By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
Portraiture for Video is video editing software that allows video enthusiasts to soften skin and remove blemishes, wrinkles, etc. during video editing.
If this sounds familiar to still photographers, there is reason. Portraiture has been used in the professional still image industry for years for softening and enhancing skin tones.
Now the company, Imagenomic has brought the same award-winning features to the video world.
According to a recent press release, Portraiture for Video is compatible with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
Video clips are simply run through the plug-in software and it automatically removes imperfections in the skin.
The software is ideal for touching up a scar, acne or other skin blemishes and runs on Mac and Windows operating systems.
Details: www.imagenomic.com/ptvideo/. A free 15-day trial is available; the annual subscription rate for the software is $99.
Universal keyboard
Smartphones, tablets and almost any operating system; the ZAGGKeys Universal keyboard functions with most devices as long as both can be paired via Bluetooth technology.
It’s designed and built with features allowing it to work with any of those gadgets, making it a truly universal device.
It measures 5.25-inches wide by 9.25-inches long with the cover attached and the curved keyboard is as slim as one-quarter inch, making it ideal for use while sitting on the sofa, working at your desk or tucking it away in your computer-bag for travel.
While many of the mobile operating systems have similarities, they have more differences when it comes to short cuts and hot keys on keyboards. To help users switch between devices there’s a little switch on the back of the keyboard to switch between Apple, Android or Window operating systems.
The keyboard itself is built with an ergonomic curved design for a more natural typing experience and includes a versatile protective cover which doubles as a stand for your tablet or smartphone.
Other features include a rechargeable battery, which can be good for up to three months before another charge is needed.
Details: www.Zagg.com, $69.99, available in black, berry/aqua, charcoal/hot pink, lime/charcoal and orange/indigo combinations.
Stereo headphones
A few other cool and cost friendly products from iFrogz (a ZAGG company) are the LUXE stereo headphones and the Tadpole.
Some headphones can cost more than a car payment and very often you get an amazing product for your money. The LUXE headphones, don’t cost a lot ($39.99), and are comfortable to wear and deliver what I call, “consistent sound.”
What I mean by that is you’re not going to get the great sound associated with $400 headphones; instead you get consistent, good sound with enough bass to keep you happy.
They look good and are built with comfortable padded ear cups over 40 mm driver speakers, an adjustable metallic looking headband and have an inline mic for handsfree calls.
The Tadpole ($19.99) is as simple as a Bluetooth speaker can be, measuring just 2.67 x 0.43 x 1.38-inches. It’s pocket sized and comes with an attached carabiner clip.
Inside is a 1-watt speaker and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, good for about two hours of use before a microUSB charge is needed.
Details: www.iFrogz.com. Tadpole is available in gray, blue, red, white and purple. The LUXE headphones come in black with your choice of blue, black, gray, red and pink highlights.
