Google has entered the Mac side of free photo manipulation with the Monday release of Picasa for Mac. Although officially a beta version, the application previously limited to PC users is drawing positive comments from Apple iPhoto fans.
“Even though this early build of Picasa is missing some features, I’m going to use it and not iPhoto,” writes CNET‘s Rafe Needleman. The reviewer said Picasa’s features makes it the best option for day-to-day use.
Along with the usual ability to remove red-eye and basic photo editing, Picasa for the Mac integrates with Google’s free Web Albums, allowing photos to be easily shared. Apple requires the $99 annual Mobile Me online service, according to CNET.
Some features, such as geotagging and photos from your Webcam aren’t included in this beta version.
Google’s Picasa for Mac requires Mac OS 10.4 and an Intel-based system.
6 responses to “Google Picasa For Mac Now Competes With iPhoto”
Apple requires the $99 per month Mobile Me online service, according to CNET.
It’s $99 annually
Rafe Needleman has already announced that he’s not had a smooth transition to the Mac because it didn’t go 100% seamlessly with all the same tools. It’s not surprising he’s sticking with Picassa.
Having said that, the one thing I’ve always liked about Picassa vs. iPhoto is the fact that it searches your drives, leaves photos where they are and creates a DB.
Of course, I scan slides so my workflow’s a bit strange: for most users importing from digital cameras, I suspect the difference is entirely arbitrary.
I have, in any case, decided to make the move to Aperture now that I have a machine that’s fast enough to use it.
I take everything CNET says about Mac with an entire shaker of salt.
I’m not saying Picasa won’t work as advertised, just that I’ll wait to hear from a more reputable source than Needleman.