A few days ago, at Adobe Max 2014, Adobe introduced two very interesting features which are based on innovative algorithms and require only a minimum of user input. As the name suggests, the first feature, Time of Day, allows the user to change the time of day in the photo. The lighting and the colors are adapted automatically – the only thing you have to do is to fine-tune the effect using the slider. As far as I can see, the photo on the left bellow is the original. In the video underneath the montage the feature is explained in more detail.
The second feature is Dehaze or Defog. Unlike simple algorithms which evenly affect the entire image, this feature increases the contrast in individual areas of the photo depending on fog density. Areas free of fog are not edited. The following two photos of the Grand Canyon give an idea of the potential of this feature. In the video below Dehaze is explained in more detail – among other things its applicability to underwater photography is addressed.
As with other features that are still in development and are demonstrated at such events, there is no guarantee that Time of Day and Dehaze will be released as software components in the near future.