS3 beta, with the product expiring after two days. Customers must register online with Adobe or have an existing Adobe.com membership account to access the software.
In related previews of future technologies, Adobe has also released two new web tools as beta releases. Adobe CSS Advisor is a new web-based community site to easily identify and resolve browser compatibility issues. Web designers and developers can contribute their own issues, comment on existing issues, or become an editor to participate in driving the site's future. The site is accessible at: www.adobe.com/go/cssadvisor. Also introduced is a beta release of Adobe Spry framework for Ajax, a designer-focused solution for adding the interactive power of Ajax when developing rich, dynamic web-sites. Adobe Spry framework for Ajax is available at: www.adobe.com/go/spry.
System Requirements
For Adobe Photoshop CS3 beta, recommended system requirements are as follows. For Macintosh: Mac OSX 10.4.8 or 10.5, 1 GHz PowerPC® G4 or G5 processor, Intel based Macintosh. For Windows: Intel® Xeon® , Xeon Dual, Centrino® or Pentium® 4 processor, Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher, Microsoft Windows Vista. Both platforms require 512 MB RAM and a 1024x769 resolution screen. Photoshop CS3 beta will expire soon after the launch of Photoshop CS3 in Spring 2007. Details on final pricing, system requirements and availability have yet to be determined.
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October 07, 2006
Adobe Brings Lightroom Beta 4 into Photoshop Family
SAN JOSE, Calif. and COLOGNE, Germany — Sept. 25, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced an update to the public beta of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom™ software at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany. Available immediately for download from Adobe Labs (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom ), this update unites the product feature set for Windows® and Macintosh platforms, giving professional photographers a new way to import, manage and showcase large volumes of digital photographs. More than 325,000 people have opted to try Lightroom during the beta period and feedback has been fueled by over 3,400 of them sharing input in Adobe online forums. The final version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is expected to ship in early 2007.
“From the moment we introduced Lightroom beta we opened up the process to photographers, making them a part of our 'virtual development team' and allowing them to tell us exactly what this application needs,” said Deborah Whitman, vice president of product management for Digital Imaging. “Engaging with this community has helped us build a better workflow solution and has made watching its evolution more exciting and dynamic.”
The final branding of the software, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, confirms its place within the Photoshop family, a line of products that meet the needs of novice snapshooters, photo hobbyists and a diverse set of professional customers.
Lightroom Feature Advancements and Raw Processing Support
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom beta 4.0 offers improved digital photography workflow tools, including a precision white balance selection option and a more streamlined and elegant user interface experience with customizable controls. An intuitive new tone curve adjustment feature provides powerful image correction capabilities, allowing users to visually obtain excellent midtone, shadow and highlight adjustments.
New enhancements in the Develop and Library modules include time-saving tools such as the ability to re-name and convert files to Adobe Digital Negative Format (DNG) after importing into the Lightroom library. New filters, search presets and organizing options allow for quick retrieval of images and greater flexibility.
Lightroom supports over 125 native raw file formats, in addition to JPEG and TIFF, and brings raw conversion into a single workflow experience. The latest camera models supported by this beta are the Nikon D2Xs, Sony A100, as well as preliminary support for the Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D) and Nikon D80. This support means that photographers can use Lightroom with even the newest cameras on the market, knowing that the image files will be recognized today and into the future.
Thriving Community Support
Adobe hosts an online community site for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom beta which features artists in the Lightroom Showcase Gallery (http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/gallery ) and provides an arena for photographers to share their portfolios using Lightroom slideshow functionality. Photographers will find inspiration in the documentaries of well-known photographers posted in the community and gallery.
Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom beta is available for free download from the Adobe Labs Web site at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom . Recommended system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4.3, 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor or Windows XP SP2, Intel Pentium 4 Processor, and 768 MB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom beta is a universal binary application that will run natively on PowerPC and new Intel-based Macintosh systems. The final version of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is expected to ship in early 2007. Further details around pricing, system requirements and availability have yet to be determined.
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September 25, 2006
Ulead Introduces PhotoImpact 12
Northampton, UK September 25th, 2006 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of InterVideo Inc. today announced the release of Ulead® PhotoImpact® 12, Ulead's flagship image-editing software. The latest version adds innovative features that allow beginners to immediately enjoy success in editing their digital photos and sharing images in creative projects.
“PhotoImpact does so many things in such an uncomplicated way, once users get started they never want to go back,” said Mark Wurdemann, Ulead European Marketing Manager. “What we’ve done with this new version is open the door wider to enter the exciting world of digital imaging. We think users will find ExpressFix mode and the new photo projects invaluable additions to this award-winning product.”
Making Everyday Photo Tasks Easier
ExpressFix mode and the SmartGuide task-oriented help system are two high-visibility enhancements designed to help introduce users to digital photography.
ExpressFix mode is a simplified interface providing commonly-used photo features as guided and fully automatic tools. Featuring a large preview screen with before and after views, users can adjust colour, exposure and focus using intelligent one-click presets. Noise reduction and PhotoImpact’s unique SmartCurves tone adjustment are available as fully-automated one-step processes. For photo portraits, users can remove red-eye effects and enhance the complexion of subjects with a Beautify Skin option. ExpressFix mode also provides direct links to PhotoImpact 12’s enhanced White Balance correction feature as well as options to rotate, print, and e-mail photos.
