Look alive, Nik Collection fans: the software suite is back from the (mostly) dead. It will change hands from Google to DxO, who will continue to offer it as Photoshop and Lightroom plug-ins, as well as incorporate it into their own software.
DxO will offer a new flagship application called PhotoLab, a version of OpticsPro that will incorporate Nik Collection's U Point technology.
We spoke with Aravind Krishnaswamy, a Google Engineering Director, and DxO founder/CEO Jerome Meniere about the acquisition. Krishnaswamy mentioned Google's need to focus on its Photos application, but that they want the Nik community to have a future, and a place to continue using the suite's tools.
That's where DxO picks things up. The Nik Collection in its present state will continue to be offered for free – for now. Meniere hints that this may not always be the case, and DxO plans to develop a new "Nik Collection 2018" for mid-next year. Meniere also mentions that they'd like to work with the Nik community to take the software in a direction that they'd like to see it go.
Not surprisingly, Nik-developed Snapseed is not included in the transaction, and will remain with Google. The company plans to continue actively developing and improving the mobile image editing app.
Head to DxO's dedicated Nik Collection site if you'd like to snag free versions of the plug-ins while you still can.
Press release
DxO acquires Nik Collection assets from Google and plans to set a new bar on Photo editing softwares
PARIS – October 25, 2017 – DxO, one of the most innovative companies in consumer imaging, today announced the acquisition of the Nik Collection assets from Google.
DxO plans to continue development of the Nik Collection. The current version will remain available for free on DxO’s dedicated website, while a new “Nik Collection 2018 Edition” is planned for mid-next year.
“The Nik Collection gives photographers tools to create photos they absolutely love,” said Aravind Krishnaswamy, an Engineering Director with Google. “We’re thrilled to have DxO, a company dedicated to high-quality photography solutions, acquire and continue to develop it. ”
s, which offer new creative opportunities for photographers. The latest version of our flagship software DxO PhotoLab, which is available as of now, is the first embodiment of this thrilling acquisition with built-in U point Technology. ”
About the Nik Collection
The Nik Collection is composed of seven desktop plugins for Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop that provide a powerful range of photo editing capabilities — from filter applications that improve color correction, to retouching and creative effects, to image sharpening that brings out hidden details, to the ability to adjust the color and tonality of images. The current lineup of the Nik Collection includes:
Analog Efex Pro: Applies film-era camera, lens, and film simulations to digital images
Color Efex Pro: A comprehensive set of filters for color correction, retouching, and creative effects
Dfine: Noise reduction software for camera-specific digital images
HDR Efex Pro: Specialized program for processing HDR pictures
Sharpener Pro: Image sharpening for digital images
Silver Efex Pro: Black & White conversion of images with darkroom-inspired controls
Viveza: Selectively adjusts image color and tonality without complicated masks or selections
2017-10-26 16:00
