photo editing
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PowerCam is a powerful photo app with a couple of gotchas
PowerCam for iOS is sort of a grab bag of photo tools wrapped up into one free app. It takes stills and video, and offers a tremendous variety of features for the photo enthusiast. The app includes a tilt-shift feature for miniature effects, color splash for having specific colors appear in a black-and-white image, plus cropping, rotation, collages and frames. There is much to explore, the app is easy to use and the results are good. You can even specify high or low resolution output. One odd quirk is that the app applies filters in real time as you shoot, which seems like a strange time to do so. Once a filter has been applied, it can't be removed. I think most people would prefer to do that after the image is taken. Fortunately you can, but only after making a US$1.99 in-app purchase. %Gallery-162002% That purchase also gets you the ability to pause while shooting video, and a panorama mode. Almost all post processing effects are part of that purchase. The app description in iTunes is a bit misleading because it shows things like Panorama mode as a new feature without mentioning it's a paid feature. In the past, I've said I dislike free apps that are mostly come-ons for paid upgrades. With PowerCam, it's not quite so bad, because the app does a lot in the free version that will appeal to many. But I think most people will want the paid features, so it's best to think of this as a $1.99 app. Seen that way, PowerCam is a capable app that's easy to use. There is plenty of built-in help, and experimentation is encouraged. Tilt-shift worked well in my tests, and there were plenty of options for making collages. Better yet, both features are in the free version, along with color splash, but that only works on live images. PowerCam requires iOS 4.2 and works on the iPod touch and the iPad, but the app is not universal. There is a separate PowerCam HD version for the iPad. Reader Phil Olin points out that the app icon is pretty much a dead ringer for the Sony Nex 5 camera, which you could file under "tribute" or "rip-off" depending on your attitude toward the app.
Steam store reveals a handful of new categories, hints at non-gaming app possibilities
Steam's Android app has thrown up a selection of new categories that point to the possibility of productivity apps and other types of non-gaming software being sold in the near-future. Ranging from photo editing to accounting, there's ten categories that aren't available on the desktop version. It would open up yet another branch for Valve, which already offers books and movies through its online store, but until these categories get fleshed-out -- they're currently empty -- we're left guessing as to what it's likely to offer.
Aviary launches photo editing application on iOS, turns Android plugin into an app
Last we heard, Aviary was being chosen to replace the deceased Picnik as the main photo editor on Flickr, and now the startup is getting ready to launch its first iOS app and give its previous Android offering a major boost. The Jeff Bezos-backed company has just announced its entry into the application game, giving iOS and Android folks access to an array of its image editing tools -- much like Apple's iPhoto on Cupertino devices or Photoshop Express on ones powered by Google's OS. Naturally, you'll be able to do run-of-the-mill tidbits such as cropping, rotating, sharpening and blurring, which are bundled alongside others like cosmetic tools, one-tap auto enhance and "gorgeous effects." It's also worth noting Aviary was once present on Google Play as a plugin, but has now made the change to a full-on, feature-packed application. Those interested in taking the fresh app for a spin can hit either of the source links below, where a mighty free download awaits you. %Gallery-158194%
Flickr adopting Aviary for photo edits, waves goodbye to Picnik
With Google set to close the Picnik shop on April 19th, it was obvious that Flickr had to go out and seek a fresh replacement. Today, the Yahoo-owned service is announcing Aviary (a Jeff Bezos-backed startup) as the new photo editing tool on its site. Along with promising to be simpler and speedier than its soon-to-be deceased predecessor, Aviary brings expected features like cropping, rotating, sharpening, red-eye reduction and cosmetic whitening, just to mention a few. Of note, Aviary is written in HTML5, opening the doors to become useful on a handful of slates and handsets. Flickr is set to commence the rollout later today, though it may take a few days until you can check out the changes.
Sony's PlayMemories Studio now live on PSN, get your Playstation 3 photo-edit on
Yesterday's rumor about Sony launching PlayMemories Studio this week has just become fact. The $15 editing suite has just gone live on the PlayStation Store, enabling plebes to edit, organize and share photos (and video) right on their home console of choice, the PS3. Those with a spare Vita or PSP laying around can also put those to good use through Remote Play functionality. Unsure if Sony's couch-iPhoto experience is for you? Hit the source for more info on the whole shindig, in addition to details on how to get your creative side on with a gratis thirty day trial.
