02/03, 2:00am
Standalone is also part of FxFactory 3
Video plug-in maker Idustrial Revolution is now offering its XEffects Tech Transitions plug-in, which works exclusively with Final Cut Pro X, as a $49 standalone product (it is also available through Noise Industries' FxFactory 3). The package adds 28 transitions in total, all with adjustable settings for slipping, lengthening or shortening. The transitions focus on photo-style, freeze/flash and panel or grid transitions modelled after those seen in action videos.
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01/18, 8:00pm
Also works with Motion and Adobe's After Effects
Yanobox, a development house that produces plugs-in for FxFactory, has debuted a new "next-generation" color grading and correction module called Moods that works with Final Cut Pro X, Motion (versions 3, 4 and 5) and Adobe's After Effects (CS3 through CS5.5). The plug-in, which can be purchased separately, features a "heads-up display" that overlays on the video, allowing for full-screen color work with HD or SD footage.
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01/18, 3:05am
Seven all-new plug-ins also debuting
Pro video effects tool makers Noise Industries have announced that FxFactory 3, the latest version of the plug-in suite designed to work with Apple's Final Cut, Motion, Final Cut Express and Adobe's After Effects, will be a free upgrade for existing users. In addition, the Pro version adds a new "playback ready" transition along with improved existing effects, and users of EasyLooks and SugarFX light pack will receive free upgrades to maintain compatibility.
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12/09, 6:30pm
Plug-in expected to be discontinued
As expected, Microsoft has released a major update to its Silverlight plug-in for Windows and Mac computers. Version 5 brings several new features, including hardware decoding for H.264 media and improved 3D graphics performance, however the release is believed to be the final major update for the application framework.
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09/30, 11:00pm
Sends embedded videos to AppleTV, iPad
Marc Hoyois, who created the popular ClickToFlash and ClickToPlugin extensions for Safari to selectively block Flash and other plug-ins from appearing on webpages, using HTML5 to deliver the content if possible, has taken a user suggestion and released an update to ClickToFlash (v2.5.2) as well as an all-new extension called Media Center 1.0. The new tool allows embedded videos to be sent to an Apple TV or other device using Apple's AirPlay technology.
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09/21, 10:45pm
Now 64-bit in both Mac and Windows versions
OptiTex, in partnership with DAZ 3D, has announced a version of its Dynamic Clothing Engine for Mac that leverages the 64-bit nature of OS X as well as a corresponding update for the Windows version to enable 64-bit operation. The plug-in is used with DAZ 3D to allow users to apply dynamic clothing sets to figures created in the program, and user can easily alter fabrics, garment sizes and style variations.
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09/09, 7:10pm
Gets around problem of font licenses
Extensis has provided a solution to the a long-standing issue with web designers and the way fonts are licensed with its new plug-in for Photoshop, the Web Font Plug-in. It provides designers with free access to web fonts from many foundries for designing web sites in Photoshop. Because many fonts are licensed for where they will be used, designers may need two separate licenses for the same font for web and desktop use, or have to devise workarounds in the early stages of production.
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08/25, 10:40pm
GPU, RAW support, batch processing, more
Image manipulation software maker Akvis has updated its Magnifier enlargement software, which is available as both a standalone program and as a plug-in for Photoshop, to version 5.0 -- bringing support for GPU acceleration, batch processing, RAW file support and more. The program let users enlarge an image file beyond its original size by extrapolating additional image information from the existing pixels. While not perfect, it avoids the bluriness and pixelated look of normal enlargements.
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08/25, 12:00am
Lets users import notes, comments, changes
Annotations 1.0 for Adobe InDesign is a plug-in from DTP Tools that allows users to import text edits, yellow sticky notes, comments and more from PDF documents directly into InDesign. The company says the plug-in is the first of "several" new products that will allow users of other programs ways to more easily participate in the creation of InDesign documents. Annotations should improve productivity dramatically when making changes based on PDF worksheets.
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08/17, 5:55pm
Offers extensive options for denoising
The Plugin Site has debuted the Mac OS X version of its NoiseControl plug-in for use with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Going beyond the normal levels of noise reduction or blending, NoiseControl offers fine control over denoising parameters in shadows, midtones and highlights as well as nine color areas of an image. It features four modes of denoising, a split-view for easy comparisons, and a sophisticated sharpening technique that doesn't amplify noise.
