Among the notable upgrades in Aperture 2.1 is the API for third-party developers and local enhancement options, such as the included Dodge and Burn plug-in.
Apple releases Aperture 2.1
Version 2.1 supports plug-ins, localized enhancements and 32-bit imaging, among other upgrades. By Jack Howard
March 28, 2008
Apple has released version 2.1 of its high-end image editing program, Aperture. This upgrade comes just six weeks after the release of version 2.0. Do not think that this is a simple incremental upgrade, though. Aperture 2.1 now allows for plug-ins from both Apple and third-party developers via an API. A full SDK is in the works, although no hard release date has been set.
Aperture 2.1 now supports selective adjustments, such as Dodging and burning, and Apple's Dodge and Burn Plug-in is included gratis with the upgrade to 2.1 from 2.0. Also noteworthy is the ability to work with pressure-sensitive tablets, which many professional image editors prefer over mouse-based editing.
The plug-in architecture is flexible, and can with TIFFs and RAW formats. Batch processing is another noteworthy addition to the program. Third party developers working with Apple to enhance the Aperture experience via plugins include Nik Software's Viveza, PictureCode's Noise Ninja, Tiffen's Dfx, and notably, dvGarage's HDRToner, which will bring High Dynamic Range Imaging into the Aperture package.
Aperture 2.1 is a free upgrade for Aperture 2.0 users, $99.00 as an upgrade from Aperture 1.x, and $199.00 for the full version.
Source: PopPhoto