Comparison between Aperture and Lightroom
I love photography - and have changed workflow tools pretty often over the years.
Adobe photoshop is a stapel for nearly every photographer - although Gimp is free for professional use it just doesn’t stack up.
With the advent of Digital Raw format a third set of workflow tools have risen to ‘develop’ these digital images.
Aperture and Lightroom (now Adobe - after they purchased Pixmantec) are the two top titles in the arena.
Personally I have been a Lightroom user for a few years (Pixmantec originally). I’ve tried some of the other choices and just have felt comfortable with the workflow and processes in Lightroom.
A professional photographer knows the merits of masterful editing, and in this knowledge comes the rivalry between Aperture and Lightroom, presently two of the best photography software programs to hit the market.
The positive thing about this is that photographers and artists are now given sufficient choice on which software to purchase.
Therefore, which of the two really gives back your money’s worth? Which software actually gives the greater benefits, and the lesser downside?
Well, making this decision is never painless, and your decision is compounded by the fact that once you choose one, there’s virtually no turning back. Ultimately, your chosen software will become the deep well of your creative ministrations and masterful editing, where you can store the many details and subtleties of your edited pictures.
A brief comparison on the attributes of Aperture and Lightroom is presented below:
Well, there’s the smart difference in the price tags, with Apple’s Aperture 2.0 at $200 definitely cheaper than Adobe’s Lightroom at $300.
However, there are a few observations that can be made between the two. Lightroom has a more extensive range of interface panel choices- four of them, than Aperture.
But the fact that Aperture has lesser options makes for a smooth transition between different activities, like assigning captions or tags and editing for example, and this could be largely favorable for most. I found this quite helpful especially when multi-tasking.
Moreover, Aperture offers the easy searching interface feature that allows you to sort out and search for edited and tagged files. Lightroom nevertheless shines when it came to its ability of transmitting colors. Up to five colors can be conveyed to each photo with Lightroom, Adobe’s software is also by far the more refined and advanced when it came to actual editing, with its revolutionary TAT, or targeted adjustment tool.
You can manipulate the tone, diffusion of the color, and brightness by simply targeting a specific section of the image, and use your mouse cursor to direct the course of action.
Vignetting is also one advantage of Aperture over Lightroom, as it is able to provide the so-called darkening corners effect to an entire image and a cropped equivalent, unlike Lightroom which can only do so to a full photo image.
Nontheless, Lightroom offers more correction options with lens complexities, especially when a photo has too much contrast in it, and this is what Aperture is found lacking. With editing options, you certainly will appreciate Lightroom’s capabilities, although when it comes to exporting and printing activities, Apple has it made.
Finally, what makes Lightroom an easy choice for a greater percentage of the market is that it can be run on Windows. Apple certainly cannot be trifled with when it comes to its latest offerings on touch phones and its revolutionary music and video players, but Adobe has earned its name in the photography and images soft wares in the first place.
Be the judge, join the poll, and make your verdict.
Android: Should Iphone be scared?
Google recently announced that it will release a new platform for mobile devices and it they dubbed it Android. This platform is a open software platform for use on mobile devices and is a competition to Symbian and Microsoft. Think of it as an OS for your mobile phone.
The project is being developed by Google and its partners in the Open Handset Alliance—Broadcom, eBay, China Mobile, Intel, LG Electronics, NTT DoCoMo, Nvidia, Samsung, Sprint Nextel, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Texas Instruments, and Wind River—the thrust of which is to accelerate the relationship between the Web and mobile phones.
Currently, mobile phone users may send and receive emails and even surf the Web through their devices but are limited in what they can do and install. With this problems occurring, Google CEO Erich Schmidt mentioned that their mission is to create a whole new experience for mobile phone users—experiences that are not even imaginable today.
With this new technology being developed, people will now spend less time on their PCs or laptops. Experts predict that handsets will slowly evolve into laptop and perhaps even pc replacements. All that is needed to get wired is your mobile phone. The Linux-based platform by Google is being designed with so much flexibility as to allow major phone manufacturers to use it.
CEO Steve Ballmer of Microsoft critiqued that Google only has the Android on paper right now and that it will be hard to compare Google’s product with Microsoft’s own platform called Window’s Mobile, which is currently being used by 150 different handsets and is available in over 100 different mobile operators. Obviously the open OS code (think linux for your cell) would challenge Microsoft’s market.
Another competitor of Google is Symbian—a mobile operating software which is owned by Nokia, Ericson, Sony Ericson, Panasonic, Samsung, and BenQ—and its CEO Nigel Clifford said that Google’s Android is just another name in the list of Linux-based platforms. He also mentioned that Linux is fragmenting faster than it unifies. Symbian is the leading operating system for “smart phones”.
The Iphone can be seen as another competitor on a software level. As the Iphone opens up the OS just a little and allows for sdk and api access, android will provide the ultimate and flexible open development platform. As long as hardware makers create the phones any software developer can write and install the code they desire onto an android device.
Google touts that so far only 120k have downloaded the Iphone SDK in comparison to over 800k downloads of the android platform.
Google plans to release Android in the second half of 2008, during which time, Samsung would have also released two of its latest phones: the L310 and L320.