Adobe unveils Photoshop CS6 beta with redesigned UI and 65 new features, download it for free today
It's been two years since Adobe unveiled a new version of Photoshop, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the company's engineers have been toiling away behind the scenes on a major update. The outfit's clearly ready to start showing off the fruits of its labor, though, as it just unveiled the beta version of CS6. All told, the outfit's added 65 user-feedback-inspired features, including a new crop tool, expanded video editing options, auto recovery and the ability to search for specific layers. Fans of the dotted lines in Illustrator now get the same vector tools in Photoshop. Additionally, every slider for the Camera Raw 7.0 plug-in (exposure, contrast, etc.) has a freshly tweaked algorithm. And for anyone who's ever looked on helplessly as Photoshop locked itself up during a long file save, projects can now save in the background while you work on other things. Looking for more info? A brief rundown of the beta and a full list of new features await you just past the break.
Adobe Lightroom 4 is a 'substantial upgrade' with a 50-percent price drop
Still content with Lightroom 3.5? Check out Version 4, which has just emerged from public beta, and you may decide it's time for an upgrade. The revision brings a long list of new features, including improved highlight and shadow processing, better video support, geo-tagging and a Book Module for self-publishing photo books via the Blurb online service. Then there's the clement pricing: $79 as an upgrade or $149 new. Still not sure? DPReview has a detailed assessment at the link below, so don't be jumping to conclusions til you've read it.
Adobe unveils Photoshop Touch for iPad 2 at MWC, slate-style photo editing for $10
Keeping its promise to include iOS users in the Photoshop-enabled slate party, Adobe has announced the arrival of its Photoshop Touch iPad app today at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Sporting a number of core PS features and new tools especially designed for use on tablets, the new release joins the Adobe Touch Apps family with further iOS software expected to drop in the coming months. This mobile version of Photoshop enables users to create layered images from several different photos, make edits, apply pro-style effects, touch up photos and carry out several other essential tasks directly on their Apple slate.A Scribble Selection Tool makes for easy deletion of unwanted objects simply by scribbling on what's a keeper and then on what needs to go. Refine Edge technology offers some help for those tedious soft-edged selections and integration with both Facebook and Google Image Search makes sharing your edits a breeze. The aforementioned upcoming iOS releases include Collage (moodboards), Debut (presenting and reviewing work), Ideas (sketches), Kuler (color exploration) and Proto (web and mobile application prototyping). But for now, you can snag Photoshop Touch for your iOS 5 wielding iPad 2 from the iTunes App Store for $9.99. If you're in search of some more details before taking the leap, hit the gallery of screenshots or the full PR below.
PS3 video-editing app PlayMemories Studio potentially leaked ahead of CES
A covert operative nestled deep inside the Sony booth at CES (also known as a regular guy with a cell phone) has produced two blurry-yet-insightful photos of what may very well be PlayMemories Studio, a video-editing suite for the PS3. Originally sent to our sister site Engadget, these photos (one more after the break) appear to show the user applying a slow-motion effect to stock footage of a child about to lose at Jenga. According to a trademark filing for the title, PlayMemories Studio is "computer software for viewing, organizing and editing digital photos and videos." A Facebook page for the app has also been discovered, however there is no information there at this time. We'll know more about PlayMemories Studio (or whatever this is) once CES officially opens on Tuesday.
Spectral Layers takes a cue from Photoshop, offers visual audio editing
Seemingly cooked up in the Law and Order squad room comes Spectral Layers, a Photoshop-inspired audio editing software from Divide Frame. The visual tool allows users to isolate, enhance and chop sounds using multiple layers and channels -- giving them complete control over individual voices, instruments and background noises. The whole process takes place within a 3D real-time display with commands reminiscent of the tried and true photo correcting staple. The software will set you back $695 for a single Mac or PC download, or $2199 for multiple licenses -- a small price to pay for musicians, sound junkies or Benson and Stabler wannabes. Check out the video after the break.
Artifact for iOS puts the power of Photoshop in the palm of your hand
So, you got a shiny new iPhone 4S, and with its spiffy new camera, you're itching to dabble in some Dada-esque picture composition. But, what if you're an on-the-go type with no time to fix your pics on a laptop? Worry not photog friend, Artifact is here to let you photoshop right on your phone and give Adobe some competition. The app works on any device running iOS 4.1 or later, and lets you splice photos together with the greatest of ease. Once you've got two images to combine, simply open one to create a canvas layer, then open the second to have it it appear as a transparent layer on top. You can adjust them --individually or locked together -- by rotating or with pinch to zoom, and painting selected areas of the top layer with your fingers combines them for good. It's a really slick interface, and one you should see for yourself, so head on past the break so see Artifact in action.
