Adobe Introduces Creative Suite 2

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

April 4, 2005, 11:34 AM

As expected, Adobe announced on Monday version 2 of its Create Suite software line, which will begin shipping in May. Adobe CS2 brings with it new releases of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and GoLive. Details of Photoshop CS2 leaked out last week in an accidental early posting of a press release.

Creative Suite 2 also includes a new release of Version Cue, Adobe's file-version manager and collaboration tool, along with the previously released Acrobat Professional 7.0.

For Photoshop CS2, Adobe says it listened to requests from users and the changing needs of the digital imaging industry. A new spot healing brush will fix blemishes, red-eye and distortion from camera lenses.

A tool known as Vanishing Point will allow the user to recolor and transform objects in an image without altering its perspective. Image Warp, another new tool, enables a user to easily twist, warp or skew an image cleanly using preset functions, or with custom points.

Mobile authoring has been given precedence in Adobe CS2. The company has included support for mobile standards such as SVG-t, and streamlined publishing for print, the Web and handheld devices.

"Our goal is to develop a technology platform that the creative community can rely on and build upon," said Adobe president Shantanu Narayen. "With Creative Suite 2 we've delivered the essential tools designers need to efficiently realize and create their best work: online, in print or for the latest handheld device."

New to Creative Suite is Adobe Bridge, which was formerly Photoshop's File Browser. Adobe Bridge more tightly integrates the CS components and allows a user to seamlessly move an image file between Adobe's various programs.

Adobe Bridge will also provide access to a new service called Adobe Stock Photos, which offers access to royalty-free stock images from five different providers.

Adobe Creative Suite 2 is available for both Mac OS X and Windows, with retail pricing set at $1,199 USD for the Premium edition. The Standard edition, which lacks GoLive and Adobe Acrobat, will run $899 USD. On its own, Photoshop CS2 will cost $599 USD, with an upgrade available for $149 USD.