The L310 is a clamshell-type phone available in black, brown, and gold. Designed primarily for women, it has a 2-megapixel camera and different original applications. The downside is it has no external display.
It supports GPRS and EDGE for internet connectivity, the L310 is a tri-band mobile device. It boasts of a 1.8 inch TFT display with a resolution of 176 X 220 pixels. Targeting women as the market, Samsung included applications such as assistance in shopping and counting calories.
Dimensions of the set are 93.4 X 44 X 17.9 mm. It is equipped with Bluetooth technology and USB version 2.0 with a microSD card slot.
The L320, also a clamshell, has a curvier look and feel than the L310. With an external display, it has the same TFT display resolution in pixels as that of the L310. The difference is that the TFT display is 1.9 inches. Almost all features are the same.
The phone is expected to come out this month, February, but only in selected markets. It is still unclear when exactly these phones will be released.
Android represents a big, big win for consumers. More options are always better for consumers and we’ve long been restricted by phone makers and providers as to what software and applications we can use on our mobiles. Android will hopefully force all providers to open up - end result will be a better service for us - the humble consumers.
Vista Service Pack 1: What’s new?
Windows Vista has been a moderate success but hasn’t blown any of us away by any means.
Slow and steady adoption continues through upgrades and new system purchases. Most critics cite security issues and ease-of-use as failures (UAC?!?). As some features are pretty exasperating at times to use.
The primary goal of this new operating system form windows to to enhance security of the Windows Operating System. One setback for the Vista’s predecessor, the Windows XP, is that it was very susceptible to malware and viruses which cause computer to either breakdown or be hacked.
Microsoft has been known for releasing service packs of their software to the public for eta btesting. This allows the company to add and improve the features of their latest product. On February 15, 2008, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 was introduced to the market, readily downloadable by beta end-users.
Aside from security, Microsoft also targeted performance as an added improvement to their latest operating system. Microsoft touts that Windows Vista SP1 has many enhancements as compared to the original Vista.
The key areas if these improvements are device support, power management, application compatibility, security, performance, and reliability.
One major improvement of the Windows SP1 is desktop search. Windows SP1 allows a user to change search engines from that of the built-in Windows search engine to a third party such as Google.
Another improvement is the introduction of a new security measure for Application Programming Interface (API) and this will bring in more security for users who are frequently practicing P2P or peer-to-peer file sharing.
Some see the SP1 release as acknowledgement from Microsoft that Vista was flawed.
Microsoft of course is merely doing what they always have - never first to market, but after constant revision they usually end up with a winner.
A quick rundown of some of the critiques of Vista and SP1.
Software Compatibility
Critics claim that so much codes have been changed in the Windows Vista that it causes many programs to crash and mutate. There are many observed side-effects upon usage of the operating system and it is not compatible with other existing programs designed for other Windows applications.
Laptop Battery Life
According to users, Windows Vista can drain a laptops battery faster than Windows XP because of its added features. Because of its higher requirements, higher power consumption is a side effect.
Hardware Compatibility
Although this speculation was dispelled when Microsoft announced the requirements for Windows Vista to run, many end-users cannot use the operating system if their computers are bought earlier than 2005. For some, they may use Vista but they cannot enjoy other features, as their computers’ hardware cannot support Windows Vista’s requirements. The impact is the level of frustration for many end users who purchased the product and yet cannot fully access its features.
Cost
Windows Vista was criticized as overpriced—more expensive than Windows XP.
All in all, this attempt of Microsoft to provide better operating system will have it wonders and flaws. As with any other product, nothing really comes perfect. The bad thing is, purchasing a new operating system such as this is not wise for people who are not computer savvy. And with computer savvy I do not mean the simple end use type. What I mean is really computer savvy in which the degree of knowledge extends to that of program compatibility. If you purchased this operating system and it does not support your other existing soft wares or programs, you will end up using your old one.
Performance
Many comparison tests have been run (you can pick and choose which are more believable). But consistently Vista does not show up as a better performing OS then XP. Users were hopeful that the SP1 would rectify some of those stability and performance issues. From reports of beta testers it appears unchanged. Vista Sp1 appears on par or sub-par to XP on both stability and performance.
One could try to argue that the security gains on Vista are worth the performance hit - but that’s just no fun. You’d hope after 5 years of OS development things would improve across the board.
We will see what changes are made in the Vista Sp1 release which should hit windows update in the next week or two!
NIN - Can Trent stop the Downward Spiral?
As I type I’m listening to Ghosts I-IV - NiN’s latest album release.
There is no question that Trent Reznor is an unusual artist. Hell - anyone who makes a music studio out of a Charles Manson’s slaughterhouse is a bit different.
The album itself is a 36 track instrumental. In trent’s own words:
“I’ve been considering and wanting to make this kind of record for years, but by its very nature it wouldn’t have made sense until this point. This collection of music is the result of working from a very visual perspective - dressing imagined locations and scenarios with sound and texture; a soundtrack for daydreams. I’m very pleased with the result and the ability to present it directly to you without interference. I hope you enjoy the first four volumes of Ghosts.”