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07/28, 6:05pm
Adds support for RAW files, Lion compatibility
Plug-in and standalone graphics app maker Akvis today unveiled version 6.0 of Akvis Artwork, a program that turns photos into paintings using various styles, available as either a standalone program or plug-in for Mac and Windows. Changes in v6 include the introduction of the pastel style -- soft strokes of muted color similar to the effect of drawing with pastel crayons. The update also adds RAW file support and other minor changes.
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07/21, 8:55pm
Ready for Lion, but missing some features
Agile Bits, makes of the popular 1Password utility, had already brought Lion support and Safari 5.1 support to its product before either was actually released, but updated its blog post on the topic to keep readers informed on issues that have come up with the inevitable changes. The Safari plug-in for 1Password was completely re-designed for Safari v5.1 as a "proper" extension, and as a result is still missing a few features from the previous version.
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07/20, 11:20pm
'Completely re-designed' interface, faster preview
Alien Skin have updated their natural media plug-in for Adobe's Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom programs, Snap Art, to version 3 -- which now features a re-designed user interface, progressively-rendered previews, a new detail mask, additional styles of natural media (now including crayon) and better organization of presets in a single area. Overall, the company says the program now creates more natural results, regardless of skill level.
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07/12, 11:00pm
Performance improvements of 30 to 300 percent
A new update for E-On Software's LumenRT plug-in for Google's Sketchup, now at version 1.2, promises from 30 to 300 percent performance improvement, gains of up to 14x in pre-processing time, and the ability to compute lighting on very large scenes. The software, which focuses on visualizing architectural projects, can now handle whole cities and large structures with ease. The new v1.2 release is free for all registered users.
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07/04, 6:50pm
Plug-in imports notes and comments from PDF
InDesign and InCopy developer DTP Tools has debuted its Annotations plug-in, which allows users to return notes and comments from a PDF copy of an InDesign document back to the original source document. Users can import notes from an entire document or just individual pages, chapters or other sections. The plug-in can match changes in pagination between the PDF and InDesign document and process PDFs exported as spreads.
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06/25, 12:00am
Plug-in suite v3 adds mask, text, wavelet layers
Human Software has launched Edit 3, adding layer support to the Aperture plug-in suite. Version 3.0 allows layers in Aperture, as well as Adobe's Lightroom program, supporting size and rotation adjustments, opacity controls, blending and masking via brushes and paths. The toolbox has numerous path tools that work with the new layers, including Bezier or BSpline tools for shadowing, shape tools and repeats. Text and wavelet layers are new, while other tools in the set can liquify and distort images on a specific layer.
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05/25, 2:25am
Brings spreadsheet editing to desktop publishing
DTP Tools, which makes plug-ins for Adobe InDesign and Quark Xpress, has announced Active Tables for InDesign, a powerful in-app spreadsheet editor. The plug-in allows users to create formulas and edit cells, rows and columns of imported spreadsheet data extensively without having to re-open any spreadsheet program to edit the source. The add-on enables clients to create accurate price quotes, automate invoice creation, localize marketing materials, incorporate time-limited discounts, create price lists or localize sales tax calculations.
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05/04, 11:05pm
Simplifies creation of content for mobile devices
Designers and illustrators who want to create interactive books, comics or magazines aimed at iOS and Android customers have a new tool in the form of Kwik, a plug-in for Adobe's Photoshop CS5 that allows users to add animation and buttons to static images. The plug-in provides much of the functionality of Adobe Director and Flash -- such as basic sound, camera, sprite and linear animation capabilities -- without leaving Photoshop.
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04/27, 3:00am
Add realistic, warm delay to recordings
Audio plug-in maker Nomad Factory today released an analog echo-box plug-in called Echoes, meant to replicate some of the classic delay units of years gone by. The plug-in, which is available in Apple's Audio Unit, Pro Tools' RTAS and industry-standard VST formats, combines an easy but retro user interface with settings inspired by well-regarded vintage echo units such as the Echoplex 1 and 3, the Tel-Ray Oilcan Delay, the Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man and other such units. For a limited time, Echoes will be offered at a sale price, as well as included in a bundle offer.
