Adobe Announces Lightroom Beta, Aperture Competitor

MacRumors · 03:58 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif

Adobe has announced a new product called Lightroom. Adobe Lightroom offers a tool for professional photographers to import, select, develop and showcase large volumes of digital images.

The software is presently released as a public beta and will expire at the end of June 2006 and is available for download now.

Interestingly, the beta is only available for the Mac at this time.

Quote:

Adobe Lightroom Beta requires Mac OS X version 10.4.3 (Tiger) or higher, a 1GHz or faster PowerPC G4 or G5 processor (including iBook G4 or PowerBook G4), and 768 MB of RAM (although more is recommended), and 1 GB or more of free hard drive space. Windows requirements will be announced when that version is ready.

MacCentral has some early notes on Lightroom and offers some comparisons with Aperture -- Apple's professional photography tool which was announced in October.

EricNau · Jan 9, 2006, 02:14 AM

Finally, software that is only available for Mac!

Adobe is definitely trying to compete with Aperture.

Gherkin · Jan 9, 2006, 02:18 AM

Competition is a good thing.

arn · Jan 9, 2006, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricNau

Finally, software that is only available for Mac!

Adobe is definitely trying to compete with Aperture.

Yeah... I'm guessing they released it so early for the Mac to stop people from buying Aperture.

arn

p0intblank · Jan 9, 2006, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricNau

Finally, software that is only available for Mac!

Adobe is definitely trying to compete with Aperture.

A Mac-only app from Adobe is a sweet thing, isn't it?

:downloading now:

This is definitely some big competition for Apple's Aperture.

Abstract · Jan 9, 2006, 02:21 AM

Hopefully it's better than Aperture. Competition is good for all of us, and that'll mean Apple will have to make Aperture better than it is.

And it's not like Adobe is copying Apple's idea, either. They were both working on this project at the same time, obviously. I just don't wanna hear "Adobe copied Apple" at any point.

UberMac · Jan 9, 2006, 02:22 AM

Nice to see some lower specs meaning a few more people can run it. Now its time to see just how it compares to aperture for the Pros. Apple seems to be pretty good at getting it's Pro software "just right", so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top!

Uber

EricNau · Jan 9, 2006, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abstract

Hopefully it's better than Aperture. Competition is good for all of us, and that'll mean Apple will have to make Aperture better than it is.

And it's not like Adobe is copying Apple's idea, either. They were both working on this project at the same time, obviously. I just don't wanna hear "Adobe copied Apple" at any point.

What are you talking about?! Adobe copied Apple, we all know it! Aperture was out months before "Lightroom." In fact, Adobe just copied Apple's code, that's why it is only available for Mac right now.

Just Kidding

(someone had to say it, right?)

Gherkin · Jan 9, 2006, 02:26 AM

I have a feeling that Adobe is really going to hook me with this program by offering it for free now. I can see myself most likely coughing up the dough once they release it. Aperture would probably run like crap on my computer, so I'm happy there's an alternative.

Can't wait for this to be available tomorrow.

Daveway · Jan 9, 2006, 02:27 AM

Adobe must have had this product in the pipeline before Apple released Aperture. Adobe takes forever to develope apps and Aperture was released just a few months ago.

EricNau · Jan 9, 2006, 02:29 AM

Anybody sign up for an Adobe/Macromedia account so you could download it? Are you getting daily/weekly/monthly email updates from Adobe? - I hate it when that happens.

toneloco2881 · Jan 9, 2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveway

Adobe must have had this product in the pipeline before Apple released Aperture. Adobe takes forever to develope apps and Aperture was released just a few months ago.

Either that, or it just shows Adobe's ability to respond when they feel threatened. In other word's, we could probably have a universal binary of photoshop in january if Adobe was so inclined, but they figure what else are we going to do? Not much choice but to sit it out, and they'll milk us along to CS3, and charge for an upgrade.

mcarnes · Jan 9, 2006, 02:34 AM

VERY EXTENSIVE REVIEW HERE:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/re...ghtroom1.shtml

mc

dansgil · Jan 9, 2006, 02:44 AM

Why didn't Adobe make it Universal Binary? If they're making a new app with the Intel Transition so close, why not make it compatible with current and future macs?

Aldaris · Jan 9, 2006, 02:53 AM

Hey Adobe just want's to make sure they can get Apple Fans to approve or at least give good input before they go gold... that's all...

Either way I'm downloading now and can't wait to play!

-Judicator

kanaka · Jan 9, 2006, 03:05 AM

I wonder how far along in development the Windows version is right now. Since they don't have the pressure of Aperture on Windows, Adobe probably doesn't feel the need to release a Windows beta, but it will make me happy if the final non-beta Mac version is released a few months before the Windows version

From the Lightroom FAQ:

Quote:

The final, packaged versions for both platforms should be released within a few months of each other.

x86isslow · Jan 9, 2006, 03:18 AM

coming from a very non-professional background, the beta looks amazing. it feels like a pleasant version of iPhoto.

its all very pretty, though i'm not quite sure what it does.

adam1185 · Jan 9, 2006, 03:21 AM

The only thing I don't like so far is the ugly cancel logo when you click on the progress indicator

http://members.shaw.ca/adam1185/ugly.png

Arnaud · Jan 9, 2006, 03:21 AM

Mmm, I'm trying to press my brains to remember if/when such an aggressive action from Adobe against Apple happened before...

