Way back when I switched to PC from Mac because of the ExpressDigital software. Kodak killing off the wonderful KPIS software also played a part in the lab, but for ME it was ExpressDigital. There was not then, and there is not now anything for the Mac platform that even compares favorably to the ExpressDigital software. I have wished for better integration with the Mac for a long time, but gave up any real hope of Mac users ever being "included" in the Photoreflect/Labtricity workflow process in a serious fashion.
Then I see this press release from ExpressDigital. A Photoreflect plugin for Apple Aperture. To me, this is a huge deal. FINALLY something for the Mac side of the aisle. Yeah, I know that Mac Publisher has been available for a long time. I've seen it. This could be very different. The editing power of Aperture and the add-on support for Photoreflect could be the next big thing. I don't own Aperture (yet) but I have used it a time or two and seen it any number of times being used by professional photographers as well as in the Apple Store at the Kenwood Towne Center. I have liked what I have seen of it and I think it will continue to improve as time goes by.
I haven't yet seen the plugin as it was only announced on Friday. None of the information that I have seen details all of the functionality of the plugin. I don't know if upload to labs will be supported or not. In theory it could be done as Digital Fusion (no, I have no idea who they are at all) makes an Aperture print plugin available. I don't know that ED could create a plugin that would allow you to select your favorite lab from the Labtricity labs list. Only time will tell.
You can download a trial version of Aperture if you are not currently an owner at the Apple website. Given that the trial period is for 30 days, if you decide to try Aperture for the Photoreflect plugin you might want to wait until ED makes the plugin available. It may come as early as tomorrow, then again it could be a few weeks away.
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Filed under: Apple Aperture, Photoreflect.com
