Google Acquires Nik Software & Snapseed. Good or Bad for Photography? tutorial.
If you are a regular reader here at SpeedDemon2 then you know I am a big fan of NIK software. I hope that the acquisition of NIK by Google doesn’t radically change the way that NIK develops and updates it’s software. NIK has been very good about keeping it’s users up to date with the software and offering updates as they improved their products.
The statement from the NIK Software Team is encouraging and leaves the door open for future products from them. I hope that Snapseed remains in the lineup and keeps pace with the Apple IOS. It would be a shame to lose this app or to have it become outdated due to the Google vs Apple dynamic.
I suppose that the resources of Google will allow even greater development in the tradition that NIK have been known for over the past 17 years. Only time will tell whether this acquisition will help or hinder the NIK Software Team. I’m keeping an open mind as well as keeping my fingers crossed that the acquisition is just the beginnings of ever more awesome NIK products for photographers.
An interesting development. I don’t use their software myself, (more down to budget than a lifestyle choice!), but I know a few photographers who do. (My interest would be in the Silver Efex). At the moment, Nik software seems to have a reasonably broad focus, with each of the options having (from my limited view) a firm development path. The danger is in a refocus of effort and less R&D in the broad and more in the areas which prompted this tactic of Google, with products falling by the wayside.
I agree Stephen, my hope is that this acquisition will lead NIK to continue to explore each niche even more, given the resources that Google has to offer.
I use Nik Color Efex and Silve Efex and like them a lot. Next month is the big PhotoPlus event in NYC which I hope to attend. It will be interesting to visit the booth and pick up some buzz there. Thanks for posting this, Nick.
Please come back and let us know what you learn.