Month: November 2016

Lightricks launches free Facetune 2.0 app

facetune2

Press release issued by Lightricks:

Lightricks Launches Facetune 2.0, Free for the First Time Ever; New App Includes Augmented Reality Live Image Editing and Groundbreaking AI Powered Features

Lightricks Leads the Charge in the Shift to Subscription Business Models; New App Includes Over 100 State-of-the-Art Features, Available For Purchase Either A La Carte or as Part of All Inclusive Subscription

(November 25th, 2016, Jerusalem, Israel) – Lightricks, the leading developer of premium image processing software for mobile and the developers of hugely popular photo-editing apps Facetune and Enlight, are announcing the launch of Facetune 2.0. Following the success of Facetune which earned Apple’s Best of 2013 and became the #6 and #5 overall Best Selling Paid iOS App of 2014 and 2015 respectively, Lightricks has now launched Facetune 2.0. This release includes upgraded versions of existing tools and a host of new features powered by unprecedented image-processing technology. The release of Facetune 2.0, available on a freemium model combining in app purchases and subscriptions, signals the business model transitions beginning to trend in the mobile software industry.

Lightricks’ unique formula of easy functionality and powerful editing capabilities have driven Facetune’s rise in a highly competitive mobile photo editing market. Photos have become a core part of the consumer experience on mobile, and Facetune 2.0 was developed to meet the demands of a consumer population with constantly expanding expectations of functionality and the highest quality mobile experience. Facetune 2.0 is powered by the most advanced image-processing technology available, bringing high fidelity 3D facial modelling to mobile for the first time. In addition, the app includes several features powered by artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies, enabling effective live augmentation of photos, all of which provide consumers professional grade tools in the palm of their hands.

Highlighted Features:

  • Face: This feature enables users to reshape specific facial features, using AI to understand how the feature should be manipulated to naturally fit with the rest of the face for true 3D reshaping. As an example, when snapped in a picture without smiling, users can use the Reshape feature to adjust the face to create a natural looking smile.
  • Live Preview: For the first time ever, users can live preview adjustable effects before they snap the picture when using the front-facing camera. This AR feature superimposes facial modifications live in a real-time preview and allows users to experiment with edits such as smoothing skin, whitening teeth, enhancing details, modifying the shape and size of the eyes and nose, anti-glare and fixing shadows.
  • Relight: By utilizing AI to strip original illumination and simulate new lighting, Relight enables users to control lighting with the swipe of a finger when taking a photo in any environment, similar to the way conditions are controlled in a live studio.

“Consumers’ relationship with mobile apps has come a long way since we launched Facetune, and it has been such a popular app that we wanted to deliver an even more magical experience,” Said Zeev Farbman, Co-Founder and CEO of Lightricks. “We’re working with the most advanced image-processing technology and delivering it to consumers in an incredibly simple and easy to use interface. The mobile software landscape needs to shift away from free or small one-time payment models in order for developers to support sustainable R&D at a scale that continually delivers the newest and highest-grade experience to users. We are hoping that Apple’s new subscription model is going to do just that – enable tool makers to thrive on iOS, fostering the same kind of category defining software companies built during the desktop era,” he added.

Upgraded versions of all the original features of Facetune are available for free in Facetune 2.0. Facetune 2.0 includes an in-app store in which users can try and buy an extensive list of additional features, or can choose to subscribe on a monthly or yearly basis to gain full access to all existing and future features, content and services. Lightricks will continually update and release new features for subscribers.

About Lightricks

Lightricks is an Israeli startup founded by five entrepreneurs with a proven track record in both academia and industry, four of whom hail from backgrounds as computer science PhD students. Lightricks developed the LTEngine™, a state-of-the-art mobile image processing engine, and the SafeBrush™, a precision tool for the most accurate results. Building on this technology, Lightricks created the successful mobile app Facetune, a powerful and fun portrait photo editor that enables everyday users to easily achieve professional-level results, and Enlight, the most comprehensive photo editing tool for mobile. Facetune and Enlight have both been the #1 Photo & Video App in over 120 countries, and Facetune was selected for Apple’s Best of 2013, Google Play’s Best of 2014, was the #6 Best Selling Paid App for iOS in 2014, the #5 Best Selling Paid App for iOS in 2015, and is currently used as Facebook’s case study for user acquisition. Enlight was named the Runner-Up App of the Year in the US in 2015, and App of the Year in other major markets including Britain, Australia, Canada, Germany, China, and more. In August 2015, after being entirely self-funded for two years, Lightricks raised $10 million in its first external funding round, led by Carmel Ventures. Lightricks continues to deploy state-of-the-art technology to create the next generation of creativity tools for the mobile era.