I mean, Adobe releases a free (ie, marketing agressive) beta (ie, not-ready-but-we're-in-a-hurry) version of a direct competitor to Apple's software... Maybe it's because Apple stepped for the first time of the last ten years on Adobe's market - Aperture reducing the need to use Photoshop for color corrections -.

(I said "in the last ten years" to avoid anyone bringing the Claris era and even previous Macpaint/Macdraw era...)

It was interesting to see the references to Photoshop in Aperture's advertizing, I thought they were trying to show Adobe they were not so much of a competitor...

Oh well, hopefully the users will benefit from it all...

Edit: Btw, I'm waiting for a potential release of a new iPhoto, with iLife 06; maybe some of the quirks will be fixed, and that will be a good tool for most beginners ? Batch chromatic corrections ? (Nah, just kidding...)

Staffroomer · Jan 9, 2006, 03:22 AM

If I had broadband I'd check it out. I never did get around to Aperture myself.. I just use Photoshop..

cait-sith · Jan 9, 2006, 03:30 AM

Either you use the Mac software, or you buy the Mac hardware and use the Adobe software.

Smart, Apple. Smart.

liketom · Jan 9, 2006, 03:34 AM

looks as if Adobe is going against Apple on this one - day before MWSF and a blatent rip off of Aperture.

but saying that it does look good - for a beta

i wonder how much Adobe will price this at ?

nagromme · Jan 9, 2006, 03:40 AM

Competition? Good. (Plus, an option for Macs whose specs are too low for Aperture.)

On Mac before Windows? Better!

Adobe showing signs of being able to develop software quickly? Best!

erickg · Jan 9, 2006, 03:45 AM

Yeah, it looks good. Although, to be quite honest it looks nothing as good as Aperture. Aperture just seems much more well thought through and cleaner somehow (although I admit not owning it and just seeing the info and clips on Apple's site).

I also got Lightroom to crash after only five minutes.

Was playing around with the slideshow function and while playing a slideshow I pressed the forward button a couple times, that pretty much did it. Of course, it's beta so we shouldn't expect anything else.

I'm sure Adobe will make a lot of refinements over the coming months and improve functionality. Seems to have the makings of a nice app though.

erickg · Jan 9, 2006, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staffroomer

If I had broadband I'd check it out. I never did get around to Aperture myself.. I just use Photoshop..

The download's only like 4 megs though, so even a dial-up connection should be able to hack it.

Jan 9, 2006, 02:14 AM	#2
EricNau macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA	Finally, software that is only available for Mac! Adobe is definitely trying to compete with Aperture. __________________ November is Pancreatic Caner Awareness Month www.PanCan.org \| Get Involved

Jan 9, 2006, 02:18 AM	#3
Gherkin macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2004	Competition is a good thing. __________________ 20" iMac \| 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo \| 3 GB Ram \| 250 GB HD \| Radeon X1600 128 MB VRAM \| SuperDrive \| OS X 10.5

Jan 9, 2006, 02:21 AM	#6
Abstract macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: It's classified.	Hopefully it's better than Aperture. Competition is good for all of us, and that'll mean Apple will have to make Aperture better than it is. And it's not like Adobe is copying Apple's idea, either. They were both working on this project at the same time, obviously. I just don't wanna hear "Adobe copied Apple" at any point. __________________ "Oh, I've always wanted to touch Stanley," signs teacher Fran Zakoor, embracing the kids… ESPN Article, 04/09/2008

Jan 9, 2006, 02:22 AM	#7
UberMac macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: England	Nice to see some lower specs meaning a few more people can run it. Now its time to see just how it compares to aperture for the Pros. Apple seems to be pretty good at getting it's Pro software "just right", so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top! Uber __________________ 24 Beers in a crate, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence, I think not.

