Friday March 28, 2008
- Aperture updated to 2.1, now with image processing plugins - moose - 15:00:15
Apple has just released version 2.1 of its photo pro app, Aperture, which now includes some image processing plugins, along with a number of other fixes. The 2.0 release of Aperture brought image processing plugins support (version 1.x supported only export plugins), but none was available, and third parties didn't have any specs or details on how tu use the APIs.
Well, this has changed and here's what you will get in this 49.7MB update, available from OSX's Softwre update or directly from Apple's Aperture download page:
Aperture 2.1 updates various features of the application and addresses issues related to performance and overall stability. The updates include the following:
Dodge & Burn plug-in
A sample plug-in is preinstalled, taking advantage of the Edit API introduced in Aperture 2.0. The plug-in adds brush-based tools for Dodge (Lighten), Burn (Darken), Contrast, Saturation, Sharpen, and Blur.
Customizing the default adjustment set
You can now specify which adjustments appear by default in the Adjustments inspector or the Adjustments pane of the Inspector HUD.
Updated Crop tool
A simplified user interface makes it easier to preserve an images original aspect ratio, match the aspect ratio of your display, or use one of the standard preset aspect ratios.
Sorting in All Projects view
A shortcut menu allows you to sort projects in All Projects view in ascending or descending date order.
Show on Map
A shortcut menu allows you to choose the Show on Map command by right-clicking (or Control-clicking) an image that contains GPS data.
Access to the toolbar on a second display
When using multiple displays in Full Screen view, the Full Screen view toolbar is now accessible on a second display.
Snapshots book theme
This additional theme includes new photo border frames in which to place images.
Flipping images
You can now flip images horizontally or vertically within Aperture.
Vignette
The range of gamma and exposure settings available has been expanded.
Saving books as JPEG or TIFF images
Automator actions have been added to the Save as PDF pop-up menu in the Print Book window to automatically generate JPEG or TIFF images from book pages.
Update EXIF From Master
This command allows Aperture to reread EXIF information from master images after they have been imported.
Extended AppleScript support
The Reveal verb in the AppleScript dictionary has been extended to include containers such as projects and albums.
The update includes fixes that impact a number of areas, including:
Image import
Image migration
Erasing memory cards after import
Quick Preview
Batch Change
Auto-stacking
All Projects view
Tooltips
Smart Albums
Tethering
Adjustments inspector
Viewer
Loupe
White Balance
Definition
Lift & Stamp
Handling of externally edited images
Reconnecting referenced files
Keyboard customization
Deleting images
Metadata presets
Book themes
Borderless printing
Webpage/web journal export
Exporting versions
Export plug-in support
AppleScript support
Aperture 2.1 is recommended for all Aperture 2 users.
- HP to Launch Ultra-portable to Compete with Asus Eee PC - Eric - 09:39:02
Source : Engadget
We were recently mentioning the success of Asus and its EeePC, HP decided to follow the same direction and announced the future availability of ultra-portable models, the first one being the UMPC 2133.This small notebook will target mid-range and high-end users, while the Asus Eee PC is a true entry-level model. It will feature a 8.9" display and a 1.2GHz Via CPU associated to 1 or 2GB of RAM, while storage space will range from 120 to 160GB.
Depending on the final configuration, as well as the pre-installed OS, the end price will vary from 599 to 849USD.
One can bet that all computer manufacturers will soon offer similar notebook models to compete with the Eee Pc and its copies. Now, one will have to define if this is a true new growing market or a temporary interest for such format (as it has been the case in the past for barebones for example). Knowing that Apple is not used to follow the wave, and prefer to create its own market, it will be interesting to follow in the future month if Cupertino release a less than 10" MacBook or MacBook Air. If it could be powered with efficient Intel CPU, it remains unclear how Apple could integrate such models in its catalog.
- Acid 3 Test Completed for Opera and Apple Webkit - Lionel - 09:38:26
The Acid test has been developed to evaluate browsers and their support for internet standards. All current browsers were not compatible with the last version of the Acid test (click on the link for a test).
For some of them it is already history. within couple of hours, the new beta version of Opera as well as the Apple webkit in its version public build r31342 have been updated to obtain to best score: 100/100.
The true winner will be the one to bring an Acid 3-compliant final version of its browser.
[translation by Linathael]
- Good Deals on the Refurb Store - Lionel - 09:37:55
After being almost empty for couple of days, the Refurb Store is offering (once more) good deals:
- MacBook Core 2 duo 2.0GHz : 759
- MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz : 1349
- Mac mini 1.83 GHz : 529 (even though one could wait as the Mac mini is now rumored "EOL", so a revision is around the corner)
Shortest link to the Refurb Store
[translation by Linathael]
- A New Beta iPhone SDK - Lionel - 07:33:12
Apple has released a new beta iPhone SDK . There might be just a few snippets of news, but it is huge. < Start of Huge >It is now possible to use Interface Builder to develop interface software.< /End of Huge >
For more information and to download the beta:
http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
A question arises. Will Apple soon announce a combined download for these two betas?
[translation by jeremy]
- Update of EFI for the Mac Pro Rev 2 - Lionel - 06:58:43
Apple has released an update of EFI for the Mac Pro Rev 2.
They indicate that this will regulate an important problem with the stability of these machines
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macproefifirmwareupdate13.html
[translation by crispin]
- Update for AirPort Extreme 2008-001 for Tiger / Mac Intel - MacEnsteph - 06:55:17
An update for Airport Extreme is available since last night for Macs with Intel processors still running Tiger (X 10.4.11, 1.3 MB); this update is to improve the reliability of connections.
This update is recommended for all Intel Macintosh computers and improves the reliability of the Airport connections.
[translation by crispin]