“New ExpressFix mode isn’t just for first-time users. It’s also great for anyone for making everyday photo edits quickly and easily,” said Mike Addicott, founder of Digital Diversity in Australia. “The SmartGuide is useful for users of all levels, providing step-by-step directions on-screen for various digital imaging, Web page, and video and DVD menu creation tasks.”
Task-oriented Help System
PhotoImpact 12 now adds a SmartGuide “How-to” help panel to assist users in completing a range of Photo, Web and Video & DVD oriented tasks. In addition to step-by-step instructions, links in the SmartGuide help text automatically select the correct tools to perform the action described.
Powerful, High-end Image Editing
PhotoImpact 12 features significant enhancements to meet the needs of high-end users. RAW file format has been extended to cover more camera models. Editing at high colour depth now includes support for selection tools and objects. 16-bit colour depth objects can now be saved in PhotoImpact’s native UFO file format.
A new White Balance correction tool employing advanced perceptual technology makes photos look more natural, even in mixed lighting situations. To speed workflow, the White Balance tool automatically analyses photo colours and suggests appropriate correction settings which users can accept or refine as desired.
An enhanced Reduce Noise feature, based on new anisotropic diffusion algorithms, is more powerful and much faster. Noise reduction is provided as an automatic feature in ExpressFix mode and as a stand-alone function with adjustable settings for advanced users.
Creative Photo Projects
PhotoImpact’s comprehensive set of montage, painting, graphics, text and tools, along with an extensive collection of filters and effects, have long made it a favorite among creative enthusiasts.
New in version 12 is a three-step Photo Project wizard provides customizable templates for adding photos to greeting cards and CD & DVD labels. The new Share menu also includes options for sharing photos in Calendars, Web Albums, Web Slideshows and on Mobile Devices.
Web, DVD & Video Graphics
The PhotoImpact Component Designer now includes video title graphics and DVD navigation buttons in addition to Web page graphics. Also new in PhotoImpact 12 are templates for Web blogs and DVD menus compatible with Ulead’s latest video editing and DVD authoring packages.
Unmatched Value and Versatility
Packing 5 complete applications and ready-to-use content, PhotoImpact 12 offers users the most value and versatility of any image editor in its class. In addition to the main editor, the package includes Ulead Photo Explorer 8.6 for managing and browsing photos, video and other digital media; Ulead PhotoImpact Album 12, a database-driven photo management tool; Ulead COOL 360 for composing panoramic images; and Ulead GIF Animator 5.05, a widely acclaimed GIF animation tool. In addition creative tools, PhotoImpact 12 provides a rich library of over 1,300 royalty-free images, 2,200 Web elements, 1,000 objects and 3,250 customizable effects to serve as a starting point for creative projects.
Pricing and Availability:
Box and electronic download versions of PhotoImpact 12 will be available in October at £49.99 for the box version and £44.99 for download through Ulead Web sites. Upgrades for registered PhotoImpact users will be available for £29.99 for the box version and £24.99 for download. PhotoImpact 12 will be available from Amazon, Dabs, SaverSoftware and other leading retailers.
About Ulead Systems:
Ulead Systems, Inc. (TSE:2487), a subsidiary of InterVideo, Inc. (NASDAQ: IVII) is a 17-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software. As more people use digital technologies at home, school and the workplace, Ulead software empowers users of all levels with the tools to easily and affordably personalize, manage and share digital content. Ulead is a member of the DVD Forum, participates in DVD Forum Working Groups and is a general member of the HD DVD promotion group. Ulead is also a Contributor member of the Blu-ray Disc Association and serves on the BDA TEG. For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead's Web site at www.ulead.co.uk
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September 12, 2006
Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 Announced
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 12, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 5.0 software, a major upgrade to the No. 1 selling consumer photo editing software*. Available for Windows®, Photoshop Elements offers new and more flexible ways for consumers to organize files, edit images with ease and share photos in engaging and innovative ways. Adobe Photoshop Elements allows for quick, one-click fixes to photos with the option of exploring more sophisticated editing techniques.
*Source: The NPD Group (April 2002 to April 2006) based on units sold.
In addition, Adobe today announced Adobe Premiere® Elements 3.0 software, a complete home video editing solution (see separate press release). Also available together in a single retail package, Adobe Photoshop Elements plus Adobe Premiere Elements delivers unique integrated functionality that provides consumers with the ability to do more with their photos and home videos.
“Digital photography has changed the way people capture moments and memories and today's digital cameras and even camera phones have the potential to deliver some extraordinary results,” said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions Business Unit at Adobe. “Adobe Photoshop Elements gives customers the creative freedom to get more out of their digital camera, with the sophisticated and accessible editing features that the Photoshop name is famed for. The result is superior images that can be shared with family and friends in new, exciting, high impact ways - on the Web or in printed formats.”
Showcase and Share Photos in Entertaining Ways
Photoshop Elements software makes it easy to share photos with themed and customizable layouts, multi-page document options for albums and scrapbooks and over 100 framing choices. With drag-and-drop simplicity, photos can be moved and resized within these flexible layouts. The new Map View allows consumers to drag photos to any location tied to an online satellite map to relive memories based on locations where photos were taken.
Adobe Photoshop Services are easily accessible from within the application and offer new and fun ways to share photos. An interactive Adobe Flash® based photo gallery service, called Adobe Photoshop Showcase, allows photos to be shared for free, or upgraded to an extended sharing service via a Web site. These online galleries can take the form of a virtual scrapbook with flipping pages, a winter scene with falling snow or a spinning photo carousel. Photos can easily be sent directly to CEIVA digital photo frames, shared via SmugMug online albums or turned into real postage at PhotoStamps.com (U.S. only). One-click printing also makes it simple to order Kodak prints and using Photoshop Elements new photo layout functionality makes creating and ordering photobooks a more personalized experience.
