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Posts Tagged ‘Beta’

GoPro releases GoPro Labs, a beta update that adds experimental features to your HERO8 Black

06 Jun

GoPro has announced the release of GoPro Labs, a new program that allows GoPro HERO8 Black owners to sign up as beta testers to test out experimental features that haven’t yet made their way into final products. In GoPro’s own words, ‘Think of GoPro Labs as an insider look at innovative features our top engineers are playing with.’

The first release of GoPro Labs includes a pair of features that were first developed via internal [hackathons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackathons: ReelSteady GO optimization and QR Codes for camera control.

Earlier this year, GoPro acquired ReelSteady, a team of FPV drone operators and visual effects experts that have developed some of the most advanced stabilization and image correction software out there for GoPro cameras. Nothing has come from the acquisition as of this time, but the ReelSteady GO optimization in the GoPro Labs firmware update will allow GoPro HERO8 Black owners to optimize the in-camera rolling shutter correction to better work with ReelSteady’s post-production software.

Below is an example video from ReelSteady showing their image stabilization technology at work:

The QR Codes for camera control in the GoPro Labs firmware update is exactly what it sounds like. By creating custom QR codes with embedded commands, GoPro HERO8 Black owners can add new functions to their action cam without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Below are a few examples of features you can tweak via QR code:

  • Wake-up timer for remote start capture
  • Save favorite modes as a visual preset/QR code Motion detection start/stop — only capture video when something is happening
  • Speed detection start/stop — use GPS to determine your speed and automatically start capture at a defined speed
  • Camera scripting — e.g. shoot a time-lapse of a construction site but only during daylight hours (and many other detailed camera controls)
  • Personalize your GoPro with owner information Larger chapters for fewer files when taking long video captures — e.g. 4GB chapters will increase to 12GB.

GoPro has created and shared ten pre-built command QR codes with variables, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also create your own using GoPro’s list of action commands and settings commands. Additional support can be found on the GoPro Labs community within the GoPro forums.

To show off what’s capable with the new functionality, GoPro showed how the QR code camera control feature was used by GoPro Technical Fellow (and creator of the QR code feature), David Newman, worked alongside Northrup Grumman Corp. to capture the launch of a resupply mission to the International Space Station. Since the GoPro’s had to be set 72 hours in advance and not touched, he teamed up with his daughter to trigger each camera with a QR code before securing them to the launch pad. As the below video attests to, the results worked perfectly, despite none of the action cams having external power or displays.

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GoPro rocks. Raw video. Raw audio. Straight from the camera. Just some simple cuts. That’s a wrap! #gopro #antares #northropgrumman #iss #rocket #nofilter #okaymaybetherewasaNDfilter

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GoPro says these features could one day be unveiled alongside a new camera, but also notes there’s a chance ‘these features may never make it to a camera release.’

If you happen to have a GoPro HERO8 Black on hand, you can read through the installation instructions and download the GoPro Labs firmware update on GoPro’s website. Below is a great rundown of the new features from YouTuber DC Rainmaker:

If you end up creating anything interesting with the GoPro Labs firmware, let us know in the comments below or contact us via our feedback form!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon brings its EOS Webcam Utility Beta to macOS

28 May

Last month, Canon released the EOS Webcam Utility Beta for Windows that enabled PC owners to turn their compatible EOS and PowerShot cameras into webcams for use in video conferencing apps such as Skype and Zoom.

Now, Canon has announced the same utility is now available for macOS users, bringing the functionality to Apple owners wanting to up their video conferencing game. According to Canon, ‘tens of thousands’ of downloads were made for the Windows version and the most-requested feature was support for macOS computers.

A list of cameras currently compatible with the EOS Webcam Utility Beta for macOS and Windows computers.

The macOS version works identical to the Windows version and requires little more than one of the above compatible cameras and a USB cable for your specific camera model. Canon is requesting feedback on its forums if you encounter any problems or have a feature request.

If you’re wondering how well the EOS Webcam Utility Beta works, check out our rather unnecessary and absolutely overkill of a test went. You can download both the macOS and Windows versions on Canon’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple’s latest beta suggests ProRes RAW support for Adobe apps is coming to Windows

31 Mar

Apple has released a version 1.0 beta of ProRes Raw for Windows that adds support for Apple’s video codec in several Adobe apps on Microsoft’s operating system.

In the support text accompanying the download, Apple says the beta release ‘enables playback of ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ video files in compatible applications on Windows systems.’ This includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Premiere Rush.

Assuming this support makes it out of beta and expands to other applications, this could help to make ProRes Raw a more useful standard for video work. The download, which comes in at 737KB, is available to download on Apple’s support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MacOS beta reveals ‘Pro Mode’ code, teasing a high-performance mode for MacBook Pros

16 Jan

Apple may be preparing to release a new macOS feature called ‘Pro Mode,’ according to a recent report from 9to5Mac. Evidence of the feature was found nestled within macOS Catalina 10.15.3 beta code alongside strings of text. Based on the text, it seems ‘Pro Mode’ will be a manual feature that enables users to temporarily boost a Mac’s performance.

