Adobe has launched a new cloud-based photo syncing product, dubbed Carousel, which aims to manage photo libraries across multiple devices. For starters, that means iPhones, iPads and Macs.
As a preface for this new program/service, it is clear from Adobe’s news today that this is a first step. And while that may be true, it’s a pretty big first step.
Rather rehashing the basics of what Carousel aims to be, check out the two videos below.
Adobe Carousel will be priced on a subscription basis – either monthly or annually. An introductory rate of $5.99/mo or $59.99/yr runs through January 31, 2012. After that, the standard rate will be $9.99/mo or $99.99/year.
The subscription fees are based on accounts and apply to all devices on your account.
Storage is unlimited.
The editing controls are based on what we see in Lightroom, although it’s not going to offer RAW file compatibility when it launches later this month. However, editing is non-destructive – again, similar to Lightroom. Additionally, it is Mac-only until early-2012.
Check out Adobe Carousel here.
More details in the press release below.
Adobe Carousel Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Sep 07, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Photoshop World 2011 — During the Photoshop World 2011 keynote, Adobe Systems Incorporated announced Adobe(R) Carousel(TM) for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Mac OS. Adobe Carousel is designed for anyone who loves photographs, takes a lot of them, and needs a simple way to view, browse, adjust and share them without worrying about manual syncing or storage. Adobe Carousel uses the powerful photo-processing technology that is used in Adobe Photoshop(R) Lightroom(R), so customers get the finest photo-editing results delivered consistently no matter what the device. Photos look great and are easy to share directly with family and friends.
Adobe Carousel is comprised of a set of client apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac OS desktops (versions for Windows and other devices are expected in the first half of 2012). When customers import their photo library into Adobe Carousel, or take new photos using Adobe Carousel on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, those photos are automatically accessible on any supported device through the cloud-based smart mesh technology incorporated in Adobe Carousel. Once imported, any edits, deletions or additions to the library made on one device are automatically updated across all devices linked with the account. With Adobe Carousel, manual syncing and device storage limitations are a thing of the past.
Setting up Adobe Carousel is easy. Customers will just download the apps, set up a subscription plan on their iPhone and iPad, and they are ready to go. Subscribers can import a virtually unlimited number of JPEG files, and install Adobe Carousel apps on as many of their compatible devices as they want.
“With Adobe Carousel we are extending the power of Adobe’s imaging expertise beyond the desktop and onto tablets and smartphones, delivering instant access to your complete photo library and the freedom to edit and share photos anywhere, any time,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of Digital Imaging Products, Adobe. “Thanks to Adobe Carousel, users never need to worry about wasting time syncing, remembering if a photo was saved to a particular device, or worrying about maxing out storage on their iPhone or iPad.”
Familiar multi-touch gestures provide a fun and interactive experience to explore tens of thousands of photos quickly and easily, and Adobe’s powerful photo-processing engine lets users adjust exposure, shadows, highlights, white balance, vibrance, clarity and contrast. There are also over a dozen “Looks” that allow customers to quickly experiment with the appearance of a photo. Adobe Carousel simplifies and enhances photo sharing by allowing subscribers to invite friends and family members to collaborate on a photo library free of charge — so anyone with a Carousel capable device can view existing photos and contribute new ones, apply adjustments and Looks to images, and easily grab and flag favorite photos. Users can also share photos by sending them directly to Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr or via email.
Pricing and Availability
The Adobe Carousel apps will be available through the iTunes App Store and for Mac later this month. Through Jan. 31, 2012, Adobe plans to offer Adobe Carousel for a special introductory price of US$59.99/year or US$5.99/month. Anyone subscribing at that price will be able to renew at that same price for an additional two years. At the conclusion of the introductory offer, Adobe Carousel will be US$99.99/year or US$9.99/month. By subscribing, customers automatically receive any enhancements and updates to Adobe Carousel at no additional charge. Customers receive a complimentary subscription for up to 30 days and can purchase a monthly or yearly subscription at any time from their iPad or iPhone.
Customers can download and install the Adobe Carousel apps as many times and across as many devices as they want as a part of their subscription (no additional fees apply). For more information, including system requirements, visit www.photoshop.com/carousel
forkboy1965 says
While it would be way cool to have my collection of photographs readily available at my finger tips independent of which device I was using to browse them, I can’t afford to pop $100/year for that luxury.
I’m certain this will be quite handy for professionals or folks who look through or share their photos a lot, but it’s simply not economically feasible for myself.