Experience Superior Editing
Innovative editing functions give consumers new ways to tackle common photo edits. The new black-and-white conversion tool adds a dramatic and elegant look to photos, instantly converting color originals to a variety of rich black-and-white photo styles with deep contrast. The new Adjust Color Curves controls allow consumers to achieve the perfect exposure for every image. Photoshop Elements also allows consumers to easily correct camera lens distortion.
Adobe Offers Complete Line of Products for Every Level
Adobe offers a complete family of Photoshop products that meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of digital photographers: the free Photoshop Album Starter Edition software for the novice digital camera user; Photoshop Elements for the digital photography enthusiast; and Photoshop CS2 software for the professional or the most demanding amateur photographer.
Pricing and Availability
Adobe's digital imaging and digital video products will be available in October 2006 at www.adobe.com and other major electronics and online retailers including Amazon.com, Best Buy, Comp USA, Circuit City, Fry's, Staples, and Office Depot. Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 for Windows is available for an estimated street price of US $99.99. Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 for Macintosh also is available for an estimated street price of US $89.99. Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 plus Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 for Windows is available as a bundle in the United States and Canada at an estimated street price of US $149.99. Information about the other language versions, as well as pricing, upgrade, and support policies for other countries is available on www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/ . For more information, customers can call 1-800-492-3623.
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July 19, 2006
Adobe Delivers Lightroom Beta for Windows
SAN JOSE, Calif. — July 19, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the public beta of Adobe® Lightroom™ software for the Windows platform, a digital imaging workflow solution for professional photographers. Now available for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms, Adobe Lightroom beta is the efficient new way for professional photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images. Windows-based photographers now have the opportunity to assist with the development of Lightroom by testing this new beta download and submitting feedback to the Adobe Labs forums at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom.
"A significant number of professional photographers operate on the Windows platform, and Adobe Lightroom beta is designed to support their workflow needs," said Kevin Connor, senior director of product management for Digital Imaging at Adobe. "We have over 3,000 beta testers actively participating in our Lightroom beta for Macintosh forums and we're looking forward to extending this invaluable dialogue to the Windows community. Cross-platform support gives us the unique opportunity to incorporate feedback from the entire photographic community, ensuring that everyone can participate in the beta process."
Cross-Platform Support for Growing Lightroom Community
The Windows and Macintosh versions of Lightroom currently contain somewhat different feature sets, but the core of Lightroom remains consistent across platforms, focused on efficiency and quality from capture through output. As the beta for each platform evolves, the features will converge and the final released versions will be the same.
Lightroom beta cross-platform support allows photographers to effortlessly work on projects from any Windows or Macintosh computer on-location, in the studio or in the office. When combined with the editing power in Adobe Photoshop® software, Lightroom provides one clear path for taking images all the way from processing to final presentation. This allows photographers to spend less time at the computer, and more time behind the lens.
"As a professional photographer, I have to submit photos to clients digitally, usually on a very tight deadline. I need the ability to quickly share a collection on a specific subject so that editors can promptly review my work," said photographer Ann Purcell. "Lightroom beta for Windows is going to be an indispensable solution in this fast-paced world of digital photography."
Radical New User Interface
Lightroom has a modular user interface designed to spotlight what photographers care about most: the image. Photographers can rapidly scroll through hundreds of images and use Quick One-to-One Zoom to instantly magnify the finer points within the image. The Lightroom beta addresses the varied needs of photographers, including the ability to view detailed before and after comparisons of non-destructive edits and dynamically preview print output of multiple images with flexible layouts.
High-Quality Raw Processing
Leveraging the latest Adobe Camera Raw technology, Lightroom supports over 120 native raw file formats, in addition to JPEG and TIFF, and incorporates raw conversion into a single workflow experience. Adobe continues to advance raw processing technology, as evidenced by the new split-toning controls that creates richer black and white images. This extends photographers' creative control, providing new parameters for making adjustments and more freedom to deliver their photographic vision. The latest camera models supported by this beta now include Cannon EOS 30D, Epson R-D1s, Leaf Aptus 65 and Aptus 75, Olympus EVOLT E-330 and SP-320, Pentax *ist DL2 and Samsung GX-1S.
Pricing and Availability
Lightroom beta 1.0 for Windows is available for free download from the Adobe Labs Web site at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom. Recommended system requirements are Windows XP SP2, Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, 768MB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen. The final shipping version for both Windows and Macintosh will be released in late 2006. Further details around pricing, system requirements and availability have yet to be determined.
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June 27, 2006
Adobe Acquires Technology Assets of Pixmantec ApS
Adobe Further Extends Leadership in Digital Photography Raw File Workflows.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — June 26, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced it has acquired the technology assets of Pixmantec ApS, makers of digital imaging software that provides advanced workflow management and processing capabilities for digital camera raw files. The acquisition strengthens Adobe's leadership position in raw processing.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"With high quality digital cameras now within reach of every photographer, customers are gravitating to raw file formats that allow them to get more control over final results," said John Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Solutions at Adobe. "By combining Pixmantec's raw processing technology and expertise with our own, we're continuing to deliver on the promise that even your existing raw files can be processed with increasing quality as our software technology evolves."
