Filter Forge 2.0 enters public beta

Filter Forge, Inc. released a beta version of Filter Forge 2.0, a high-end plug-in for Adobe Photoshop allowing computer artists to build their own filters. The beta testing will be conducted in several stages, with new features added at every stage. The first stage includes full support for unlimited HDR colors, Bomber components that allow filter creators to spray image particles in a controlled manner, Minimum, Median, Maximum and Percentile components to create artistic effects, a gamma-aware workflow for technically-minded users, shapes (polygons and ellipses), and instant filter search to make life easier for users with large filter collections. The beta version is available at filterforge.com, and can also function as a fully functional 30-day trial version of the Filter Forge 2.0 Professional edition. All registered users of Filter Forge 1.0 can get a free beta key that allows them to use the beta version until the end of the beta period. The commercial version is planned for release in 2010. Additionally, all editions of Filter Forge 1.0 are offered at a special time-limited 25% discount - you can save up to $75 US. [source]