Nothing new here…
I think this software is now just being rewrapped with a new interface, having it support parallel processes automatically now (instead of us having to do it manually) and it is just starting to use resources provided to it properly and efficiently now. So of course it will run faster.
These other “new” features just muddy up the software. They are adding things that I can get elsewhere that are proven bug free and use resources efficiently.
Topaz Labs should pick something to put all of their focus on and make it better than anyone else. Instead they are trying to be an all-in-one application. In my world, that will never exist. I buy plugins from many different companies that perform the task I need and that do it the best.
I never thought I would be buying software that I would have to wonder if the next version would work or not. I have never seen this in the industry. They are cheapening their brand and it is very unethical in how the past year has been handled.
Yes - they have added some now models (I guess) – but I have not seen a dramatic increase in quality since 2.6.4. No game-changers here.
All I see are little tweaks, little sharpens, extra noise, less noise, extra grain, less grain – but overall – the images I am seeing are not dramatically better than 2.6.4.
I think this software has hit a wall on actually providing new “wow” developments in upscaling technology.
I keep seeing people compare images from minor versions that are just slightly different from each other. It’s a never ending battle here. I feel like I am getting an eye exam – whats better image A or image B? A or B? Ok how about C? lol I mean seriously – a 5% change in quality is not a game-changer and everything used for comparison is not standardized.
It is great they are fixing bugs. That is expected.
I now feel cheated by their 1 year of so called upgrades. There have been no upgrades, just fixes and extra fluff that I did not purchase with 2.6.4. So v 2.6.4 reached its EOL last year. I mentioned this to Topaz Labs and they remained silent.
It is ridiculous that they include this newly designed application as an upgrade, v 3.1.0. It has a new name and and new look. It should be v 1.1.0. Instead it has all been very deceptive.
When I look at what 2.6.4 does for me compared to 3.1.0 – there’s nothing new that says – OMG – this will revolutionize my workflow. Instead I think – well duh – glad they fixed that.
AI is changing so quickly, Topaz Labs is going to quickly lose their market share, unless they get their act together and decide if they are committing money to R&D or just making due with what they have now.
I feel v3.1.0 is what I should have received when I purchased v2.6.4.
These forums get insane. For people that rely on upscaling software in their industry on a regular basis – it’s ridiculous how all of this is being handled and it is becoming a waste of time and money.
Topaz Labs has lost credibility in making me pay more money to fix the software I have already. I am glad I did not buy 20 seats.