Pixmantec is a privately held company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and currently ships the RawShooter® line of digital photography software products. Adobe plans to integrate Pixmantec raw processing technologies into Lightroom™ and wherever customers will be working with raw files.
In preparation for this integration, the Pixmantec RawShooter Premium product is being discontinued, though the free RawShooter Essentials product will continue to be available until the Lightroom public beta program is completed. Existing Pixmantec customers will continue to be supported by Adobe and will be provided with an upgrade path to the Adobe digital imaging product family.
Adobe believes this acquisition will not have a material financial impact on the company.
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iView Acquired By Microsoft
Open letter from Yan Calotychos, founder of iView Multimedia
Tuesday June 27, 2006
Today marks an exciting new chapter for iView and its relationship with our customers. We’re announcing that iView has been acquired and is now part of the Microsoft Corporation. With Microsoft’s purchase of iView, we are in a position to enhance our industry-leading product, whilst strengthening our customer service and support.
As digital asset management has become an essential requirement for all creative professionals, many of you have told us that iView MediaPro is a critical component of your business. We take that responsibility very seriously.
In my view, this Microsoft acquisition affords us an unprecedented opportunity to be even more responsive to a thriving market and ensure that iView MediaPro continues to perform to its full potential. Our engineering and marketing team here at iView are energized and excited to be joining the Microsoft team, and I personally will continue to be involved in the evolution of the product for years to come.
What this acquisition will mean for you, our customers, is that together we face a bigger and brighter future in managing your creative workflow. The product that was born on the Mac will remain on the Mac as well as on the Windows operating system. All iView products will continue to be sold on the iView website and through our partners and channel. Bottom line: You all can continue to use and buy iView products knowing that they will be fully supported as Microsoft evolves the products in the future on both the Windows and Mac platforms.
Your feedback and suggestions have been integral to the development and tuning of our software, and as always we welcome your comments and questions. We have provided an FAQ regarding this announcement and we will keep you informed through regular newsletters and blog postings as appropriate.
Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to sharing with you the evolution of iView MediaPro — the industry’s true standard for digital asset management.
Yan and the iView Team
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May 07, 2006
ACD Systems Update ACDSee 8 and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager
VICTORIA, British Columbia – April. 27, 2006 – ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), today announced updates to its two flagship products, ACDSee 8 Photo Manager and ACDSee Pro Photo Manager. The enhancements are designed to improve speed, performance and productivity, and include advanced support for RAW formats that meet and exceed industry demands.
“In our continued commitment to our customers, these updates allow them to take full advantage of the powerful capabilities that the RAW format offers,” said James Latham, vice president of marketing for ACD Systems. “Professional photographers depend on the latest RAW format support and feature improvements, while photo enthusiasts are just beginning to discover this format. These releases underscore our commitment to delivering the very best in product integrity and flexibility, and providing feature improvements that make the user experience and workflow both smoother and more enjoyable.”
ACDSee Pro Photo Manager
The ACDSee Pro Photo Manager update includes improved speed and performance in RAW processing. The software features support for popular professional camera models including the Nikon D200, D2H, and Minolta A200, the ability to view full EXIF information from all supported Olympus RAW camera models, the ability to filter .thm files and the preservation of metadata in JPEG and TIFF files when converting from RAW.
ACDSee 8.1 Photo Manager
ACDSee 8.1 Photo Manager includes more than 50 feature improvements to increase performance and productivity and RAW support for several camera models including the popular Nikon D50 and Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT.
Pricing and Availability
Current users can update their software at no charge by visiting the Support Center www.acdsee.com/support. The updates are immediately available in English, with updates for other languages available in May. The full version of ACDSee 8 Photo Manager is available in English for $49.99 (USD) or $39.99 (USD) for the upgrade from previous versions. The full version of ACDSee Pro Photo Manager is available in English for $129.99 (USD) or $89.99 (USD) for the upgrade from ACDSee 8 Photo Manager or earlier versions. For more information, visit www.acdsee.com.
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April 18, 2006
GIMP 2.2.11 Released
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a freely distributed program for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring tasks. GIMP Version 2.2.11 is now available, and fixes various bugs in the stable 2.2 series.
Bugs fixed in GIMP 2.2.11
- fixed handling of EXIF data in JPEG plug-in (bug #303383)
- let gimptool use pkg-config to determine compiler and linker flags at
run-time (bug #324761)
- added GTK+ category in gimp.desktop file (bug #328012)
- fixed guides scripts to allow guides at the right and bottom (bug #328320)
- fixed icons in color picker buttons in Levels tool (bug #325745)
- fixed parameter check in Compressor plug-in
- made the internal help browser the default for all platforms (bug #329888)
- fixed handling of alpha channel in Gaussian Blur plug-in (bug #331051)
- fixed incorrect bitshifts in Win Icon plug-in (bug #330692)
- fixed a potential crash in the Animation Playback plug-in (bug #328919)
- corrected tile cache size in Unsharp Mask plug-in (bug #331344)
- fixed the import of SVG circles
- fixed rounding of resolution in BMP plug-in (bug #332501)
- fixed resolution handling in PSD load plug-in
- store resolution when saving in the PSD file format (bug #310426)
- fixed crash in Revert function (bug #333568)
- flush the projection before reading from it (bug #332933)
- fixed MMX instructions on Pentium II machines (bug #162778)
- fixed possible crash on closing a dockable (bug #338286)
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April 11, 2006
Capture One Now Supports Intel Based Macs
April 11th 2006, Copenhagen, Denmark: Phase One®, the world leader in professional digital imaging solutions, has updated Capture One™ RAW Workflow to support more cameras, more RAW file formats and Intel-based Macs. Capture One is the most efficient, fully color-managed RAW Workflow image-processing solution and delivers the highest possible image quality from the new generation of digital SLRs and Phase One digital camera backs.