Apple releases beta versions of its macOS operating system for developers to test before the updates are made available to casual users. Teardowns of these updates may reveal the presence of unannounced features that are hidden in the code, the latest example being this newly detailed ‘Pro Mode.’

Strings of text listed as descriptions of the feature state that enabling Pro Mode may make apps ‘run faster, but battery life may decrease and fan noise may increase.’ As well, a string of text reveals that ‘fan speed limit [is] overridden’ when Pro Mode is active.

The report indicates that users may be able to turn Pro Mode on manually and that the system will automatically disable it by the next day in a way similar to the existing Do Not Disturb feature. The feature is expected to be made available on MacBook laptops, making it possible for users to temporarily boost performance while editing images, processing videos or other tasks with more demanding requirements.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Dropbox Transfer file-sharing service with up to 100GB limit is now out of beta

05 Nov

Dropbox Transfer, a file-sharing service previously made available to beta testers, is now available to all Dropbox users. The tool enables anyone to share files at capacities up to 100GB with optional password protection and expiration dates. The content is accessed using a privately shared link; the recipient doesn’t need a Dropbox account to download the content.

Dropbox Transfer is similar to WeTransfer, Smash, Hightail and other file-sharing services. The platform enables Dropbox users to rapidly upload content from their account or computer’s hard drive, set an expiration date and password if desired and choose the background and logo for the Dropbox Transfer interface that’ll be presented to the recipient.

According to Dropbox, its file-sharing service gives users more control over the content than they’d have if they shared a folder. For example, the link to the transferred content automatically expires in seven days. As well, the recipients aren’t able to edit the files in the transfers and the sender can monitor the number of views and downloads.

By default, a Dropbox Transfer link will show the recipient a list of the shared files and their sizes, the name of the sender, and the transfer’s expiration date. The transfer size limitation is based on the sender’s Dropbox plan: free users are limited to 100MB, Plus ($ 12 per month) and Business Standard ($ 15 per month) include 2GB transfers, and the following plans support 100GB transfers:

– Professional ($ 19.99 per month)
– Business Advanced ($ 25 per month)
– Enterprise (Pricing varies, contact Dropbox for details)
– Education (Pricing varies, contact Dropbox for details)

Users who want to change the transfer’s background and logo will need a Dropbox Professional subscription. Content can be transferred and accessed using the Dropbox.com/Transfer desktop website and the company’s iOS mobile app. It’s unclear whether Android support is in the pipeline at this time.

Update (November 5, 2019): Updated headline to clarify the 100GB limit is only for select Dropbox plans and clarified the pricing on the various plans offered.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Report: Adobe Photoshop CC for iPad is missing key features according to beta testers

18 Oct

Late last year, Adobe promised the future arrival of ‘real Photoshop’ for the iPad, something consumers expected would be a desktop-class offering able to compete with Affinity Photo and other apps already available on Apple’s tablets. The Photoshop for iPad app entered private beta testing in late August ahead of its public launch and now details are starting to roll in from testers.

According to Bloomberg News, some Photoshop on iPad beta testers are reporting a lack of key features they had thought would be available in the app. Some of these missing or stunted features are said to involve core aspects of the software, including raw editing, layer styles, filters, smart objects, the pen tool and parts of mask creation.

One tester claimed the beta version of the app is ‘inferior’ to Affinity Photo and Procreate, two apps available on the iPad.

A promotional photo currently on Apple’s website showing off a demo version of Adobe Photoshop CC, which still reads ‘Coming to iPad in 2019.’

Adobe’s Creative Cloud chief product officer Scott Belsky told Bloomberg that the final version of the software will include more features, which are being added close to launch because the company must work with Apple in order to bring the software to iPadOS. Instead of packing as many features as possible into the software before launch, Adobe told Bloomberg that its engineers focused on features they believed would be most desired by iPad users.

Users can expect the ability to sync their work with the desktop version of Photoshop using Creative Cloud, plus there will be support at launch for all Photoshop files and non-destructive editing. As well, users can expect ‘entirely new tools’ that revolve around native iPad features, namely the Apple Pencil and touchscreen.

Adobe says that it will continue to expand iPad on Photoshop’s abilities over time following its launch in the coming months.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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iOS 13.2 beta adds the ability to change resolution, frame rate of video in stock Camera app

11 Oct

The latest developer beta of iOS (iOS 13.2 beta 2) adds a new feature to the latest iPhone 11 devices that should make shooting video a little easier.

As of iOS 13.2 beta 2, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max users will have the option to change the resolution and frame rate of the video being captured with a simple tap. As shown in the below tweet from iOS developer Ryan Jones, the update makes it possible to switch between various video settings without the need to go back into the Settings app.

