In addition to the Creatives Suite updates, Adobe has announced Adobe
Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended(/b). 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 http://www.adobe.com/go/gn_store . 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:
www.adobe.com/photoshop .