On the fast Mac track
Capture One 3.7.4 is a Universal Mac application designed to run natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based Mac computers.. Initial tests show that the capture rate has increased by up to 40 per cent when version 3.7.4 is run on an Intel-based Mac. Processing RAW files with Capture One 3.7.4 is now 15 per cent faster on both Intel-based and PowerPC based Macs.
Windows users will also enjoy enhanced capture rate and RAW processing speed with Capture One 3.7.4. Initial tests show performance gains of up to 200 per cent in capture rate made
possible by an improved high-speed capture option in the Capture One software. Tests also show a 10 per cent increase in the processing speed of RAW files.
Trine Voss, VP Sales & Marketing for Capture One said: “Phase One’s strategy is to provide our customers with products that maximize the best of available technologies, either through our own or third-party development. Launching this new version of Capture One as a Universal Mac application is ideal as Capture One is sold on-line through Apple Europe.”
Expanding RAW file support
The P 45, P 30 and P 21 — the ultimate range in digital camera backs — are now all supported by Capture One. Version 3.7.4 allows tethered shooting with the P 21 and RAW processing of 52 MB TIFF files.
Support for RAW files from Canon cameras including the new EOS 30D, the full Pentax *ist series and the Sony DSC-R1 — the first Sony camera to be supported by Capture One — have also been included in the update. Phase One’s professional grade workflow software, Capture One PRO, provides tethered and RAW file support for all Canon EOS cameras, including the new 30D.
Capture One 3.7.4 is a free update for existing users and is available for download at www.phaseone.com.
Capture One RAW Workflow is available from leading professional photography dealers worldwide.
Free trials are available directly from the Phase One web site: www.phaseone.com. Phase One offers on-line support for all Capture One users at http://support.phaseone.com
Posted by Webmaster at 06:29 PM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2006
Bibble Labs releases 4.7 update with Perfectly Clear® Technology
WPPI 2006 Las Vegas, NV (April 7th, 2006) - Bibble Labs, Inc. today announced immediate availability of version 4.7 of its popular Raw Workflow software. Building upon the recent seamless integration of Noise Ninja technology, Bibble 4.7 fully integrates Athentech's DIMA Award winning Perfectly Clear® automatic image correction technology into the raw workflow.
Perfectly Clear® is new, award winning technology, invented for the digital world, modeled on the physics principles of light. Unlike traditional analogue based approaches that actually damage true color, create artifacts, and cause clipping, Perfectly Clear is the only solution that operates like the human eye... optimizing the light in each and every pixel... perfectly preserving the photographer's memory. The result is stunning pictures regardless of how viewed - electronically or printed on media.
"For years, Bibble Labs has offered photographers the most powerful and comprehensive set of tools for adjusting raw images," says Eric Hyman, president and CEO of Bibble Labs. "Many photographers however don't want to spend considerable time tweaking their images and instead want an automated process for making them look the best. By including Perfectly Clear® technology as part of our workflow, our photographers can now dramatically enhance the quality of their raw images with a single automated control."
"Bibble Lab's software has an excellent reputation in the market for being the fastest and most realistic raw converter", say Brad Malcolm, president of Athentech Technologies Inc. "We're pleased to be working with Bibble and look forward to helping their users restore and preserve the True Colors of their images."
Bibble 4.7 also includes new camera support for the Canon 30D, Olympus Evolt E330 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30. Further improvements include a new Vibrancy control for selective enhancement of image saturation or pop as well as a host of new built in profiles for the integrated Noise Ninja noise removal engine.
Bibble supports over 70 of the most popular DSLR and Prosumer cameras. Other key features include best in class speed, a free lens distortion correction plug-in, highlight recovery, shadow fill light, built-in Photoshop Plug-in, arbitrary rotation, curves , levels, tethered shooting and much much more.
Availability:
Bibble is available in both "Pro" ($129.95) and "Lite" ($69.95) versions for Windows, Macintosh (PPC/Intel) and Linux. Please visit our web site at http://www.bibblelabs.com for further details and to download a fully functional 14 day trial version.
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March 27, 2006
BreezeBrowser Pro v1.4.2
Breeze Systems have released an updated version of their BreezeBrowser Pro software for viewing and manipulating digital images. The program uses a "browser" style interface to present and organise digital images, convert raw images, generate web pages, produce proofs and contact sheets.
BreezeBrowser Pro helps the professional photographer to:
Convert, resize, sharpen and level raw images from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta and Olympus cameras
Select images for presentation
Generate attractive, captioned web pages with watermarking and online ordering (optional)
Produce contact sheets and proofs (print straight to your printer or print to file)
Batch rename images and managing folders
Caption and edit comments and IPTC data
BreezeBrowser Pro also enables photographers to:
Compare up to four high resolution images side by side
Rotate JPEG’s with no loss of quality
Display images and shooting data from most major formats and makes of camera(including RAW, JPEG, TIFF)
Display sharp preview images using the unique ‘HQ mode’
Present slideshows on laptop or pc
Adjust date and time for batches or single images
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February 21, 2006
Capture NX
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation announces the new digital image editing software, Capture NX, featuring Nik Software, Inc.’s patented U Point™ technology. This new product, evolving from previously released Nikon Capture 4 software, gives digital photographers more powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation for exploring NEF, JPEG and TIFF files potential for optimizing images. The new software is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2006.
