Nik Software saved from oblivion

Earlier this year, we reported on Google’s rather infuriating decision to dump the Nik Collection – a suite of software loved and relied upon by millions of photographers around the world. Having acquired the company, Nik Software, in 2012, and gradually lowering the price of the flagship offering, the Collection, from US$500 to US$150 to nothing, the move by Google frustrated many.

But in a move that will no doubt delight users of the Collection, French company DxO has acquired Nik Software, throwing them a lifeline. Best known for their image processing software as well as influential camera equipment reviews, through DxOMark, the company’s decision to acquire Nik has already benefitted DxO who have rebranded their OpticsPro RAW conversion software as DxO PhotoLab – the new version including Nik’s U Point technology.

“The Nik Collection gives photographers tools to create photos they absolutely love,” Google Engineering Director, Aravind Krishnaswamy said of the news. “We’re thrilled to have DxO, a company dedicated to high-quality photography solutions, acquire and continue to develop it.” But the more cynical among us will be left thinking that Google was able to make a little cash out of the sale. Meanwhile, in their official statement, DxO indicated that the acquisition will allow them to “develop the Collection for the benefit of the photography community.”

At this stage, the Collection will remain free while the company works on a new release, which is unlikely to be free, to come out some time in 2018. You can download the entire Collection by clicking this link.

The video below shows U Point technology at work.