Google+ learns about trending topics, photo filters and how to appease Google Apps users
Still having a blast adding people into circles? Well hold on tight, because Mountain View just introduced some worthy upgrades to its social network. First up is a new feature dubbed "What's Hot" which, much like trending topics on Twitter, highlights popular content being shared on the social network. Photography aficionados in the audience can gussy up snaps with more photo editing features dubbed "Creative Kit", including a multitude of filters -- some of which (for a limited time) pertain to Halloween. And finally, those of you who use Google Apps within an organization can now partake in all the Google+ fun -- provided your IT admin isn't a social networking-hating luddite. Links explaining all that and more await you below, but before you go, why not hop past the break for some vampiric renditions of Larry and Sergey, and a few other celebs. [Thanks, Rich]
Adobe releases Photoshop Elements 10 & Premiere Elements 10 for Mac
Today Adobe announced new versions of its consumer flagship photo and video editing applications. Photoshop Elements 10 adds new features including 100 paint and effects patterns, depth of field simulation, and the ability to find photos that contain certain objects, like your dog or a hat. Photoshop Elements 10 also heavily borrows sharing features from Apple's iPhoto '11 software including the ability to tag Facebook friends right from within the app and instant upload to Facebook and Flickr. Adobe Premiere Elements 10 further borrows features from Apple's iMovie '11 video editing software such as still photo panning and zooming (Ken Burns Effect), automatic color enhancement and correction, and movie themes. Premiere Elements 10 does add some cool new features that iMovie '11 lacks however, including the ability to tag Facebook friends in your video, the ability to quickly find certain objects in your shots, and the ability to export to AVCHD to burn HD-quality movies to standard DVDs. Both Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10 are available today for US$99.99 each, or $149 for both. Existing users can purchase upgrades of the applications for $79 each or $119 for both. Currently Photoshop Elements 10 and Premiere Elements 10 are only available in store or online. No word yet if either app will hit the Mac App Store, though Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Editor is currently available on the Mac App Store for $79.
PhotoForge2 for iPhone has many Photoshop-like features
It's amazing how many useful features are making it to iPhone apps. In particular, photo apps for the iPhone get more and more remarkable as time goes on. PhotoForge2 is a US$2.99 app that allows you to load your photos at full resolution, and it includes high-end features like layering and masking, curves, levels, sharpening and noise reduction, white balance, RAW image import, the ability to edit GPS and IPTC photo data, channel mixer controls and much more. This would be a nice collection of features for a Mac app. It's rather amazing this is an app running on a cellular phone. In practice, the app works rather well. I found the controls easy to manipulate on the iPhone's small screen, and I could zoom all the way into my image to see individual pixels. The app has 30 different filters, including a good black and white translation and sepia tones. You can send photos via email and the various social services. Check the gallery for some screen shots of editing sessions and a look at the GUI. Alas, no app is perfect. Photos can't be loaded unless your phone has location services switched on. Frankly, this is a silly requirement. Apple requires developers to get permission when accessing location data, even data that is already tagged on your phone, but I think there are ways around this; the developers say they have some workarounds coming, perhaps as early as this weekend. When editing. changing settings can also be frustrating. When adjusting curves and levels, for example, you can barely see your image because the controls cover it. There is a software switch to hide the controls, but that makes the adjustments a needless iterative process. Also, an in-app purchase of $1.99 is needed for some additional features. I really dislike that practice and would prefer to get everything, even if it raises the price of the app. %Gallery-124111%
Flare from The Iconfactory: Awesome photo editing app for Mac
One of the joys of photography with the iPhone is that there are a huge number of apps for the platform that let you work with your photos to apply cropping, add filters and effects, and then share those photos with others. Sure, we have apps like iPhoto and Photoshop Elements, but to me they're not really in the same ballpark as the iPhone apps when it comes to quickly editing a photo. Flare is a new Mac app (US$19.95, now on sale for $9.99) from The Iconfactory and ARTIS Software that brings drag, drop and click editing to photos much in the manner that the current iPhone photo apps do. Available in the Mac App Store, Flare is easy enough for photo newbies to use, yet powerful enough that professional photographers will want to have it in their kit of goodies. After launching the app for the first time, you're greeted with a simple startup screen with three choices: "Drag a photo here to get started with Flare," "Read the User's Guide" or "View a Tutorial." I think most people will do what I did -- I just dragged a photo to the box in the startup screen and started playing with the app to see what it could do. After that, I clicked the User's Guide button to get more details, which took me to a very complete online explanation of what each and every effect, filter and process does to your photograph. %Gallery-119002%
Stereoscopic copy-paste finally brings that clone tool into the third dimension (video)
With the right software anybody can be photo editing guru, eliminating redeye, removing unsightly blemishes, and maybe adding an image of Godzilla lurking in the background just for fun. However, if you've been unlucky enough to try to do the same in 3D you know just how distinctly unsatisfying that experience can be. Maybe not for long. Thanks to NewScientist we just caught a glimpse of an October presentation made by Swiss engineers Joren van Baar and Wan-Yen Lo called "Stereoscopic 3D Copy & Paste." It is, basically, exactly what it sounds like, tools that let you define various objects and planes on a stereoscopic image, similar to how you might grab a shape with the magic wand tool, and then duplicate it and move that shape around on both parts of the 3D photo. The software handles re-creating shadows, automatically tackling occlusion too, and while the results aren't perfect, particularly if you're trying to change perspective or partially occlude an object behind something that's transparent, it certainly trumps trying to do it by hand. Check out the video below and take a moment to be thankful that you didn't have to buy gifts for all those kids above.