Advancing the world-acclaimed Nikon Capture concept, Capture NX releases not only the latest powers of Nikon’s Electronic Format (NEF) files; for the first time, it makes image processing of JPEG and TIFF files created by other cameras elegant and easy enough for any photographer to implement*. A user-friendly interface makes image editing more visually intuitive and provides access to all necessary enhancement tools. Nikon’s legendary expertise in creating innovative digital cameras and images has expanded the potential for high quality digital photography which will soon be complimented by Capture NX with its technology to maximize the potential for each compatible image. With performance, versatility and convenience it is the perfect match to any Nikon digital camera, as well as for any other camera brand that produces JPEG and TIFF files.
Among some of Capture NX software’s highlights are the following major features.
*Some Capture NX functions apply to NEF files only.
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Nikon View Pro
TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to introduce the versatile new Nikon View Pro software. The new Nikon View Pro is designed to make viewing and handling of large quantities of images faster, and with versatility to make the professional workflow more productive. As digital files grow in size and quality, professional photographers will appreciate Nikon View Pro’s enhanced image display, faster browsing of NEF RAW files, and the ease of editing IPTC information, all in a conveniently fast workflow.
Nikon View Pro’s browser layout and “speed tools” make digital photography more efficient for high-speed image viewing and versatile image selection and handling.
Of special interest is Nikon View Pro’s ability to be used to quickly check image composition, focusing sharpness, exposure and other file characteristics. Nikon View Pro can also be used to assist in organizing and storing images, and can add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) data to individual images and batches of images.
With the addition of Nikon View Pro, Nikon’s role in the professional workflow reaches new levels of convenience and high performance. Beginning with each photographer’s creative vision, the workflow moves through Camera to NEF*1 to Nikon View Pro to Capture NX. Nikon software and hardware products enhance each photographer’s personal creativity with performance that will enable higher productivity.
Blended into the professional workflow, Nikon View Pro can make the process of handling large quantities of images for selection and editing more seamless; this will be especially beneficial for photographers that shoot large quantities and need to quickly examine and organize selected images.
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January 28, 2006
ACDSee Pro Photo Manager
In today’s world of professional digital photography, workflow is the name of the game. That’s why we created ACDSee Pro Photo Manager: To give you unparalleled speed in every facet of your digital photography management—from photo capture to final print.
View, process, edit, organize, catalog, publish, and archive your photo collections with the precision and control demanded by professional photographers around the globe.
Get full RAW support and RAW processing, powerful organizing tools like customizable folders and categories, quick editing features, visual tagging and full color management support for ICC and ICM profiles to meet all of your professional needs.
If you’re looking for an end-to-end digital photo software solution for all your photography workflow needs, ACDSee Pro is the answer.
The people that inspired ACDSee Pro’s design.
Professional photographers like you who need to view, manage, edit, organize, catalog, publish, archive and share hundreds of thousands of photographs—all within a seamless and fully integrated workflow.
Photographs are the core of your business, so having a seamless workflow is priority number one. When you’re dealing with thousands of photographs for clients, you don’t have time to fumble through a cumbersome, awkwardly designed software program.
ACDSee Pro is quick and easy to learn. There’s no steep learning curve, so you’ll be whizzing through its features in no time. You’ll also appreciate its intuitive and customizable user interface that doesn’t slow you down with cluttered menus or poorly positioned toolbars.
View your photographs at full size with uncompromised speed and resolution, browse thumbnails quickly and easily, and process large files with unrivaled speed. If you’re looking to streamline your workflow and increase productivity, this is the software for you.
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January 09, 2006
Adobe Lightroom Beta for Digital Photography Workflows
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Jan. 9, 2006 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today introduced the public beta of Adobe® Lightroom™, an all-new digital imaging solution for professional photographers. With its modular, task-based and streamlined environment, Lightroom's goal is to deliver a complete photography workflow. As Adobe collects more feedback from photographers, modules and feature sets will likely change, as customers decide on their popularity and priority within digital photography workflows. Initially available as a beta for Macintosh, Lightroom will later support both the Windows® and Macintosh platforms.
"We first showed an early version of Lightroom at the Adobe Ideas Conference in April 2005 to demonstrate a new streamlined digital photography experience, from capture to print," said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief operating officer of Adobe. "Today's Lightroom Beta leverages Adobe's renowned digital imaging innovation, in areas such as raw image processing, so that even in beta form photographers will find world class technology that complements Photoshop. We look forward to the feedback from the photography community as we refine the product over the next few months."
New Open Architecture Focuses on the Image
Lightroom Beta has been designed with a radical new user interface that puts the focus on what photographers really care about: the image. With just one click, the control panels and tools fade into the background in Lights-Out mode, allowing the image to take center stage. The innovative Identity Plate feature allows photographers to apply their own branding to the application and its output, so that it becomes their own personal gallery for showcasing work. Photographers also can rapidly scroll through hundreds of images and Quick One-to-One Zoom allows instant magnification of the finer points within the image.
"Lightroom defines the future workflow for the professional digital photographer," said Seth Resnick, a premier corporate, editorial and stock photographer. "It delivers exactly the functions photographers need to speed up their workflow in a way that was never before possible."
