Apple released an update to its Aperture photo editing software on Friday, introducing open plug-in
architecture that allows photographers to use third-party
imaging software within the application.
Aperture 2.1 is a free software update and includes Apple's Dodge & Burn plug-in which allows users to adjust the color of images by lightening, darkening or manipulating saturation, contrast and sharpness.
Third-party developers are expected to add image editing plug-ins in the coming months, according to Apple, for localized editing, noise analysis and filtering.
"The image quality in Aperture 2 has won over the most demanding photographers," said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Product Marketing, in a statement. "Now, thanks to our open plug-in architecture, users can access an entire industry's worth of imaging expertise without ever leaving Aperture."
Apple announced that the following companies have Aperture plug-ins in the works: Nik Software, PictureCode, Digital Film Tools, The Tiffen Company, dvGarage and Image Trends.
Apple released version 2.0 of its Aperture software last month with more than 100 additional features, a streamlined user interface, a new image processing engine and several new imaging tools that include highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning capabilities.
The software, available from both the company and its resellers, retails for $199.
