There is a significant amount of artificial intelligence integrated into Lightroom. However, a competitor in the realm of photo editing, Polarr Next, aims to distinguish itself by implementing an innovative application of technology that Adobe had not yet explored. This Lightroom counterpart utilizes a learning mechanism to analyze your photo editing patterns and predict your preferences, subsequently applying these insights to other images.
While Lightroom is favored by both professional and amateur photographers for its AI capabilities in tasks like noise reduction, exposure adjustment, and subject selection, the concept of software adapting to user edits and anticipating their actions holds even greater significance.
Recently, Polarr introduced the beta version 1.0 of its Polarr Next software for testing. Upon experimentation, it proved effective: users can establish a specific editing style for, for instance, the pale orange mesas of Los Alamos, New Mexico, label it as a “reference edit,” and observe this style being extrapolated to similar photos from the same photo session.
Polarr’s CEO, Boroi Wang, highlighted the potential of this AI-driven automation, particularly for professionals like wedding photographers who face the daunting task of editing numerous photos within tight deadlines. The allure of expediting the delivery of finalized JPEG images to clients has prompted some long-time Lightroom users to opt for Polarr Next’s $600 annual subscription.
The software’s AI capabilities are well-considered. Users can choose from a range of presets or create personalized AI-trained presets through brief editing sessions to teach the app a new aesthetic. Moreover, users have the option to lock specific images to prevent future alterations if they wish to preserve their preferred edits.
Noteworthy is the fact that Polarr Next operates as a web application within a browser, compatible with browsers like Google Chrome based on the Chromium project. Leveraging browser technologies such as Web Assembly, WebGPU, and WebGL, the software delivers impressive performance comparable to or even surpassing that of Lightroom.
Despite its prowess, Polarr Next falls short in certain aspects compared to Lightroom. While it mirrors many editing features like masks, color grading, and geometric adjustments, it lacks functionalities such as merging photos for high dynamic range images or employing a healing brush for retouching. Additionally, catalog management tools for tasks like captioning and organizing images into collections are notably absent.
It is crucial to note that Polarr Next is still in its beta phase with room for enhancement. Nevertheless, the software already showcases capabilities that set it apart from Adobe’s offerings.