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11/22, 5:45pm
On sale for 75 percent off through Nov. 30th
Nomad Factory have released a new audio plug-in called Magnetic that the company describes as "real to real," duplicating the particular harmonic distortions and "warmth" found on analog tape. The plug-in, which is AU, VST and RTAS compatible, can adjust tape "color," and "tape speed" as well as boost the sound, using controls similar to what would be found on a genuine reel-to-reel deck. To celebrate the new release, Magnetic is being offered at 75 percent off its list price for a limited time.
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11/11, 8:30pm
Pro Import FCP and Media Copy also updated
Importing Final Cut Pro projects into Avid Media Composer was made simpler when v5 of AMC was announced with its featured "Avid Media Access" ability, but now plug-in maker Automatic Duck has updated its Pro Export FCP plug-in to v4.05 to make the import and re-linking of media files considerably easier. In addition, the company posted bug-fix updates to two other plug-ins, Pro Import FCP (now at v2.09) and Media Copy (now at v3.01).
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11/10, 8:30pm
3D and 2D charts, runtime option for FM7 and up
Dacons has released ChartFire, a FileMaker plug-in for Mac and Windows that brings full chart-making capabilities to the database program for the first time. Users can produce 3D and 2D pie, bar and line charts from an unlimited number of data series and adjust charts dynamically. Finished charts are created as PNG or JPEG images which can be stored within a container field or exported.
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10/26, 8:35pm
Adds Applescript, Windows Script support
Monkeybread Software has updated their MBS plug-in for Filemaker to version 2.1, improving webview control on database forms, adding PDF support, porting functions for string editing and allowing users to hide the desktop, allowing for kiosk-style presentations. The software now claims adding a total of 432 functions to Filemaker.
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10/13, 8:35pm
Adds natural elements to outdoor scenes
Akvis, well-known for their Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro plug-ins as well as standalone graphic-enhancement programs, have added to their lineup a new product called NatureArt that amplifies and enhances weather and lighting in outdoor pictures, as well as letting users create nature scenes from scratch.
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08/26, 3:25pm
Blatner Tools updated, Active Tables beta launched
DTP Tools has launched an updated tool suite, Blatner Tools for InDesign CS5, and a new beta plug-in, Active Tables for Adobe InDesign. Blatner Tools is a collection of 12 plug-ins -- now available for InDesign CS5 -- that provide InDesign users with over 100 new capabilities -- they include features like creating character and paragraph styles and applying them across a document quickly, finding and replacing colors and managing keyboard shortcuts. Users can also browse undo lists, create formatted fractions and run live typographic preflight tests. The tools contain David Blatner InDesign tips plug-ins, which are no longer available via free plug-ins. The tools have a Script Manager and over 50 user-customizable shortcuts, like swatches, managing layers and styles.
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07/09, 1:00pm
New version supports OAuth authentication
Blue Crowbar has upgraded its software for exporting tweets and photos to Twitter, renaming the software TwitExport 2. The original software was split between iPhoto and Aperture as plug-ins for each, then named iPhoto2Twitter and Aperture2Twitter. It allows users to send a photo or a batch of photos from either Mac imaging software title to Twitter via Mobypicture or TwitPic. It also supports Aperture 3's 64-bit mode and sending movies from iPhoto.
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06/03, 3:35pm
Fonts automatically activated in InDesign
Insider Software has released a series of FontAgent Pro plug-ins for Adobe's Creative Suite 5 suite of applications. The new plug-ins automatically activate fonts used in documents as they are opened in CS5 programs such as InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop.
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06/02, 11:45pm
Update works with video editors, exports to iPad
Boinx Software has loosed an update to its still-image animation software, FotoMagico 3.5. The software generates slideshows from a set of still images, supports movies -- with in- and out-point edits -- as slideshow frames, and allows users to add multiple audio tracks and narration track recording. FotoMagico can quickly build slideshows from basic elements, while customization options can be used to take the designs further.
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06/01, 8:35pm
Update adds improved interface, lens adjustments
HumanSoftware has upgraded its photographic effects plug-ins, HSC Edit, for Apple's Aperture software. The set is spread across 14 modules featuring more than 5000 individual effects. Each tool provides a wide range of manual variations and can be applied to a single image or processed across a larger batch. The modules include effects organized around color adjustments, depth of field, focus, noise, and lighting or lens effects, among others.