Jan 9, 2006, 02:26 AM	#9
Gherkin macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2004	I have a feeling that Adobe is really going to hook me with this program by offering it for free now. I can see myself most likely coughing up the dough once they release it. Aperture would probably run like crap on my computer, so I'm happy there's an alternative. Can't wait for this to be available tomorrow. __________________ 20" iMac \| 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo \| 3 GB Ram \| 250 GB HD \| Radeon X1600 128 MB VRAM \| SuperDrive \| OS X 10.5

Jan 9, 2006, 02:27 AM	#10
Daveway macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Orleans / Lafayette, La	Adobe must have had this product in the pipeline before Apple released Aperture. Adobe takes forever to develope apps and Aperture was released just a few months ago. __________________ Spare me my life. MBP 2.2 glossy, Alu Macbook 2.4, iMac G5, iPhone3GS 32gb white, iPodz

Jan 9, 2006, 02:29 AM	#11
EricNau macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA	Anybody sign up for an Adobe/Macromedia account so you could download it? Are you getting daily/weekly/monthly email updates from Adobe? - I hate it when that happens. __________________ November is Pancreatic Caner Awareness Month www.PanCan.org \| Get Involved

Jan 9, 2006, 02:34 AM	#13
mcarnes macrumors 68000 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA! USA!	VERY EXTENSIVE REVIEW HERE: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/re...ghtroom1.shtml mc

Jan 9, 2006, 02:44 AM	#14
dansgil macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vancouver, BC	Why didn't Adobe make it Universal Binary? If they're making a new app with the Intel Transition so close, why not make it compatible with current and future macs?

Jan 9, 2006, 02:53 AM	#15
Aldaris macrumors 6502 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Salt Lake City	They want Mac Users to perfect it... Hey Adobe just want's to make sure they can get Apple Fans to approve or at least give good input before they go gold... that's all... Either way I'm downloading now and can't wait to play! -Judicator __________________ -Aldaris (The "real" Judicator) PMac G4\|PCube\|PB G4\|MBP\|iPhone and iPods Galore This is my iLife?

Jan 9, 2006, 03:18 AM	#17
x86isslow macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA	coming from a very non-professional background, the beta looks amazing. it feels like a pleasant version of iPhoto. its all very pretty, though i'm not quite sure what it does. __________________ 2009 Mac Mini: C2D 2.0Ghz, 4Gb RAM RevC 12" PowerBook G4: 1.33Ghz, 1.25Gb RAM 2G iPod Touch 16 Gb

Jan 9, 2006, 03:21 AM	#18
adam1185 macrumors regular Join Date: May 2004	The only thing I don't like so far is the ugly cancel logo when you click on the progress indicator http://members.shaw.ca/adam1185/ugly.png

Jan 9, 2006, 03:21 AM	#19
Arnaud macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2005 Location: The Moon	Mmm, I'm trying to press my brains to remember if/when such an aggressive action from Adobe against Apple happened before... I mean, Adobe releases a free (ie, marketing agressive) beta (ie, not-ready-but-we're-in-a-hurry) version of a direct competitor to Apple's software... Maybe it's because Apple stepped for the first time of the last ten years on Adobe's market - Aperture reducing the need to use Photoshop for color corrections -. (I said "in the last ten years" to avoid anyone bringing the Claris era and even previous Macpaint/Macdraw era...) It was interesting to see the references to Photoshop in Aperture's advertizing, I thought they were trying to show Adobe they were not so much of a competitor... Oh well, hopefully the users will benefit from it all... Edit: Btw, I'm waiting for a potential release of a new iPhoto, with iLife 06; maybe some of the quirks will be fixed, and that will be a good tool for most beginners ? Batch chromatic corrections ? (Nah, just kidding...)

Jan 9, 2006, 03:22 AM	#20
Staffroomer macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2005	If I had broadband I'd check it out. I never did get around to Aperture myself.. I just use Photoshop.. __________________ Come and check out The Staffroom. Get lots of FREE SOFTWARE for teachers. We're a non-profit site for TEACHERS

Jan 9, 2006, 03:30 AM	#21
cait-sith macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: canada	Either you use the Mac software, or you buy the Mac hardware and use the Adobe software. Smart, Apple. Smart. __________________ "`The first ten million years were the worst,' said Marvin, `and the second ten million, they were the worst too. The third ten million I didn't enjoy at all. After that I went into a bit of a decline.'"

Jan 9, 2006, 03:34 AM	#22
liketom macrumors 68040 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lincoln,UK	looks as if Adobe is going against Apple on this one - day before MWSF and a blatent rip off of Aperture. but saying that it does look good - for a beta i wonder how much Adobe will price this at ? __________________ 18,000 miles is a long way

Jan 9, 2006, 03:40 AM	#23
nagromme macrumors 601 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Blinking blue dot	Competition? Good. (Plus, an option for Macs whose specs are too low for Aperture.) On Mac before Windows? Better! Adobe showing signs of being able to develop software quickly? Best! __________________ nagromme Would you like a treatment?

Jan 9, 2006, 03:45 AM	#24
erickg macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2004	Yeah, it looks good. Although, to be quite honest it looks nothing as good as Aperture. Aperture just seems much more well thought through and cleaner somehow (although I admit not owning it and just seeing the info and clips on Apple's site). I also got Lightroom to crash after only five minutes. Was playing around with the slideshow function and while playing a slideshow I pressed the forward button a couple times, that pretty much did it. Of course, it's beta so we shouldn't expect anything else. I'm sure Adobe will make a lot of refinements over the coming months and improve functionality. Seems to have the makings of a nice app though.

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