As Jones showcases in the above screen capture, the setting changes are sequential, going from 720p to 1080p to 4K and from 24 to 30 to 60 frames per second.

The lack of settings control from within the iOS Camera app has long been a sore spot of the stock Camera app. This update doesn’t address the issues with the still photography interface and is only a small step in the right direction, but it’s progress nonetheless. Hopefully, we’ll see Apple make it easier to control Raw capture, HDR settings and more still photography settings from directly inside the Camera app.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The latest iOS 13 developer beta gives us a sneak peek at Apple’s new Deep Fusion mode

05 Oct

Earlier this week, Apple released the first developer beta version of iOS 13 with support for its Deep Fusion technology built-in. Although there’s still plenty to learn about the feature, multiple developers have already taken the camera tech for a spin and shared their thoughts (and results) around the web.

To refresh, below is a brief explainer on what Deep Fusion is from our initial rundown on the feature:

‘Deep Fusion captures up to 9 frames and fuses them into a higher resolution 24MP image. Four short and four secondary frames are constantly buffered in memory, throwing away older frames to make room for newer ones […] After you press the shutter, one long exposure is taken (ostensibly to reduce noise), and subsequently all 9 frames are combined – ‘fused’ – presumably using a super resolution technique with tile-based alignment (described in the previous slide) to produce a blur and ghosting-free high resolution image.’

Although the tests are far from conclusive, we’ve rounded up a few sample images and comparisons shared by Twitter users from around the world. From the commentary shared by those who have tested the feature and from a brief analysis with our own eyes, Deep Fusion appears to work as advertised, bringing out more detail and clarity in images.

In addition to the above comparison, photographer Tyler Stalman also compared how Deep Fusion compares to the Smart HDR feature.

As noted by Halide co-founder Sebastiaan de With, it seems as though the image files captured with Deep Fusion are roughly twice the size of a standard photo.

Much remains to be seen about what Deep Fusion is actually capable of and how third-party developers can make the most of the technology, but it looks promising. There seems to be some confusion as well regarding whether Deep Fusion will work with Night Mode, but according to Apple guru John Gruber, the two are mutually exclusive, with Deep Fusion being applied to scenes between 600-10 lux while Night Mode kicks in at 10 or fewer lux.

We’ll know more for sure when we have a chance to test the new feature ourselves.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ON1 Photo RAW 2020 public beta arrives with AI-powered tools and improved speeds

20 Sep

ON1 has taken the wraps off its upcoming ON1 Photo RAW 2020. The software arrived as a public beta today, introducing the first offering in ON1’s recently announced new line of creative products. Photo RAW 2020 is a layered editor, raw processor, and image organizer that ON1 claims offers ‘everything you need in one photography application.’

Photo RAW 2020 brings new AI-powered tools including AI Match, a feature that processes raw images to appear the way they looked ‘on the back of the camera,’ as well as AI Auto Tone, which brings a new algorithm that was trained using thousands of photos.

In addition to the new AI tools, Photo RAW 2020 brings numerous performance updates that enable the software to open raw files up to two times faster than before. The performance updates also resulted in smoother brushing, something that persists even on devices that feature integrated graphics cards.

Users can also expect improved noise reduction, new map view and timeline albums, several new filters (weather, color balance, channel mixer, and sun flare), plus a new print module, focus mask overlay, more than 100 new presets, SmugMug integration, and custom camera profiles made possible by a partnership with X-Rite.

ON1 says it will release a list of newly added camera and lens support soon. Photo RAW 2020 supports raw image files from more than 800 camera models, as well as expected formats like DNG, JPEG, TIF, PNG, PSD, and PSB.

Below is a sneak peek On1 shared earlier today:

The public beta is available to download now from ON1’s website. Photo RAW 2020 can be preordered at $ 79.99 USD for existing ON1 product owners and $ 99.99 USD for everyone else. The company is bundling a 100 pack of presets for a limited time as a preorder bonus. The product is scheduled to release for everyone by the end of October 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe is sending out beta signups for its upcoming Photoshop for iPad

14 May

At Adobe MAX in October 2018, Adobe teased Adobe Photoshop CC for iPad, a full-fledged version of Photoshop specifically designed to be used on the iPad’s multi-touch screen. Now, Adobe is apparently sending out emails to certain Creative Cloud subscribers inviting them to sign up for a beta version of the program.

Adobe routes signups through a Google Forms page, which asks for just three pieces of information: your email, your full name and the reason you want to try Photoshop CC for iPad. What isn’t clear is when invitations will actually be sent out and what all the first beta versions will include.

Adobe Photoshop CC for iPad will be the most thorough and powerful photo editing application Adobe has ever brought to iOS, complete with full multi-layer PSD support, a full Photoshop toolbar, filters, masking, adjustments and Creative Cloud sync so everything stays organized across devices.

We have contacted Adobe for more details regarding the beta invites and beta versions of Photoshop CC for iPad and will update the article accordingly when we hear back.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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