High-Quality Raw Processing
Leveraging industry-leading Adobe Camera Raw technology, Lightroom supports over 100 cameras and incorporates raw conversion into a single workflow experience. Adobe continues to advance the state of the art in raw processing, as evidenced by the new split-toning controls which create richer black and white images. This extends photographers' creative control, providing new parameters for making adjustments and more freedom to address precise areas of the photograph on the histogram. Upon import, files can be converted to Digital Negative format (DNG) or renamed and segmented by folder or date.
Images can also be showcased via slideshows with drop shadows, borders, Identity Plates and different colored backgrounds. The size and position of the images can be manipulated and delivered in Macromedia Flash®, Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or HTML formats. A variety of templates are offered for contact sheets with the ability to add identity plates or produce a fine art print.
Pricing and Availability
The public debut of Lightroom Beta for Macintosh OSX 10.4.3 will occur at Macworld 2006 on January 10, 2006 in San Francisco at Booth #1307 and is available for free download from the Adobe Labs Web site at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom . Recommended system requirements are Macintosh OSX 10.4.3, 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 768 MB RAM and a 1024x768 resolution screen. Regular updates to the software will be posted on the site, feedback will be collected and the final product is expected to be introduced in late 2006. Further details around pricing, system requirements and availability have yet to be determined.
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October 28, 2005
Pixmantec Rawshooter Premium
Copenhagen, Denmark - October 28, 2005 - Danish digital imaging software specialist Pixmantec ApS announce the release of the latest edition to their Photographers' Toolbox applications for the camera RAW format, RawShooter | premium 2006. Building on the incredible success of the FREE RawShooter | essentials 2005 product (now with several hundred thousand copies installed worldwide), RawShooter | premium 2006 provides unsurpassed RAW workflow and professional image quality at an unbeatable competitive price. In addition to a state of the art feature set, RawShooter | premium 2006 adds camera RAW support for several new DSLRs including the Canon EOS 5D and Canon EOS 1D II N. Key features include: RAW vs. RAW comparison; Integrated Downloader; FastProof; Image Formatting Toolbox; Curves/Levels; Magnifier; FastBrowse; Batch Renaming; Interpolation; Personalised Appearrance; Vibrance; Horiozontal Straightening; Extended Color Support. With an updated workflow oriented User Guide RawShooter | premium 2006 is the ultimate RAW workflow tool for all photographers no matter their level of expertise. Rawshooter Premium is available now for $99.
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October 17, 2005
Picasa 2.1 Available
Picasa is free software from Google that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organised by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organised.
Picasa also makes advanced editing simple by putting one-click fixes and powerful effects at your fingertips. And Picasa makes it a snap to share your pictures – you can email, print photos home, make gift CDs, instantly share via Hello™, and even post pictures on your own blog.
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September 27, 2005
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 Announced
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sept. 27, 2005 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Photoshop® Elements 4.0 for Windows®, a new version of Adobe's No. 1 selling consumer photo editing software.
Photoshop Elements 4.0 delivers more editing power with the new Magic Selection Brush that allows consumers to select specific parts of photos for easy color, lighting and contrast adjustments. The Magic Extractor easily extracts subjects from photos, with advanced edge defringing, for great composites. Smart technology behind new features means effortless photo enhancement with automatic red eye removal across a batch of photos, one-click skin tone correction and Face Tagging, which allows consumers to keep photos at their fingertips with new ways to find and view them. They can show off their creativity in countless ways, from exciting dynamic slide shows to one-click online printing, and enhanced Photo Mail (see separate press release for details).
Photoshop Elements 4.0 is part of a complete family of Photoshop products that meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of digital photographers: the free Photoshop Album Starter Edition for the novice digital camera user; Photoshop Elements for the digital photography enthusiast; and Photoshop CS2 for the professional or the most demanding amateur photographer.
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September 23, 2005
Ulead Introduce PhotoImpact 11 Image Editing Software.
Northampton September 23rd 2005, Ulead Systems, Inc., a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced the release of Ulead® PhotoImpact® 11, Ulead’s flagship PC image-editing software offering easy-to-use tools for a wide range of personal and professional image and photo-editing needs. The latest version introduces an all-new interface system providing distinct modes for beginners and advanced users along with 16-bit editing/RAW support and next-generation tools for high-end digital photography and creative design.
“People getting started with digital photography don’t need complexity, at the same time experienced users demand flexibility and control,” said Mark Wurdemann, UK Marketing Manager for Ulead, “With PhotoImpact 11’s new My Workspace modes and customizable interface, users of all levels will find the perfect set of tools for their needs and experience. We hope people will find PhotoImpact 11’s Basic Photo Mode akin to a welcome mat at the doorstep of digital photography.”
The “My Workspace” interface system offers a set of five pre-defined modes along with the ability to customize and save personal workspace layouts. Basic Photo Mode is the simplest of the ready-to-use modes, providing large easy-to-identify icons with direct access to the most commonly used tools for acquiring, browsing, enhancing and sharing images. Specially configured menus, toolbars and fewer option panels simplify the user interface for new and casual users. They can choose between Basic Photo Mode, Standard Photo Mode, Graphics Mode, Web Mode and Advanced Mode.
My Workspace customization options allow users to configure the interface to their individual needs. Menus and toolbars can be re-organized with drag-and-drop ease. All panels may by docked or float freely for comfortable use across dual monitors. Shortcut keys and Menu and Command names are also fully customizable.
