14 DAY TRIAL // Adobe has announced today the availability of the first beta for Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 and the even better news is that the new software can be taken for a test drive by everyone. You don't have to be part of a special discussion group or to receive an invitation. Moreover, it won't even affect your Photoshop Lightroom 1.0 (in case you have one) as the beta will create a separate installation.
In terms of features, Lightroom 2.0 beta promises an improved layout in the Library module, the Smart Collections which automatically updates collections with images that match desired criteria such as star-rating, keyword or other metadata and 64-bit support for OS X 10.5 Intel Macs and Vista 64-bit operating systems.
More importantly, the first Lightroom 2.0 beta includes dual monitor configuration to satisfy the workflow demands of more demanding professionals and an updated Develop module that allows for the correction of specific areas in an image without altering others.
"Photoshop Light room 2.0 beta provides early access to requested improvements over version 1.3 and continues our ongoing dialogue and open communication with the photography community," said Tom Hogarty, senior product manager for Photoshop Lightroom and Camera Raw.
Back to the availability part, it's worth noting that Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta comes as a 30-day trial and that existing Lightroom 1.0 customers will be able to test the beta for an extended period until Aug. 31, 2008 and can invite friends to take part in this trial period.
Adobe warns that while data loss is not expected, you are working with a very early 'beta' quality build and you should always work on duplicates of files that are securely backed up.
However, if you decide to install Photoshop Lightroom 2.0, you can download here for different Windows versions and here for Mac.