March 28, 2008 – Apple has released an update to its Aperture 2 photo editing software. Aperture 2.1 adds new architecture enabling third-party software plug-ins. The updated version is now available as a free download for Aperture 2 users from Apple's website.
Aperture 2.1 features Dodge & Burn, an Apple-developed plug-in with tools to lighten (dodge), darken (burn), adjust contrast and saturation, sharpen, and blur images. In the next few months, Apple said it expects third-parties to develop more editing, filter, and effects tools for use with Aperture 2.1. Adobe's Photoshop image editing program has hundreds of plug-in filters available that add new features. In fact, many of the plug-ins announced today started out as Photoshop filters.
“The image quality in Aperture 2 has won over the most demanding photographers,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “Now, thanks to our open plug-in architecture, users can access an entire industry’s worth of imaging expertise without ever leaving Aperture.”
Apple said the most-requested third-party software is currently in development, including:
- Nik Software’s Viveza plug-in to adjust color and light in images;
- PictureCode’s Noise Ninja plug-in for ISO noise analysis and reduction;
- Digital Film Tools’ Power Stroke plug-in, which uses strokes to mask and adjust images
- The Tiffen Company’s Dfx plug-in, which features a number of filters and effects;
- dvGarage’s dpMatte plug-in, a tool for creating seamless image composites, and the HDRtoner, which takes multiple photos and creates a high dynamic range (HDR) image;
- Image Trends’ plug-ins, including Fisheye-Hemi to correct fisheye lens distortion, ShineOff to remove shine from faces, and PearlyWhites to whiten and brighten teeth.
For more information or to download Aperture 2.1, visit Apple’s Aperture website.