Facetune 2.0 by Lightricks

Workflow UX: Facetune 2.0 includes all the features of Facetune plus many new additions, with a more intuitive UX and a smoother, faster workflow. In Facetune 2.0, all features have a simple-to-use slider so that users can easily adjust the intensity of each edited manipulation, or paint over certain areas for easy customization. Users can take advantage of an AR auto-retouch feature or apply the wide array of tools and brushes to pilot full control over image appearance. All original features of Facetune are available for free, with an extensive array of new features in the Facetune 2.0 Store available for individual purchase. Alternatively, users can subscribe for full access to all new and future features.

** Standout Features:

  • Live Preview: For the first time ever, users can live preview adjustable effects before they snap the picture when using the front-facing camera. This AR feature superimposes facial modifications live in a real-time preview and allows users to experiment with edits such as smoothing skin, whitening teeth, enhancing details, modifying the shape and size of the eyes and nose, anti-glare and fixing shadows.
  • Face: This feature enables users to reshape specific facial features, using AI to understand how the feature should be manipulated to naturally fit with the rest of the face for true 3D reshaping. As an example, when caught in a picture without smiling, the Reshape feature can be used to adjust the face and create a natural looking smile.
  • Relight: By utilizing AI to strip original illumination and simulate new lighting, Relight enables users to control lighting with the swipe of a finger when taking a photo in any environment, similar to the way conditions are controlled in a live studio.

Retouch Brushes – A variety of brush features enabling users to easily apply manipulations onto specific image areas with a fingertip. Also includes original special effects which can be applied to bring more artistic touches to photos.

  • Conceal: With this feature the user can swiftly swipe to remove dark circles and bags under the eyes.
  • B&W: Edit images into black and white for a cool effect.
  • Cool Down: Desaturate overly red skin and cool down the skin tone by swiping over specific areas.
  • Heal: A feature that enables users to swipe over blemishes and wrinkles with unique content-aware technology which acts as an automated skin graft, blending in with the skin tone so as to appear more natural.
  • Matte: By swiping over any areas with unwanted shine, this feature reduces the look of sweaty or oily skin.
  • Cleanse: Clean up skin to minimize pores and unwanted blackheads for a clearer and more refreshed face.
  • Smoother & Texture: The Smoother brush allows users to easily swipe across the image to smooth out complexion. The Texturizer tool adds texture to the smoothed area, enabling a realistic and natural look.
  • Glow: Gives skin a flattering yet natural glow to rejuvenate dull skin tones and color.
  • Vibrance: Utilizes the slider tool to revitalize photos by increasing or decreasing vibrancy of pale skin for a more radiant complexion.
  • Fix Tone: Slider enables user to easily tweak and tint skin tones.
  • Sharpen: Allows users to sharpen features and intensify colors.
  • Fix Shadow: Enables user to swipe over underexposed areas to remove unwanted shadows.
  • Anti-Glare: User can swipe overexposed areas of the image to remove any unwanted glare.
  • Structure: Enables user to swipe over features such as eyelashes and eyebrows to bring out the details of the face.

Tools – A variety of new and improved tools to provide customized control over shaping, lighting, focusing, and touch ups, dedicated for fine-tuning specific areas of images.

  • Reshape: Using their finger, this tool enables users to gently enlarge or minimize eyes, nose, or mouth to refine specific facial characteristics and account for poor angles and lighting.

  • Light FX: Allows the user to add lighting effects to bring a unique, creative flare to each photo.

  • Face: An AI component, this feature was introduced to easily enlarge or minimize specific features of the face, including the shape of the face, eyes, nose, and lips for true 3D reshaping. Using a data driven approach, this feature enables users to reshape specific facial elements, utilizing AI to understand how the feature should be manipulated to naturally fit with the rest of the face. As an example, when caught in a picture without smiling, users can use the Face feature to adjust the face to create a natural looking smile.

