Google acquires Nik Software with focus on mobile users
Published Sep 18, 2012
|
dpreview staff
Google announced that it has acquired Nik Software, the San Diego-based maker of standalone and plug-in image editing tools. While Nik has a wide portfolio of products for photographers, industry insiders agree that the impetus behind the move was to acquire Snapseed, Nik's mobile image editing and sharing app. In light of Facebook's earlier acquisition of the highly popular Instagram app, the move to acquire one of its rivals is clearly seen as part of an effort to make Google+ more attractive to mobile photographers.
While the $4.99 Snapseed app has a smaller number of users than Instagram, which is free, Nik's app does have a devoted following and won Apple's iPad App of the Year award in 2011. Google does not lack for opportunities to integrate Snapsneed into its collection of photographic and social media services which include Picassa and Google+. While Snapseed is currently available only for iOS, the purchase by Google is likely to provide added incentive to introduce a long-awaited Android version.
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Vic Gundotra, Senior Vice President of Engineering, in charge of Google+, has commented on the deal via a post on his Google+ page and has stressed the company's committment to Nik's plugins and high-end software.
Nik Software public statement:
We are pleased to announce that Google has acquired Nik Software. For nearly 17 years, we’ve been guided by our motto, “photography first”, as we worked to build world class digital image editing tools. We’ve always aspired to share our passion for photography with everyone, and with Google’s support we hope to be able to help many millions more people create awesome pictures.
We’re incredibly grateful for all of your support and hope you’ll join us on the next phase of our journey as part of Google.
All our best!
The Nik Software Team
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 5, 2015
|
Aug 20, 2015
|
Aug 12, 2015
|
Aug 18, 2015
|
App-based remote triggers are a fun and effective way to unlock even more creative potential from your camera. Here's a closer look at two popular brands.
Unlike most 360 cameras, the GoPro Fusion is designed to create both spherical and standard HD videos. If action/adventure is your game and your workflow is geared towards mobile and web, the Fusion may be the camera you’re looking for.
The Hasselblad X1D-50c is a mirrorless medium format camera from one of the most famous camera brands of the 20th century. Following a series of feature-enhancing firmware updates we've been able to complete our review.
The LG G7 ThinQ is a flagship device with a dual camera that departs from the norm: rather than the usual tele/wide combo, it offers wide and super-wide angle lenses. While it doesn't produce class-leading image quality, it's a solid option if you favor wide-angle shooting.
The Wandrd Prvke (pronounced 'provoke') is one of the best-looking and most functional camera backpacks on the market.
The instant camera market is heating up, and with four formats and 15+ cameras to choose from, we felt it was high time to examine them all and pick our favorite.
Whether you're hitting the beach in the Northern Hemisphere or the ski slopes in the Southern, a rugged compact camera makes a great companion. In this buying guide we've taken a look at seven current models and chosen our favorites.
What's the best camera for a parent? The best cameras for shooting kids and family must have fast autofocus, good low-light image quality and great video. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for parents, and recommended the best.
What's the best camera for shooting landscapes? High resolution, weather-sealed bodies and wide dynamic range are all important. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for shooting landscapes, and recommended the best.
What’s the best camera costing over $2000? The best high-end camera costing more than $2000 should have plenty of resolution, exceptional build quality, good 4K video capture and top-notch autofocus for advanced and professional users. In this buying guide we’ve rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing over $2000 and recommended the best.
Comments