Google’s AI photo tools now for all Google Photos users Updates 

Google’s AI photo tools now for all Google Photos users

GaryPageau ,
Google Photos has expanded its AI editing tools—Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light—to all users without a subscription. Selena Shang, a senior product manager, offers tips for maximizing these tools, highlighting the importance of layering edits, using different selection methods, and utilizing the strength slider for fine-tuning effects. Read More
Sony Electronics adds two 4K professional camcorders New Products 

Sony Electronics adds two 4K professional camcorders

GaryPageau
Sony Electronics is releasing two new 4K handheld camcorders, the NXCAM HXR-NX800, and XDCAM PXW-Z200 with SDI and MXF wrapper. Both models feature AI recognition capabilities, high-precision AF, a 20x optical zoom lens, a variable neutral-density (ND) filter, and an assignable lens ring. The new models combine portability, functionality, interoperability, and network connectivity for a high-quality and inclusive capture and... Read More
Smartphoto reports flat sales for the first half of 2024 Earnings reports News 

Smartphoto reports flat sales for the first half of 2024

GaryPageau
Smartphoto group, the innovative e-commerce group based in Belgium, reported revenue over the first 6 months of 2024 decreased slightly by 0.8%, and evolved from 30,031K euro last year to 29,780K euro as of June 30, 2024. Smartphoto experienced a decline in revenue (-2.5%) due to the decreasing popularity of Communion, while naYan recorded a revenue increase driven by new... Read More
Israel Acquisition Corp., Pomvom merger deal falls through Acquisitions News 

Israel Acquisition Corp., Pomvom merger deal falls through

GaryPageau
Israel Acquisitions Corp. (ISRL), a publicly-traded special-purpose acquisition company, and Pomvom Ltd., an Israeli technology company developing and providing experiential content to amusement parks and attractions, have called off their previously announced merger, citing a “change to the global market conditions.” Both parties also mutually agreed to waive any claim or demand on the part of any of the parties... Read More
Revolutionizing Print: Henrik Müller-Hansen on Gelato’s On-Demand Innovation News Podcasts 

Revolutionizing Print: Henrik Müller-Hansen on Gelato’s On-Demand Innovation

GaryPageau , ,
The latest Dead Pixel Society podcast discusses the transformative impact of Gelato on the print industry. Founder Henrik Müller-Hansen shares his journey, emphasizing Gelato’s innovative local, on-demand printing approach. He highlights the future potential of digital and traditional print industries, the importance of localization, and Gelato's role in sustainability and economic growth. Read More
New owners of Condé Systems open for business Acquisitions News 

New owners of Condé Systems open for business

GaryPageau ,
Since the purchase of the assets of Condé Systems, the new owner David McLean, founder of Trophykits.com, has restarted the business in Jacksonville, Florida where Trophykits.com is headquartered. The legal entity of the new company is Condé Systems of Florida LLC, dba Condé Systems, which operates independently of Trophykits.com Conde Systems also owns exclusive brand names like Conde®, Ink Minder®,... Read More
Lightricks’ LTX Studio, the AI visual storytelling platform, now open to all Updates 

Lightricks’ LTX Studio, the AI visual storytelling platform, now open to all

GaryPageau , , , , ,
Lightricks, the creators of Facetune and Photoleap, launched LTX Studio, an AI-driven storyboarding and prototyping platform for film and marketing professionals. The platform offers real-time generative and editing solutions, enhanced collaboration tools, and advanced control over character and frame creation. LTX Studio aims to revolutionize visual storytelling with AI, supporting diverse creative needs. Read More
IDC: Worldwide spending on AI Forecast to reach $632 billion in 2028 Market research News 

IDC: Worldwide spending on AI Forecast to reach $632 billion in 2028

GaryPageau
Worldwide AI spending will exceed $632 billion by 2028, driven by a 29% CAGR from 2024-2028. GenAI investments will grow faster at 59.2%, reaching $202 billion. Financial services, software, information services, and retail sectors will lead spending. The largest category will be software, with notable growth in AI infrastructure, IT services, and business services. Read More
Vivid-Pix releases free trial version of Memory Station News Updates 

Vivid-Pix releases free trial version of Memory Station

GaryPageau ,
Vivid-Pix, a leader in scanning, restoring, and archiving treasured memories, announced the Memory Station Free Trial version of the popular one-click scanning software that creates stories and restores images from cherished memories. The trial version lets users restore and create 5 stories from images already on your computer to share with friends and family. Memory Station is an easy, fast, and affordable... Read More
PikPerfect AG makes commitment to renewable resources Sustainability 

PikPerfect AG makes commitment to renewable resources

GaryPageau
Zurich-based photobook company PikPerfect AG announced the company’s production processes have undergone a major transformation, with more than 90% of energy now being derived from clean, renewable sources, as well as engaging in other sustainable practices. Other steps in the company’s sustainability journey include the use of FSC-certified papers (promoting responsible forest management) and advanced inkjet printing in their photo... Read More
Circana: July retail sales reveal a summer vacation from discretionary spending Market research 

Circana: July retail sales reveal a summer vacation from discretionary spending

GaryPageau
Total U.S. retail sales across the combined view of discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) continued on the path toward a state of equilibrium in July, according to Circana, the marketing research firm. During the four weeks ending August 3, 2024, overall sales revenue remained level with the same four weeks last year, and unit demand declined 1%.... Read More
Insta360 app update improves AI editing, adds 40+ preset movements News Updates 

Insta360 app update improves AI editing, adds 40+ preset movements

GaryPageau
Insta360 announced a major update to its Insta360 editing app. bringing 40+ preset movement templates and AI improvements.The updates are available for all 360º footage from Insta360 cameras, including X4, X3, X2 and RS (with the 360º lens). The AI now identifies the objects or subjects in the footage and the interaction between them, and combines scene recognition (the type... Read More
MEA expands Local Prints Now access to independents for World Photography Day News Promotions 

MEA expands Local Prints Now access to independents for World Photography Day

GaryPageau
Photo software specialist MEA announced its e-commerce platform Local Prints Now is free for independent photo labs for a limited time through August. To commemorate  World Photography Day 2024, Aug. 19, photo labs can have their store added to the Local Prints Now mobile app and website at no cost for six months. Sign-up to Local Prints Now during August... Read More
Census retail sales data for July shows increased spending despite strong-but-moderating economic growth   Market research 

Census retail sales data for July shows increased spending despite strong-but-moderating economic growth  

GaryPageau
Retail sales data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau shows consumers continued to increase their spending in July even as growth of the economy is moderating, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “July’s retail sale figures mirror the strength in the economy, which continues to expand even though there are pressures on growth,” Kleinhenz said. “The midsummer... Read More