  • Relight: By utilizing AI to strip the initial illumination and simulate new lighting, users can control lighting when taking a photo in any environment, similar to the way conditions are controlled in a live studio.

  • Vignette: Allows users to add and adjust the vignette with full control.

  • Backdrop: Enables users to easily delete and replace the background of their photo.

  • Prism: By adjusting the intensity, users can take advantage of prism light effect, creating a unique fractal appearance.

  • Patch: Copy and paste one area over the other to seamlessly hide blemishes and other unwanted marks.

  • Darkroom: For advanced color modifications, users can make tonal adjustments for a color-correct photo, giving ultimate control over brightness, temperature, saturation, contrast, vibrancy, and more.
  • Eyes: Allows users to enhance the appearance of their eyes with details, reflection, pupil size, color, and more.

Filters – Built with a new range of over 20 preset filters for mobile so that users can become trendsetters and create and save their own customized filters.

In-App Camera – Facetune 2.0 includes a native camera feature. Users can adjust the elements of the image in real-time, enabling them to preview the effects and enhance the editing experience.

  • Live Preview: For the first time ever, users can live preview adjustable effects before they snap the picture when using the front-facing camera. This AR feature superimposes facial modifications live in a real-time preview and allows users to experiment with edits such as smoothing skin, whitening teeth, enhancing details, modifying the shape and size of the eyes and nose, anti-glare and fixing shadows.

Store – Users can buy any feature individually, or can subscribe for full access. Users can test every feature in the store before buying. New features will continuously be released for subscribers.

 

CAA drone safety targeted by DroneSafe.uk

Press release issued by the Civil Aviation Authority:

Drone

• Research shows support for enhanced drone safety education
• CAA launches new DroneSafe.uk website in partnership with UK air traffic control body NATS and revised Dronecode
• Research shows drones expected to be a top Christmas present – read the Dronecode to be safe
• 91% of the public agreed that adherence to rules and guidelines important

With one month to go to Christmas the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today issued a revised Dronecode to help millions getting a drone this year to fly safely and responsibly. The Dronecode, a simple set of rules and guidelines established in legislation which outline how to fly drones safely and within the law in the UK, is hosted on a new dedicated Dronesafe.uk website. All backed by wide range of leading aviation players, drone retailers and manufacturers and the Department for Transport.

The launch of the new Dronecode, follows an industry-first report into user behaviour, attitudes towards, and responsible use of drones; findings led to the new website and the revised and updated Dronecode.

Key findings of the report are:
• The public agree that drones can be used for ‘worthy’ causes:
o 61% state that drones would be useful for traffic monitoring and power line inspection
o 58% agree that drones would be useful for agriculture
o 56% state that drones would be useful for emergency health services
o 40% say that drones would be useful for donor organ transport
• 62% of drone owners state that ‘fun’ is the main reason for having a drone
• 69% of owners thought retailers were responsible for drone safety education at point of sale. 36% were made aware of the Dronecode when buying a drone

To demonstrate the need for a unified approach, the research, which was carried out in collaboration with strategic insight agency Opinium, identified that 91% of the public agreed that adherence to the Dronecode is important. 39% of drone users had so far heard of it since its launch in 2015.

Drone owners and those looking to purchase one should familiarise themselves with the CAA’s revised Dronecode, a simple set of rules around safe and responsible use:
• Don’t fly near airports or airfields
• Remember to stay below 400ft (120m) and at least 150ft (50m) away from buildings and people
• Observe your drone at all times
• Never fly near aircraft
• Enjoy responsibly

Adherence to the Dronecode will address initial public concern identified in the research and help the wider industries that can harness the power of drones for good to grow. These are certainly front of mind with high expectations among the public for agriculture, medical and healthcare use.

Drone

Tim Johnson, Policy Director at the CAA said, “Consumer research on this scale into drone use has never been done before and there was a real need from the aviation and drone industries to find out more about this growing sector. The research shows that the public have understandable concerns about reported drone misuse to date, and demonstrate clearly why the current education programme is underway, backed by legal action when appropriate.

