Adobe has announced the latest upgrade in the Photoshop family ? Photoshop CS4. Adobe claim that the software is set to ?refine and redefine the professional image-editing experience??, and focuses on faster and non-destructive editing, and new tools and enhancements to improve your workflow.

With regards to imaging improvements, CS4 sees redesigned Dodge, Burn and Sponge tools, allowing you to spot-correct exposure and colour saturation by simply painting the area you want adjusted.

CS4 also sees the introduction of ?Extended depth of field?, an imaging tool which automatically blends a series of exposures with different focal points, exposure and so on, if conditions dictate that the depth of field you capture is limited.

It?s not just imaging tools that see advancements however ? its also imaging tools. The software now features a tabbed-based interface, combined with an ?Arrange Documents? menu, meaning organising your workspace is easier than ever before. CS4 also utilises modern OpenGL technology to ?blast past the image-viewing restrictions of yesterday?. By this, Adobe are referring to the fact the you can now ?toss? images around the screen with the hand tool, pan naturally in any direction, and zoom in and out without any lag.

Adobe Bridge also sees a several improvements on previous versions. The interface now features path-bar navigation and workspace selection buttons across the top of the Bridge window, meaning navigation both within Bridge and between other application within the Adobe family is easier than ever. There is also now support for Search integration with either Spotlight in Mac OS X or Vista in Windows.

CS4 is due to ship in the next couple of months. For more information, visit www.adobe.co.uk