In what appears to be an unprecedented mea culpa in the software world, Apple is making available an earlier version of its Final Cut software. Final Cut X , the latest version of Apple’s flagship video editing software has been heavily criticized by users since its release. Long-time professional users have complained about the lack of several features in Final Cut X that are absolutely essential for high quality projects : no multi-camera support, no XML inport/outport, and no support for Final Cut 7 projects were just some of the complaints lobbed at Apple’s latest software. Some have even called Final Cut X more of an upgrade to Apple’s iMovie hobbyist software than a true upgrade for the more feature-packed Final Cut line. In fact, Final Cut X is the lowest-rated application in Apple’s download store, which is quite a turn for a company like Apple, which tends to be leading edge in popular computing innovations.
Now, it has been confirmed that Apple is making available copies of Final Cut Studio 3 for sale with one caveat: you can only buy the legacy software over the 800-MY-APPLE number. It’s not going to be available in stores, or online, but solely through phone orders. Again, another odd turn: a company as forward thinking as Apple selling a product solely through phone orders? Unusual, to say the least.
Apple claims that this is simply an attempt to get rid of dead stock of Final Cut Studio 3…but it does seem interesting to note that this re-release is occurring after a deluge of criticism about the quality of Final Cut X. Apple has maintained that continuous updates will address users issues with FCX, but concerns linger about long-time users jumping ship over to Adobe Premiere, Final Cut’s closest competitor.
Will Apple be able to stem the tide of possible defections with a unique combination of updates and rollbacks? Or has Final Cut’s grip on the world of professional video post production been permanently been loosened? Only time will tell.
Source:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20100703-248/apple-quietly-puts-final-cut-studio-back-on-sale/?tag=mncol;posts
macrumors.com