Review: iPhoto '11 is a very mixed bag
When iLife '11 was announced, I was quite excited to hear there was an update to iPhoto, and even more surprised to learn my local Apple Store had the software in stock the day after the "Back to the Mac" event. The feature list for the latest version of iPhoto is impressive, and since I do so much photography it seemed a no-brainer to get it. New features include: Full screen mode A direct link to Facebook for posting comments and pictures New slideshow templates New book designs Enhanced templates for emailing photos Letterpress Cards for sending to family and friends For US$49, with GarageBand '11 and iMovie '11 in the mix in addition to iPhoto, I was ready to buy iLife. Let's go over the changes, then deal with some of the ugly truths.
World rejoices as Photoshop Express for iPad is fixed
Well, that didn't take too long. After a rather horrible debut Friday Adobe has fixed Photoshop Express so it can now open in the landscape mode. How exactly was this app tested by Adobe and Apple? You'd think since most photo editing is done in the landscape orientation it would have been operated that way. I'd expect that kind of bug to be discovered immediately. Since Adobe is a premier graphics company you'd also think they would choose a logo for the product that doesn't resemble a roll of toilet paper. Anyway, the app now works properly and it's free. You can crop, sharpen, blur, make frames and do other basic adjustments and send your edited pix to Photoshop.com or to Facebook. The app also works on an iPhone and an iPod touch. Have at it, and unlike the iPhone 4 antenna, you can hold your iPad anyway you want.
Adobe Photoshop Express: mobile manipulation mastery gets prettier UI, iPad support
You're probably well aware that we like to tinker with Photoshop from time to time, and while we're constantly building up our database of funnies, it's quite difficult to do so on the road. For times like these, there's the newly-rebranded Adobe Photoshop Express, a completely free (!) application designed for both iPhone and (new for this update) iPad. The newest version (v1.3) weighs in at 6.5MB and provides users with the same abilities to mildly edit their photos as before, via crop, color, filter and border controls. Better still, it'll let you access your entire online photo gallery at Photoshop.com, so if anyone's down to try it out and send us their best gadget-related mutations, drop a link in comments or tips. Only catch is there's still no support for layers or compositions culled from multiple images, but hey, it's free! Don't say we never encouraged you to live a little, okay? Update: Hey, it's out for Android too! Thanks, Wes!
Photogene for iPad: More features, more coolness
Who said you can't do content creation on the iPad? Every day, I am seeing more and more apps that allow you to create, modify, or extend content in ways that are approaching, but not yet quite equal to, what you can do on a desktop or full featured laptop. A case in point is Photogene, a U.S. $3.99 app that has been upgraded from the iPhone version that we've positively reviewed in the past. The app has doubled in price, but comes with some significant updates like the ability to modify curves. Photogene lets you crop and straighten photos, sharpen them, adjust levels and curves, apply filters, and create frames and selective blurs. No, it's not Photoshop, but you can really improve your photos and then export them by mail, Facebook, Twitter, or iPhoto. You can also just save them to your iPad photo gallery. Having a much bigger screen to work on makes all the difference between this version and the iPhone incarnation. You probably can't make a bad photo good, but there are a myriad of enhancement tools that can make a good photo more interesting. Like all such apps, moderation is the key. Click here to see a video of the app in action. I'm pretty surprised at the speed that apps are coming to the iPad. It seems that every time I visit the app store, there are updates to my older iPhone apps collection. I think we'll see video editing, more sophisticated drawing tools, and audio editing apps that will go a long way to making the iPad a solid content creation tool. Apple needs to respond to these initiatives by making it easy to get content on and off of the iPad. Options to do that now are limited and non-intuitive. It's a big issue for many potential buyers, and Apple would have to be deaf and blind to ignore the pressure. Maybe the necessary changes will be made, but how quickly is anyone's guess. Perhaps we'll hear something positive when version 4.0 of the software is previewed tomorrow. Meanwhile, enjoy well thought-out apps like Photogene, and keep your fingers crossed. Here's some shots of Photogene at work on one of my photos from Lake Powell: %Gallery-89963%