PhotoImpact 11 offers photography enthusiasts features that make the camera just the beginning for high-end digital photography. New RAW/DNG support allows users to capture full camera-image quality. Ulead® Photo Explorer 8.6, included with PhotoImpact 11, provides intuitive browsing and batch conversion of RAW files. Enhanced 16-bit editing allows for a range of automatic and manual processing tools to adjust color and correct images in high-quality 48-bit color depth.
Powerful new SmartCurves dramatically simplifies photo-tone enhancement with automatic correction of camera response curve anomalies. Based on Ulead’s advanced HDR imaging technology, SmartCurves gives users high-quality tonal correction tailored for their camera.
For perfect photo compositions, revolutionary new SmartRemove Scene Compositor lets users selectively paint out moving elements from multiple shots of the same scene to compose an image with just the elements they want. In addition to removing unwanted elements, SmartRemove also makes it possible to create dramatic original photos by combining shots with people or objects appearing in different poses or locations.
PhotoImpact 11 new high-end photography tools include White Balance adjustment and Chromatic Aberration correction. The High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Color Cast tools have also been improved.
Enhanced Creative Options:
New to PhotoImpact 11 are non-destructive Layer Masks, editable alpha-channel masks for objects. Layer Masks allow users to blend images and objects in creative compositions with even greater flexibility.
With more and more users creating video projects and authoring DVDs for personal, business or education applications, PhotoImpact now incorporates features specifically designed for video productions. The Web Component Designer, first introduced in PhotoImpact 5, now includes a range of customizable lower-third graphics that make creating compelling overlay graphics simple and fast. A new “Save for Video” option simplifies the process of saving graphics for video projects.
The EasyPalette™ library of ready-to-use content now includes a range of DVD menu templates that can be customized and saved for use in Ulead® DVD MovieFactory® or Ulead® DVD Workshop®. Both products allow users to import menus using PhotoImpact’s native UFO file format. Ulead’s high-end video-editing suite, MediaStudio® Pro 8, supports UFO files directly on the timeline.
PhotoImpact 11 also includes a “Save for Mobile” option to enable users to easily create graphics for display on mobile phones, PDAs, the Sony® PSP and other mobile devices. Save for Mobile incorporates a range of intelligent templates to automatically format images to the correct size, color depth, file format and file size for a chosen device.
The box version and electronic download (ESD) of PhotoImpact 11 will be available via the Ulead website for £49.99 inc Vat at the beginning of October. The boxed version will also be available from PC World, Staples, Jessops, Microwarehouse, Dabs.co, Saversoftware and Amazon.co.uk. An upgrade edition will be offered for owners of previous versions from the Ulead online Store and selected e-tailers starting at just £29.99 inc Vat for the ESD download.
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June 15, 2005
Alien Skin Software Announces Eye Candy 5: Impact
Raleigh, NC (June 15, 2005)- Alien Skin Software today announced Eye Candy® 5: Impact. A set of 10 plug-in filters for Adobe® Photoshop® and other compatible host programs.
The third of three upgrades to Eye Candy 4000, Impact features three all-new filters and seven rewritten Eye Candy classics. Graphic designers, digital photographers, and Web content creators will appreciate Impact's versatile and beautifully rendered effects.
Impact is expected to ship in July. The estimated street price for Impact is $99. Registered users of other Alien Skin Software products will receive discount pricing when ordering direct. Online delivery will be available at the Alien Skin Web site: http://www.alienskin.com. Impact will also be available worldwide through stores, catalogs and resellers.
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June 02, 2005
Microsoft and Imaging Leaders Unveil Support for Digital Camera RAW in Windows
Microsoft Corp. and several software and hardware companies in the digital imaging field have revealed work that will let current and future versions of Windows support RAW files from digital cameras. The companies include Adobe Systems Inc., Canon Inc., Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd. and Nikon Corp.
Microsoft says it plans to deliver native support for digital camera RAW images in the next major version of Windows, code-named "Longhorn." It will also distribute a RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP, allowing consumers to view thumbnails and preview and print Canon and Nikon RAW files from Windows Explorer in Windows XP. These features, as well as the ability to organize and edit Canon and Nikon RAW files, will also be available in a future version of Digital Image Suite.
RAW formats vary from camera to camera; the name refers to the native format of the image data captured by the camera's sensor before it is processed by firmware and written to the camera's storage. The processing manipulates the image, changing its sharpness, saturation, contrast and other attributes based on user settings. These manipulations can't be reversed after the file is saved in another format, like JPG, so the RAW data represents the most malleable version of the image.
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May 23, 2005
Neat Image v5.0
Neat Image team, ABSoft, is pleased to announce the introduction of a new generation of its noise reduction solution for digital photography that inherits and refines the highest quality and efficiency traditionally delivered by Neat Image: Neat Image v5.0 /Win. Renowned for its noise reduction quality, Neat Image is used by photographers all over the world as a tool that turns noisy photos and grainy scans into clean and neat digital images.
New in Neat Image v5.0 /Win is significantly improved quality and efficiency of noise reduction, stronger integration with the latest image editors and enhanced usability.
Realizing the critical importance of high quality noise reduction in low light (night, indoors) and high speed (sport, action) photography, new Neat Image employs significantly enhanced and optimized noise reduction algorithms. These algorithms use refined device noise profiles to more accurately reflect camera or scanner characteristics and to draw a more clear distinction between noise and details in digital images. In effect, the noise reduction quality is greatly improved, especially in cases of strong noise and compression artifacts: more true noise is reduced and more real image details are preserved.
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