Update to Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2018 brings new tools, faster performance, Loupedeck+ integration

Bellevue, WA – June 20, 2018 — Skylum Software today released the latest update to its award-winning photo editing software, Aurora HDR, bringing improved performance, new features, and updated tools to both MacOS and Windows versions.

Aurora HDR is now faster across the board with a massive boost in performance on both Windows and MacOS computers. Specifically, performance on MacOS computers is up 180% when working with bracketed shots and 175% when working with single images. On Windows computers, Aurora HDR is now 500% faster when working with bracketed shots and 400% for single images. Aurora HDR also makes better use of memory, with more intelligent management and improved stability.

“The team at Skylum has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to bring massive speed and performance improvements to the Aurora HDR 2018 update for both MacOS and Windows computers, said Dmitry Sytnik, co-founder and CTO at Skylum. “Combined with the support for recently-launched Loupedeck+, photographers who use Skylum’s products will be able to edit photos more efficiently than ever before. The faster photographers can import, process, and edit their photographs, the more time they can spend in the field or studio capturing shots,” he added.

Windows users, in particular, receive a new batch processing tool, bringing it equal with its MacOS counterpart. In addition, Windows users will also enjoy a refreshed interface, the ability to rename layers, histogram functionality in the tone curve filter and a flip/rotate menu control.

On the flipside, Mac users receive improved plugin stability, increased export speeds, and improved memory management when batch processing images.

Aurora HDR 2018 has also added support for more than 20 new cameras, including models from Canon, FujiFilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Phase One, and Sony. For a complete listing of camera models, visit Skylum’s blog.

Skylum is also extremely proud to announce a partnership with Loupedeck to bring support for the brand-new Loupedeck+ photo editing console. Now, users can quickly process photos in Aurora HDR using physical dials, knobs and keys.

“With similar goals to make the photo editing process more creative, intuitive and efficient, Loupedeck is thrilled to partner with Skylum on our journey to launch the Loupedeck+ editing console,” said Mikko Kesti, founder and CEO of Loupedeck. “We’re confident the support of Skylum’s editing products will further enable today’s photographers to enjoy enhanced editing experiences and we look forward to continued delivery on this mission moving forward together.”

The updated Loupedeck+ console features improved build quality, updated mechanical keys for a more precise feel, two customizable dials, and an all-new “Custom Mode” that allows users full control of all dials.

“Skylum and Loupedeck share the same vision,” said Skylum CEO Alex Tsepko. “We want to help photographers create great photos, differently. When I became aware that the new version of Loupedeck keyboard was being released, I knew Skylum software should be one of the first to support it. This is the kind of innovation modern photographers really need.”

Aurora HDR 2018 is available for $99. Current owners can upgrade for free and owners of AuroraHD 2017 or 2016 can upgrade for $59. All customers, new or existing, will receive free bonus products worth $148. Bonus products include 119 Dramatic & Romantic Sky overlays, the ultimate collection of high-res sky overlays to convert photos with boring skies into eye-catching works-of-art; Complete HDR tutorial by Trey Radcliffe; and Deep Dive Video into Aurora HDR 2018, also by Trey Ratcliff.

Loupedeck is the only photo editing console custom-built to improve the Adobe Lightroom and Skylum Aurora HDR experience, with an intuitive design that makes editing faster and more creative. It allows both professional and amateur photographers to improve the ergonomics of editing, comfortably increasing output. Loupedeck’s hands-on and highly intuitive console minimizes the use the mouse and keyboard, and it works seamlessly with Apple and PC operating systems.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Loupedeck was founded in 2016 with a highly successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that exceeded its original target by 488 percent. For more information, visit www.loupedeck.com.

Skylum Software (formerly Macphun) is a Washington, USA -based photo software developer with the mission to make complex photo editing simple and user-friendly. Thanks to its innovative approach and high-end proprietary technologies, Skylum products have won dozens of various awards, including “Best of the Year” awards by Apple for six straight years. Luminar was honored with the “Best Imaging Software 2017” award by TIPA and “Best Software Plugin” in October 2017 by the Lucie Technical Awards. Aurora HDR was selected as the “Best Mac App of 2017” by Apple.