New Pixelmator update aims to take advantage of the new Mac Pro’s hardware

By Konrad Krawczyk January 23, 2014

new mac pro wont run windows 7 boot camp macpro 01260 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pixelmator, a consumer-oriented photo editing alternative to the ultra popular Photoshop series, was just updated to version 3.1, which includes several changes that are designed to take advantage of the new Mac Pro desktop and its hardware.

For example, regardless of what configuration of the new Mac Pro you’re thinking about, any new Mac Pro will include a pair of AMD FirePro graphics cards. With Pixelmator getting updated to 3.1, the program will now be able to use both graphics cards when the user is applying effects. When effects are being applied to a project, one GPU will be processing the effect, while the other graphics card will handle tasks related to rendering a composition. Pixelmator will also now allow for conversion, input as well as output for 16-bit images.

On top of all that Pixelmator 3.1 will now be able to take advantage of all quad core, 6-core, 8-core and 12-core Intel Xeon processors, just like, you guessed it, the ones found on the refreshed Mac Pro.

Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming

Here’s what Ausra Meskauskaite, who works on Pixelmator, had to say about the update.

“Because it has 16-bit support now and the more powerful Mac that has dual GPUs, that improves the performance significantly. On all other Macs there is only one GPU so it’s either computing or rendering. With the Mac Pro we can divide those tasks and do everything at the same time. So performance and responsiveness is faster.”

Though Photoshop is the photo editing program of choice for many, the $20 a month rate for Photoshop CC is pricey. Pixelmator on the other hand, costs a flat $30, which is probably money much better spent, especially if you’re a novice photo editor.

What do you think of the changes made to Pixelmator with respect to the Mac Pro? Sound off in the comments below.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Konrad Krawczyk

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…

Computing

MacBook Pro 16 vs. MacBook Pro 14: The important differences

MacBook Pro laptops.

MacBooks are typically seen as some of the best laptops money can buy, thanks to their combination of performance and longevity. It's not uncommon for MacBooks to be running flawlessly years after purchase -- so while their upfront costs are a bit steep, they're great long-term investments.

That holds true for the MacBook Pro lineup, which comes in two sizes -- 14 inches and 16 inches. Both are top-of-the-line computers designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at them, offering access to the M3 chip, vibrant Liquid Retina XDR displays, and plenty of other high-end hardware.

Mobile

Best iPad deals: Save on iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini for the New Year

iPad Pro 2020 Screen.

There's a tablet out there for almost everyone, with designs available to accommodate anything from kids to creative professionals. The Apple iPad is one of the most popular tablet lineups, with the best iPads offering a wide range of options and capabilities. If you’re in the market for a new iPad, there are some great iPad deals worth shopping right now. In fact, not only are iPads some of the best Apple deals currently taking place, but some of the best tablet deals as well. We’ve rounded up what we feel are the best tablet deals to shop at the moment. They include iPads, iPad cases and covers, and iPad accessories, so read onward for more details.
Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Gen) 64GB Wi-Fi -- $249, was $329

Apple's A13 Bionic chip is no M1 or M2, but it still offers 64-bit architecture and neural engine support for excellent performance. In other words, this 10.2-inch iPad is incredible value. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, 64GB of storage, supports Touch ID and Apple Pencil (1st Gen), and it's size, plus all-day battery life make it an excellent choice for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle.

Computing

The best MacBook to buy in 2024

Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with its M3 generation of chips, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. That’s not always easy, though, as buying the newest MacBook isn’t always the right decision. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.