“Drones have significant potential and the new Dronecode, which forms the basis of establishing a responsible attitude toward drone flight amongst consumers, will help to protect the safety of the wider aviation industry. It will also help those expected to use drones to improve current operations, from farming to traffic, from healthcare to logistics. Ultimately, people must use their drones safely, and responsibly.”

The new Dronecode and the consumer research is available to download at www.dronesafe.uk, a new website created by the CAA and air traffic control body NATS, and supported by a range of key players in the drone and aviation industries and the Department for Transport.

Andrew Sage, at the air traffic control provider NATS, said: “Drones are an incredible, inspiring technology but it’s vital that people are using them safely. With the number of reported drone incidents on the rise, it’s important that people understand their legal obligations and fly safe, having fun whilst ensuring other users of the UK’s airspace aren’t put at risk. We hope that dronesafe.uk will help to achieve this.”

Oliver Meakin, CEO at Maplin added, “During the lead up to Christmas, a key time for drone purchases, we are working with the CAA and NATS to make sure that all of our drone buying customers are made aware of the new Dronecode and Drone Safe website, along with the importance of using their drone safely.”

The launch of the new Dronecode, report and Drone Safe website forms part of a wider initiative looking at establishing a safe and responsible attitude toward drone flight and usage to protect the safety of the wider aviation industry and the wider sector opportunities.

Drone

This initiative saw the launch of 400ft Britain last month, a drone photography and videography competition that aims to creatively bring the Dronecode to life, held in partnership with VisitEngland and offering drone-flying holidays from Phantom Flight School to the winning entries.

The new Dronecode is for consumer drone use and those using a drone commercially must be licensed and undergo an approved course. Drone users must also remember that if they don’t follow the simple rules they could be prosecuted and go to prison.

ENDS

Fotodiox announces Nikon to Sony FUSION Adapter

Fotodiox Pro, creator and distributor of several lines of specialty solutions for videography, cinematography and photography, has announced their new Nikon to Sony FUSION Lens Adapter. Available now on Fotodioxpro.com, the Nikon to Sony FUSION Adapter allows photographers to mount Nikon lenses onto Sony cameras and maintain electronic communication between the two, delivering decades of legendary Nikon imaging expertise to the hands of full frame or APS-C Sony E-Mount camera users.

Read more

Luminar by Macphun, the powerful all-in-one photo editor for Mac, is now shipping

Press release issued by Macphun:

macphun_luminar

– The first photo editor that adapts to your style & skill level

– A powerful yet easy-to-use alternative to Aperture

San Diego, CA November 17th, 2016 – Luminar, Macphun’s first all-in-one photo editor, is now shipping at macphun.com/luminar. Introducing an ultra-personal approach to photo editing, Luminar adapts to any photographer – from the new shooter to the professional – through its adaptive user interface and personalised digital darkroom concept. Luminar combines power with simplicity and creativity, bringing together over 300 robust tools and features including; personalised workspaces, a range of image correction tools, creative filters, layers & masking, and extensive file import/export capabilities.

Luminar is available for a special launch price of $49 for current users of Macphun software, and $59 for all new customers*. A demo version of Luminar can be downloaded at macphun.com/luminar beginning today.

The professionals shed the light on Luminar

– The first photo editor that adapts to your style & skill level

– A powerful yet easy-to-use alternative to Aperture

San Diego, CA November 17th, 2016 – Luminar, Macphun’s first all-in-one photo editor, is now shipping at macphun.com/luminar. Introducing an ultra-personal approach to photo editing, Luminar adapts to any photographer – from the new shooter to the professional – through its adaptive user interface and personalised digital darkroom concept. Luminar combines power with simplicity and creativity, bringing together over 300 robust tools and features including; personalised workspaces, a range of image correction tools, creative filters, layers & masking, and extensive file import/export capabilities.

Luminar is available for a special launch price of $49 for current users of Macphun software, and $59 for all new customers*. A demo version of Luminar can be downloaded at macphun.com/luminar beginning today.

The professionals shed the light on Luminar

‘You’ll find the controls in Luminar are much more powerful than the ones in Lightroom. I’d also wager to say that Luminar has 5-7x as many control options as Lightroom.’

