Adobe Unveils Creative Suite CS4, GPU Accelerated Photoshop

The embargo on Adobe's Creative Suite 4 lifted tonight at midnight and a number of news articles have revealed the details of the latest update to Adobe's flagship software package.

Most interestingly, CNet reports that rumors that Adobe's Photoshop CS4 would employ the use of GPU-accelerated graphics were accurate.

The new version of Adobe's flagship software product takes its first steps in using the graphics processing unit, or GPU, said John Nack, principal product manager for Adobe Photoshop. For example, the graphics chip helps Photoshop CS4 fluidly zoom in and out, rotate the canvas so artists can reorient an image for the best sketching angle, display and manipulate 3D objects, and handle color correction.

However, one GPU feature didn't quite make the cut for CS4 is called "Pixel Blender" which allows users to quickly apply special effects. According to Nack, the feature will likely be a free update from Adobe Labs.

A few of the other new Photoshop CS4 features are highlighted at Macworld including:

- Content-Aware scaling
- Nondestructive corrections in the Adjustment panel
- Improved Lightroom integration
- Advanced 3-D features in Photoshop Extended
- New Tabbed interface

Adobe Photoshop CS4 will cost $699 and ship in October. Existing Photoshop CS3, Photoshop CS2, or Photoshop CS owners can upgrade for $199. Adobe Photoshop Extended will cost $999 and existing Photoshop CS3 Extended, Photoshop CS2 or Photoshop CS owners can upgrade for $349.

Of course, Adobe also introduced CS4 versions of their other applications. Additional coverage:

Photoshop CS4: TGDaily First Look, "Sneak Peek" Videos
Indesign CS4: Macworld
Illustrator CS4: CNet, Macworld, DigitalArtsOnline
After Effects CS4: DigitalArtsOnline
Premiere Pro CS4: DigitalArtsOnline
SoundBooth CS4: CNet

Full details and pricing information can be obtained from Adobe.com.

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Adobe is selling CS4 packages through their online store or Amazon.com.