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05/13, 11:55pm
Adobe reintroduces cameras to compatibility list
Adobe has released a final beta version of its RAW photo processor updated for Photoshop CS5, Camera Raw 6.1. The plug-in allows Photoshop to process and prepare RAW camera captures, which is proprietary image data that bypasses typical in-camera processing to allow advanced photographers to run the processing later under ideal circumstances. The plug-in provides Photoshop users with a way to adjust a RAW image's white balance, exposure and sharpness, or fix distortion, vignetting and contrast, with much more adjustment latitude than working from a camera JPG.
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05/13, 2:45am
Node Plug-in works with After Effects, FCP, Motion
Noise Industries and Yanobox have released a new visual effects generator, Yanobox Nodes. Nodes distributes graphics and text in 3D space offering a variety of shapes, like spheres, circles, and spirals. It connects the shapes on a succession of moving lines and curves. The user interface enables fast parameter customization and built-in oscillation. Key-framing abilities add to animation options and the plug-in supports adding custom images to nodes.
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12/14, 8:20pm
Utilities provided for doc analysis, color finding
DTP has released Blatner Tools, a suite of 12 plug-ins for Adobe InDesign. An included utility allow users to analyze documents for application of character and paragraph styles, while another tool finds colors such as spot colors inside placed graphics. An Extras menu provides access to scripts, or users can compare styles and remove unwanted text formatting from entire documents.
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11/27, 5:45pm
Six plug-ins provided for Photoshop
onOne has launched Plug-in Suite 5, a collection of six Photoshop utilities geared for photographers. The package includes full versions of FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.5, PhotoTools 2.5, Genuine Fractals 6, and MaskPro 4. FocalPoint provides tools for adding depth-of-field and selective focus controls to images. The latest version integrates a blur algorithm that can be customized to achieve a desired look.
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11/25, 3:15pm
Update runs batches, preserves color profiles
DataMind Srl has launched Jade Plugin 2.0 for Apple's Aperture software. The plug-in automates color, contrast and dynamic range adjustments, while helping to detect and correct red eye in photographs. Jade is now a one-button operation -- the user loads photos in and then clicks a button to start. Version 2.0 offers manual control for those who wish to make fine adjustments.
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10/20, 5:50pm
New tools for creating motion and still graphics
Noise Industries has introduced several new plug-ins that have been added to the FxFactory suite for Final Cut Pro, Motion, Final Cut Express and Adobe After Effects. nVeil is a tool developed by Storek Studio for creating motion and still graphics. Users can build animations by filtering source imagery through vector graphics art based on the SVG format.
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09/10, 3:40pm
Aperture gets watermarking plug-in: Impression 1.0
Blue Crowbar has launched a watermarking plug-in, Impression 1.0, for Aperture. Impression automates adding a visual watermark to photos, like a company logo, a signature or a copyright statement. The software provides a preview of what the watermark will look like on a given photo before exporting the final result. Impression supports vertical and horizontal watermarks and can adjust transparency and position within the photo.
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08/19, 4:55pm
Adobe ships Camera Raw
Adobe Labs has announced the availability of release candidates for v5.5 of its Camera Raw plug-in for Photoshop, along with an update to the company's DNG Converter. The latest version of Camera Raw expands support for several new cameras including the Nikon D300s, Nikon D3000, Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic DMC-FZ35.
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08/18, 11:25pm
Boris FX Motion Tracker
Boris FX has released its latest Final Cut plug-in package, Motion Tracker. The tools are geared for video editing effects involving movement. The included Corner Pin module allows users to add graphics and pin them to moving objects in the video. Match Move works in a similar manner by locking onto movement, while adding the ability to integrate a second image clip.
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08/18, 4:55pm
Claro Layout for InDesign
Elpical has introduced Claro Layout, a plug-in for InDesign that provides tools for image enhancement and correction. The utility automatically runs quality analysis and then makes the necessary adjustments. Users can integrate RGB images during layout, and then optimize the content without leaving InDesign.
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07/10, 3:45pm
Plugin Galaxy 2 update
The Plugin Site has released Plugin Galaxy 2, the latest version of its plug-in suite for Photoshop, Fireworks, Photoline, GraphicConverter and Illustrator. The update has been reprogrammed from the ground up, with all effects available from a customizable dialog. A variety of new effects have been added, with a total of 400 presets.
