Apple this week announced a significant upgrade to its pro video editing app, Final Cut Pro X.
Released contemporaneously with the new, high-performance iMac Pro, the application introduces a variety of new features, including 360-degree VR video editing and support for full-resolution 8K video.
Also upgraded are Apple’s Motion and Compression applications. Motion is Apple’s companion app that is used for creating and editing motion graphics, titling, and composting, while Compressor is intended for video and media compression.
Among the new VR-specific features in Final cut Pro X are 360-degree 2D or 3D titles; VR-specific blurs, glows and other effects; controls to assist in editing out camera rigs from equirectangular videos; the ability to add standard photos and videos into VR projects; and direct export of 360-degree video to YouTube, Facebook and Vimeo.
“With new features like 360-degree VR editing and motion graphics, advanced color grading and HDR support, Final Cut Pro gives video editors the tools to create stunning, next-generation content,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Apps Product Marketing.
Moreover, the new version of Final Cut Pro X also adds a project viewing feature, allowing VR content authors to preview their work in real-time via a connected HTC VIVE headset with SteamVR.
“When combined with the performance of Mac hardware, including the all-new iMac Pro, Final Cut Pro provides an incredibly powerful post-production studio to millions of video editors around the world,” concluded Prescott.
Final Cut Pro X currently has over two million seat licenses. Pricing for new users is $299.99 US for Final Cut Pro X, and 49.99 US each for new users of Compressor and Motion, with free upgrades available to existing users for all three applications.
