Apple have released Aperture 2, which is being seen as the next major release of its groundbreaking photo editing and management software that sports over 100 new features making it faster, powerfull and easy to use.

With a streamlined user interface and entirely new image processing engine, Aperture 2 also introduces new imaging tools for highlight recovery, color vibrancy, local contrast definition, soft-edged retouching, vignetting and RAW fine-tuning.

Users can directly post their portfolios on the .Mac Web Gallery* for viewing on the web, iPhone, iPod touch and Apple TV. At a new low price of $199, anyone can easily organize, edit and publish photos like a pro.

Aperture 2 is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) through the Apple Store. Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Owners of previous versions of Aperture can upgrade to Aperture 2 for just $99 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Aperture 2 can be found at http://www.apple.com/aperture.