Adobe’s apps are a must-have for any serious digital artist or designer, but for some reason they haven’t been the best at keeping up with modern technologies. Their apps are still mostly optimized to be used with a mouse and keyboard, something that is finally changing.
It’s about time Adobe started updating its applications for better touch functionality, and they have partnered with Microsoft to do so. The Redmond giant is pushing on blending the lines between tablets and computers. And with current processing technology making mobile devices ultra powerful, there may be no better partner for this feat.
What we are taking a look at here is Adobe’s first steps, though. It seems Adobe will be launching these improvements gradually, as opposed to large updates. Today we are starting to see gesture support for Windows 8. Users can now pinch-to-zoom, pan or rotate.
Microsoft and Adobe demonstrated a new Photoshop feature today. They call it Playground, and it pretty much takes advantage of the touchscreen to help you manage your layers easily.
A touch screen adds another level of interaction with your work. It’s literally allowing you to reach out and touch your digital images, so why should we stick to mouse and keyboard designs?
You can further see where Adobe is headed when you take a look at today’s Illustrator update. It’s much like what Microsoft is doing with Windows 10 in that the program adapts to your set-up depending on its nature.
If there is no keyboard, for example, you will automatically see a different UI and features. We can take a look at these Illustrator improvements by giving the official teaser video a good look.
Adobe is doing a good job adapting to the future of technology lately. I have to say I am liking what I see with these touch improvements. In addition, Photoshop is also partnering with Google to bring Photoshop to Chromebooks via streaming.
This proves Adobe is now adapting a more forward-thinking mindset, in which they are moving away from their traditional business scheme even if it’s a little risky. That is what will help them keep their place in the future.
Adobe has a lot of power, and we may even stop purchasing some devices if our ability to run their programs is threatened. They have the power to keep making business the way they always have, at least for some time, yet they choose to move forward.