Trey Ratcliff, world-famous travel photographer

‘Finally, creative editing software with an intuitive layout that is simple to use and helps me create unique looking images. Luminar is a great addition to my workflow – I can drop in images and be confident I can quickly turn around a cool image ready for sharing.’

Matt Granger, professional photographer and educator

‘Luminar is a fantastic RAW editor packed full of innovative features. The layer-based editing is extremely powerful and flexible, the workspaces can be customised to perfectly reflect my editing workflow, and the plethora of filters enable ultimate creative control.’

Will Burrard-Lucas, award-winning wildlife photographer

‘Luminar is a welcome addition to my digital toolbox…even a software guru like me found that my control-freak expectations were met or exceeded. Highly recommended for all photographers who have a Mac and are looking for more options to change the look of their photos or fix tough problems with precise manual controls.’

Richard Harrington, Photofocus publisher

Your questions about Luminar answered

Is Luminar an alternative to Aperture?

Luminar introduces a wide selection of more powerful and adaptive photo editing tools to fit in with the skills and needs of any type of photographer, alongside an innovation in photo editing software – workspaces, which act as personal digital darkrooms. Currently, Luminar does not have photo asset management features similar to Aperture, but users can plug into Aperture and match up Luminar’s superior editing tools with Aperture’s file library. With updates expected in early 2017, Luminar will soon replace any other photo editor that you currently use.

See how Luminar compares to Aperture and Lightroom at macphun.com/luminar/compare.

How does Luminar complement Aurora HDR?

Aurora’s advanced HDR capability and Luminar’s extensive photo-editing options can be seamlessly combined. Aurora is unbeatable for creating stunning HDR images, and Luminar takes mastering these images to the next level with the introduction of even more editing tools including; filter masking on a single layer, a transform tool, an eraser brush for spot and object removal, and clone & stamp capability. From those small extra tweaks to dramatic edits such as sky replacement, Luminar is the ideal tool to finalise Aurora HDR creations. Find out more about Luminar’s relationship with Aurora at macphun.com/blog/luminar-for-aurora-hdr.

Does Luminar complement Creative Kit?

Creative Kit is a collection of plug-ins dedicated to specific tasks, whereas Luminar is a universal all-in-one photo editor. Luminar is a combination of the best bits of Creative Kit, all-new capabilities and innovative tools, and a brand new user interface. Find out more about using Creative Kit and Luminar in your editing workflow at macphun.com/blog/luminar-for-creative-kit.

Does Luminar support batch processing?

Soon! The current version of Luminar does not have built-in batch processing, but this feature will be introduced in the December update, and will be available for free for all current users of Luminar.

Will there be a Windows version of Luminar?

Currently all Macphun software is Mac-only. However, Macphun have started working on the Windows version of Luminar. The plan is to make Luminar for Windows available late Spring 2017.

Availability

Luminar is now shipping at macphun.com/luminar

Pricing

$49 / 49€ / *£39 / AU$69 for anyone who already owns Macphun photo software

$59 / 59€ / *£44 / AU$84 for all new users

Free trials are available at macphun.com/luminar

63457718900169gmail-normal” style=”text-align: left;”>‘You’ll find the controls in Luminar are much more powerful than the ones in Lightroom. I’d also wager to say that Luminar has 5-7x as many control options as Lightroom.’

Trey Ratcliff, world-famous travel photographer

‘Finally, creative editing software with an intuitive layout that is simple to use and helps me create unique looking images. Luminar is a great addition to my workflow – I can drop in images and be confident I can quickly turn around a cool image ready for sharing.’

Matt Granger, professional photographer and educator

‘Luminar is a fantastic RAW editor packed full of innovative features. The layer-based editing is extremely powerful and flexible, the workspaces can be customised to perfectly reflect my editing workflow, and the plethora of filters enable ultimate creative control.’

Will Burrard-Lucas, award-winning wildlife photographer

‘Luminar is a welcome addition to my digital toolbox…even a software guru like me found that my control-freak expectations were met or exceeded. Highly recommended for all photographers who have a Mac and are looking for more options to change the look of their photos or fix tough problems with precise manual controls.’

Richard Harrington, Photofocus publisher

Your questions about Luminar answered

Is Luminar an alternative to Aperture?

