.heic files | LinkedIn post by Finn Jäger

Did you know your iPhone .heic files are more than just a single image?

Update: I have made the code to extract all these images available here
https://lnkd.in/etSq-KuW
its python so it should work on windows/linux also compared to the switft implementations I have found so far

I was investigating how HDR Gain Maps are embedded into HEIF files by Apple on the iPhone – I wrote a extractor tool and found a bunch more auxiliary images – as expected a black and white gain map thats apparently rec709 encoded and a Display-P3 encoded? base image

But thats not all there also is a low res depth map and a handful of mattes (skin, hair, portaiteffects, “glasses” and a “teeth” matte)

Pretty interesting , I really want to try to merge them back to one image now.

This can be very useful for AI applications , where all this data is used – especially the depth map , nur sure if this is the trueDepth output or a ML generate depth map?

PHOTOSHOP ALTERNATIVES

Rubus Farm have shared this interesting article – Post Production Software Alternatives Of Photoshop

In our article, we are taking a look at:

• Affinity Photo
• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
• Corel PaintShop Pro
• Pixlr
• Photopea
• Krita
• Darktable
• Luminar Neo

BLENDER

NASA uses Blender, the free open-source 3D software, for various tasks like astronomical data visualization, creating interactive experiences for missions (like Curiosity and Perseverance), modeling spacecraft, and generating educational content, leveraging its Python API, rendering engines (Cycles/Eevee), and ability to handle complex scientific data. They also provide public access to their 3D models in formats compatible with Blender for public use and modding.  

CANVA

Canva is a popular, user-friendly online graphic design platform creating professional-looking visuals such as social media posts, presentations, logos, and videos using a simple drag-and-drop interface, vast template library, and extensive stock media, offering free and paid (Pro, Business) plans for individuals, teams, and enterprises. It’s known for making design accessible, competing with tools like PowerPoint but with broader capabilities.

Canva offers a robust free version that lets you create social media posts, presentations, and videos with many templates, images, and tools, but the Pro version unlocks premium features like unlimited access to premium content, advanced AI tools, background remover, and more storage, making the free plan excellent for basic and occasional design needs, while the paid plan suits professional or extensive use. 

DAZ STUDIO

Daz Studio is designed to allow users to manipulate relatively ready-to-use models and figures as well as other supporting 3D content. It is aimed at users who are interested in posing human and non-human figures for illustrations and animation.

Daz Studio software is free to download and use for creating 3D art and animations, including the full “Pro” version. While the software itself is free, the Daz 3D business model relies on selling digital content, such as models, clothing, and props, through their online store. 

ICR CREAM

A suite of user-friendly, lightweight software designed for multimedia, productivity, and utility tasks on Windows, Mac, and Android. Key tools include a screen recorder, video editor, slideshow creator, and PDF converter. The software is generally free to use, though it offers paid, feature-rich versions. 

MOVAVI

Movavi is a user-friendly, feature-rich suite of multimedia software designed for video editing, screen recording, photo editing, and file conversion on Windows and and Mac. Targeted at beginners and casual creators, it offers intuitive tools for cutting, adding filters, applying AI effects (noise removal, motion tracking),and creating slideshows. 

The free version of Movavi offers a generous amount of transitions, with more available for paying users. As with most features on Movavi, transitions can be woven into footage by dragging them onto your project timeline.

MOVIE MAKER

Windows Movie Maker (known as Windows Live Movie Maker) for the 2009 and 2011 releases) is a discontinued video editing program by Microsoft. It is comparable to Apple’s iMovie.

PIXIGRAM

A mobile application used to create, edit, and share photo slideshows with music and effects. It allows users to quickly convert photos into videos, featuring tools for adding music and visual effects. Additionally, it can refer to a company specializing in advertisement branding and, sometimes, other image editing apps like “Pixagram” on Apple. 

SLIDELY

Slidely is a cloud-based visual content creation platform, developed by Tersho, Inc. (backed by Y Combinator), that has evolved from a social slideshow maker into a professional AI-driven presentation tool. It allows users to create, edit, and enhance business-oriented PowerPoint presentations, as well as create video slideshows and collages. 

SLIDE (SHOW) MAKER

Show maker software, commonly referred to as slideshow makers, presentation tools, or photo-to-video apps, allows users to combine images, videos, audio, and text into cohesive visual presentations or video montages. These tools range from simple, automated phone apps to advanced, desktop-based creative suites. 

SOME ALTERNATIVES THAT MAYBE WORTH LOOKING INTO

SOME FUN WITH MATHS