Google Nik Collection Is Now Free

[Mike Farley]

Previously it was a $149 download and comprises seven applications of varying usefulness, but all are of interest. All are now free as of 24 March.

https://plus.google.com/+NikCollection/ ... FGsG2Di7EK

[Mike Farley]

I have just seen this story on DPReview, which correctly states that before Google acquired Nik the software was even more expensive than the price Google used to charge. Individual applications were around £160 and the entire suite was to the north of £400. I know, because I bought both the original and updated versions of Silver Efex Pro when it was still being sold by Nik. For my money, it was the best mono conversion tool out there and it is remarkable that it is now being given away.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/8401470303 ... s-for-free

[Mike Farley]

Good news that the suite is now free, but there are unanswered questions about future support. Not just enhancements, the last update was around two years ago, but ensuring that the software will continue to work as operating systems are updated. So far Google has been silent and its only statement is in the announcement where the company says its focus is on its "long-term investments in building incredible photo editing tools for mobile, including Google Photos and Snapseed". No mention of desktop.

[Mike Farley]

Thom Hogan's view, which includes some useful pointers to the best components of the Nik collection. I have never used Dfine, but like him have found Color Efex to be of limited value. The purpose of Viveza completely eluded me and I did not bother with the one addition, Analog Efex, which Google introduced.

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/s ... -free.html

I cannot help but agree that the Nik software is most likely on the downward path to eventual extinction and might even take one or more of its competitors with it. That is a pity on both counts as I have long found Silver Efex to be a useful tool and at some point will have to start looking for an alternative.

[Mike Farley]

In the same week that Amateur Photographer promotes the Nik Collection in an article, just after Google terminated support, Thom Hogan reports that the most recent version of Photoshop CC broke one of its functions. Apparently, Adobe has a habit of nobbling third party plugins. The current issue does not sound too serious, but Hogan reckons it is only a matter of time before something major happens.

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/s ... t-nik.html

Google made its announcement that it would no longer maintain the Nik Collection less than 18 months since it last charged for it. Not a very impressive support model. It really ought to do the decent thing and let the open source community take over.

[Mike Farley]

The Nik Application is 32 bit code, for which Apple is planning to withdraw support in a couple of year's time. For Mac users at least, Nik is on borrowed time time unless Google makes arrangements for someone to take over support. Further details about Apple's plans at the link below.

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