Adobe announces Photoshop CS4, Photoshop CS4 Extended
In addition to the Creatives Suite updates, Adobe has announced Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended. The upgrade sports advanced motion graphics functions, expanded 3D visualization capabilities and precise image analysis. Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended will be available as stand-alone applications or key components of the Adobe Creative Suite 4 family.
“Photoshop is about delivering cutting-edge innovation that really pushes the boundaries of digital image editing,” says Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. “This version is no exception with some stunning new imaging technology that complements our work to bring more control, simplicity and speed to everyday tasks. By streamlining the most popular workflows for the professional, technical or home user, Photoshop CS4 brings new levels of accessibility to the gold standard in digital imaging software.”
Content-Aware Scaling adds a technology that enables users to intelligently size and scale images with a drag of the mouse. New Auto-align and Auto-blend modes generate composites based on extended depth of field and 360 degree panoramas now with tones and colors. Finding, previewing and managing image assets is enhanced with Adobe Bridge CS4, beginning with fast start-up performance, right through to speedy transfer of images to Photoshop CS4, Connor says. New path-bar navigation and workspace selection buttons across the top of the Bridge window let you go to just the right display for every task, he adds.
Also included are new Camera Import controls, visual folder navigation, and a Carousel View for larger image-group selections. Photoshop CS4 takes advantage of the latest graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware. The software offers a smooth pan and zoom experience that allows users to easily edit images at the highest magnification while maintaining clarity, according to Connor.
The new Canvas Rotation tool is designed to make it simple to rotate and work on an image from any angle. Photoshop CS4 helps keep work areas clutter-free with a new unified application frame, tab-based interface and self-adjusting panels that make it easy to quickly access advanced tools, and provide a more fluid way to interact with the application.
Photoshop CS4 Extended includes all the new features of Photoshop CS4 plus the ability to manipulate 3D imagery easier than ever before. Now, creativity knows no bounds, as users can paint directly on 3D models and surfaces, merge 2-D files onto 3D images and animate 3D objects. The 3D engine has been rebuilt from the ground up to provide faster performance, allow editing of properties like light and the ability to create more realistic renderings with a new high-quality ray-tracer. Video professionals have the ability to turn any 3D object into a video display zone and can animate 3D objects and properties with ease. In addition, the core motion graphics editing has been improved with more efficient single-key shortcuts.
Adobe Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended for Mac OS X on Intel based and PowerPC based systems and for Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista platform are scheduled to ship next mont with availability through Adobe Authorized Resellers and the Adobe Store at [URL]http://www.adobe.com/go/gn_store[/URL] . Estimated street price for Adobe Photoshop CS4 is US$699 and $999 for Photoshop CS4 Extended. Upgrade pricing is available. For more detailed information about features, upgrade policies and pricing, please visit: [URL]www.adobe.com/photoshop[/URL] .