So what’s the big deal? The album was released online @ NIN.com (and on Amazon.com’s music marketplace). For the cost of $5.00 customers can download the FLAC lossless format of the entire album, cover-art and info (Smaller MP3 format available as well ). [amazonify]B00158SHD8:right[/amazonify]
This isn’t Trent Reznor’s first foray into direct music sales. He ditched his record label last year and has make news by helping Saul Williams launch his Niggy Tardust Album last year online. The album sales were not terrific - but impressive enough for an independent release with no support from the recording studios.
The Niggy Tardust experience gave Trent some lessons learned - as did RadioHead’s very public online album release of Rainbows. Both were less successful then expected, but provided valuable insights - not to mention press coverage and proof-of-concept for the directly to consumer music delivery sales model.
Since NIN is no stranger to controversy Trent went ahead and uploaded the album at release time to the popular Torrent Sites on the web as well. Torrent’s are familiar territory for Rez as he admitted last year to being a frequent user on Oink.com (we miss you oink). How can you not lov the reznor?!
Talk about a guy who ‘gets it’. Actually getting his music to the consumers, in a format that they are begging for, in a method that is quick cost effective.
Awesome.
I purchased the flac version of the album directly from NIN.com. There were a few technical glitches - as I’m sure the site was hammered from all of the press. (Trent - if you are reading.. I’m sure your tech folks can hook you up with some better distributed download system next time). But I think we can all get over those. The site was up again this morning when I checked with a note from Trent apologizing for the outage.
So what will it all mean for the music industry going forward? Can NIN push the music industry forward into a newer delivery model, embracing technology (and customers) instead of fearing both?
I think he can.
No one else in the industry has stepped forward with any better plan at this point - certinaly no one from the record labels. Independant artists and groups are getting exposure like never before from the social networks and the dependency on the music labels for promotion belongs in the past.
Trent’s album will be a tremendous success, as it has already gained high visibility - and let’s not forget that NIN get’s a much bigger slice of the revenue without sharing it. The visibility and example shown will push other mainstream artists to dabble in online and independant delivery.
Given the option I will gladly plunk down 5 bucks to purchase a quality album.
Tell me I’ve got to pay 9.95-14.95 and I’m restricted as to where I can play the music - and I’m less inclined. I’m not exactly unique on this one..
Only time will tell - until then I’d suggets we all thank NIN for giving us the chance to break free.
Starbucks Partners with AT&T
Customers win better Wifi!
Nothing is cozier and yuppier than sitting and sipping your espresso while surfing the internet in Starbucks.
Cool. Starbucks is the ultimate symbol of an internet cafe. Unlike many “Internet Cafes” that do not really sell coffee, Starbucks has integrated Wi-Fi technology into their stores and all you need is your laptop or a mobile device capable of internet access to enjoy the many rewarding experiences of technology.
People’s hunger for internet connection 24/7 at the comfort of a coffee shop fueled this initiative by Starbucks. It is easy to figure out that coffee plus internet is equivalent to relaxation.
Starbucks, being a coffee house, also launched their music concept called Hear Music. With this in mind, Starbucks partnered with Apple to reach out to another market of individuals who wish to have music available anytime they visit any Starbucks store.
The idea was that any consumer accessing the T-Mobile Hotspot was given access to the i-Tunes Store. Apple created a wireless connection for consumers between Apple and Starbucks which allows users to download track from the i-Tunes Music Store. Part of the promotion was for baristas to give out download cards for a song which the consumer may in turn download from the i-Tunes Music Store.
After a 3 year partnership Starbucks has ended its partnership with T-Mobile and as a replacement, Starbucks is now partnering with AT & T, as announced in February 11, 2008.
AT & T is the largest provider of Internet access to the United States. Aside from Internet, AT & T provides both local and long distance telecommunications services.
With T-Mobile, customers of Starbucks needed to pay a subscription to have access to Wi-Fi. The subscription was not cheap ($30/month or $9.95/day). At&T’s prices are much more bearable then Tmobile.
Starbucks customers only have to purchase a subscription of $19.99 USD per month, Starbucks customers may access Wi-Fi in Starbucks stores plus other AT & T hotspot locations. As a concession all customers will get 2 hours of access for free. As well Tmobile customer will be able to continue to use the service.
Starbucks is aware that laptops and phones give people the online mobility they crave for. And with its $19.99 USD subscription, customers get two extra hours free of WiFi connectivity per day. AT & T subscribers to remote access may also enjoy unlimited, flat rate web connection in more than 7000 Starbucks stores in the U.S. At&T has allowed its home dsl customers to access its WIFI connection for some time now - mostly rolled out in Mcdonald’s franchises across the nation. Starbucks will greatly increase that network footprint.
The downside is that the AT & T Wi-Fi internet connection at Starbucks stores will not be fully available in all stores at once. This will be available in a market strategy but is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
This decision by Starbucks is very easy to understand. Considering that Apple is in partnership with AT & T when the released i-phone, it is a wise move for Starbucks to shift Wi-Fi providers from T-Mobile to AT & T as Starbucks is also in partnership with i-Tunes Music Store.
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