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07/06, 5:40pm
BCC 6 AVX for Avid DS
Boris FX has released its Boris Continuum Complete 6 AVX video effects package for Avid DS. The package consists of approximately 180 filters, including 30 new effects such as Pixel Fixel, DV Fixer, Swish Pan, Cartoon Look, Pencil Sketch, Charcoal Sketch, and Water Color effects. The plug-in also includes such OpenGL-accelerated effects as 3D Extruded Image Shatter, Damaged TV, Glint, Glare, Glitter, LED, Lens Flare, Lightning, Prism, Scanline, and Tile Mosaic.
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06/17, 7:10pm
ParticleMetrix ships
Noise Industries and Idustrial Revolution have launched a new particle generation plug-in, ParticleMetrix, for visual effects applications. The plug-in works with Apple's Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express and Motion, along with Adobe's After Effects CS3 and CS4. ParticleMetrix is based on FxFactory and converts objects and text into particle effects, such as snow, fire, ice, bubbles, sparkles and more. The plug-in provides a library of pre-designed effects, with controls for rotation, size, gravity and other custom settings.
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06/08, 12:00pm
Swift 3D plugin update
Electric Rain has released Swift 3D v6.0, an update to its 3D modeling plug-in for Adobe Flash. The latest version offers Boolean operations with non-destructive union, intersection and subtraction options. Rendering speed is claimed to have been improved by a factor of five, with optimizations for multiple-processor systems. Users can now export to PaperVision3D v2.0 to display 3D objects in Flash.
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06/05, 4:50pm
SmartMask update
Akvis has released SmartMask 2.5, an update to its image selection and masking plug-in. The latest version features enhanced eyedropper tools with greater flexibility, along with improved support for Photoshop CS3/CS4 on Mac systems. The company also added French and Porgugese localization options for the interface language.
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06/02, 8:50pm
Portrait Pro 9 ships
Anthropics has announced that an update to its image editing software, Portrait Professional 9, is available as both a standalone application and a Photoshop plug-in. The software allows users to airbrush photographs to correct undesirable skin appearance. Portrait Professional 9 utilizes the new ClearSkin technology and is claimed to be programed with a knowledge base of "human beauty," referenced to automatically fix pictures.
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05/26, 6:55pm
PhotoTools 2 Lite Released
onOne software has released PhotoTools 2 Lite, a free version of its plug-in for Photoshop that includes 14 photo effects taken from both the standard and professional editions. The effects can be applied to any image brought into Photoshop, with a before-and-after preview available from within the plug-in. Effects can be combined into a layered stack, while each stack can still be individually altered.
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05/21, 2:45pm
Ozone 4 atmospheric suite
E-on has released Ozone 4, an update to its atmospheric simulation plug-in for 3ds Max, Maya, XSI, Lightwave and Cinema4D. The software is built on the same algorithms and technology as Vue 7 xStream, but with a focus on atmospheres and skies. Users can choose from four atmospheric models -- spectral, volumetric, standard and environment mapping. Over 100 preset atmospheres and 100 cloud shapes are included with the package.
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05/14, 9:20pm
Freemeo plugin released
CrumplePop has released Freemeo, an HD title effects plug-in for Final Cut Pro. Freemeo enables users to create high definition text elements and lower thirds in the same style as Vimeo videos. The plug-in works directly within Final Cut Pro, helping to keep users editing process centralized in one application.
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04/13, 7:10pm
CoolIris updates plugin
CoolIris has updated its plug-in that is designed to improve the way web browsers display pictures, video and other digital content. The new version offers enhanced support for Facebook galleries, new ease-of-use improvements and options to add metadata to photos and videos. For the first time, users can also display images stored on their hard drives.
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10/22, 6:30pm
New audio plug-ins launch
DontCrac[k] has announced new Nomad Factory British Series plug-ins for high-end audio sequencers and editors, such as ProTools, Cubase, Adobe's Audition and Apple's GarageBand. The two new plug-ins are a part of the new Nomad Factory Ultimate 26 Plug-ins Producer Pack, with a special promotion launching in November. The new British plug-ins, the MCL-2269 and NEQ-1972, offer emulations of the equalizers and master bus compressor/limiters found in "British" mixing consoles.
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