MacRumors.com

Apple announced Aperture 2, the next major release of its photo editing and management software. The new version contains over 100 new features with a streamlined user interface and entirely new image processing engine. Aperture 2 also introduces new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning, and lets users directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery for viewing on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV.

“Many of the most respected photographers on assignment all over the world trust Aperture to organize, edit and deliver their images,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “With its simpler interface and lower price, anyone can take full advantage of Aperture’s power.”

Aperture is now priced at $199 and available immediately through the online Apple Store. More details at apple.com/aperture.

A free trial download is now available. Recent purchasers of Aperture 1.5 (Jan 1-Mar 14, 2008) can upgrade for $9.95.