Luminar introduces a wide selection of more powerful and adaptive photo editing tools to fit in with the skills and needs of any type of photographer, alongside an innovation in photo editing software – workspaces, which act as personal digital darkrooms. Currently, Luminar does not have photo asset management features similar to Aperture, but users can plug into Aperture and match up Luminar’s superior editing tools with Aperture’s file library. With updates expected in early 2017, Luminar will soon replace any other photo editor that you currently use.

See how Luminar compares to Aperture and Lightroom at macphun.com/luminar/compare.

How does Luminar complement Aurora HDR?

Aurora’s advanced HDR capability and Luminar’s extensive photo-editing options can be seamlessly combined. Aurora is unbeatable for creating stunning HDR images, and Luminar takes mastering these images to the next level with the introduction of even more editing tools including; filter masking on a single layer, a transform tool, an eraser brush for spot and object removal, and clone & stamp capability. From those small extra tweaks to dramatic edits such as sky replacement, Luminar is the ideal tool to finalise Aurora HDR creations. Find out more about Luminar’s relationship with Aurora at macphun.com/blog/luminar-for-aurora-hdr.

Does Luminar complement Creative Kit?

Creative Kit is a collection of plug-ins dedicated to specific tasks, whereas Luminar is a universal all-in-one photo editor. Luminar is a combination of the best bits of Creative Kit, all-new capabilities and innovative tools, and a brand new user interface. Find out more about using Creative Kit and Luminar in your editing workflow at macphun.com/blog/luminar-for-creative-kit.

Does Luminar support batch processing?

Soon! The current version of Luminar does not have built-in batch processing, but this feature will be introduced in the December update, and will be available for free for all current users of Luminar.

Will there be a Windows version of Luminar?

Currently all Macphun software is Mac-only. However, Macphun have started working on the Windows version of Luminar. The plan is to make Luminar for Windows available late Spring 2017.

 Availability

Luminar is now shipping at macphun.com/luminar

Pricing

$49 / 49€ / *£39 / AU$69 for anyone who already owns Macphun photo software

$59 / 59€ / *£44 / AU$84 for all new users

Free trials are available at macphun.com/luminar

ADATA launches the SD700 durable external 3D NAND SSD

Press release issued by Adata Technology:

adata-sd700

First external 3D NAND SSD with IP68 dust/water proofing and military-grade shock proofing

Nov. 17, 2016 – ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of highperformance DRAM modules, NAND Flash products, and mobile accessories today unveiled the SD700 durable external hard drive. The SD700 represents the first time 3D NAND SSD has achieved IP68 dust and water proof specifications in addition to military-grade shock proofing, all thanks to a tough protective enclosure and meticulous testing. The SD700 uses USB 3.1 Gen 1 to connect with Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices at speed read up to 440MB/s and write up to 430MB/s. In addition to being widely compatible, the SD700 is also very light, weighing just 100g for easy mobility. The SD700 will be available in 512GB and 256GB models, priced at £159 and £99 respectively.

3D NAND external SSDs get tough

The SD700 has been designed and tested to IEC IP68 standards. That means it is completely dust-tight to prevent particulate ingress and can operate normally even after submersion in 1.5m of water for 60 minutes. ADATA has also tested the SD700 to the popular US Army MIL-STD-810G516.6 shock and drop resistance standard, ensuring a high degree of shock proofing. With its multi-layered protective enclosure and obvious lack of moving parts as an SSD, the SD700 offers extremely survivable storage for extreme activities.

Benefits of 3D NAND brought to a new segment

ADATA has been transitioning more products to 3D NAND, which is faster, more reliable, and more power efficient than traditional 2D NAND. The SD700 arrives in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB at very competitive price points that deliver a better cost/performance ratio than older, non-3D NAND SSDs. For connectivity, the SD700 uses high throughput USB 3.1 Gen 1, more than enough to stream 4K content with no buffering or lag. Typical data speeds are read up to 440MB/s and write up to 430MB/s. The SD700 is plug and play compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices to best serve global audiences.

Strong but elegant

Unlike most durable HDDs, the SD700 brings a new era of better mobility. It weighs just 100g, operates with complete silence, and does not build up any heat. Additionally, ADATA is offering the SD700 in two-tone black and yellow or all-black color schemes.

ENDS.