Topaz Releases Gigapixel Pro
Topaz Labs, an acclaimed developer of AI upscaling tools, has announced Gigapixel Pro. It is available as a standalone application as well as a plugin, and it claims to work twice as quickly as the conventional Gigapixel version. Users can also run the new AI upscaler from the command line.
Essentially, the new Pro edition performs the same duties as its predecessor, albeit faster, with greater precision, and with a few additional capabilities. Gigapixel Pro can enlarge digital images (including photos and computer-generated visuals) of all types by “6X upscale up to 32,000 px wide.” Topaz Labs employs machine learning to maintain the clarity of upscaled photos by filling in missing information using AI. Here are some “before-and-after” instances.
However, the most significant improvement is in speed. According to Topaz Labs, Gigapixel Pro completes the task two times faster. Additionally, it has the Command Line Interface (CLI) capability, which “ensures seamless integration with existing software systems.”
Another significant distinction between the basic and “Pro” versions is that the latter is subscription-based. It’s frustrating how all software is moving to a subscription model. This approach can be particularly problematic for individual users, such as freelance photographers and retouchers, who often work independently rather than for large companies.
In 2024, many freelance professionals rely on various apps to perform their work, and the costs of multiple subscriptions can quickly add up, leading to higher long-term expenses. This model limits access to essential tools for those who can’t afford ongoing payments and makes budgeting more challenging, as accumulating multiple subscriptions creates a financial burden.
Additionally, there’s always the remote possibility that a company might suddenly go out of business, causing the software to stop functioning and leaving users without access to the software they rely on. Finally, the subscription model often fails to consider the differences in cost of living and economic conditions across various countries. What might be affordable in one country could be prohibitively expensive in another, making it unfair for users in different regions.
