Apple released an update to Final Cut Pro X (10.0.2) today, fixing a few bugs while simultaneously making a bit of an indirect statement about the present and future of Final Cut Pro as an editing platform.
The Final Cut Pro X update
The 10.0.2 resolves the following:
- Fixes an issue where a title may revert to the default font after restarting Final Cut Pro X
- Resolves an issue that could cause files recorded with certain third-party mobile devices to play back incorrectly
- Addresses a stability issue caused by changing the start time on a Compound Clip
The update weighs in around 107MB and is available in the Mac App Store. New customers can buy FCPX (10.0.2) directly for $299.99. A free 30-day trial is available on Apple’s Final Cut Pro X website.
Final Cut Pro 7 who?
While Apple has balked on a few of the concerns regarding the release of Final Cut Pro X (FCP 7 no longer being for sale, XML import/export, etc.), it has stated that some functionality available in FCP7 will no longer be availble in FCPX. Some functions are to return, there are workarounds and third-party solutions for others, but the rest need to “suck it up, cupcake,” as it were.
What’s interesting here is that 10.0.1 added back what might be considered by some professional users as major functionality, whereas 10.0.2 is a few minor bug fixes. By including some of these balks in a dot-dot release, it’s this writer’s opinion that Apple is sending the message that, even though it will provide these options for their existing users, it doesn’t see these features as being important to the success of Final Cut Pro X. Apple is moving on and believes its users should, too.
The good news
The good news here is that Apple is listening to its users, making some concessions. And while it may do little to dissuade the pros regarding the consumerization of Apple’s pro line of apps, Apple is providing updates and supporting Final Cut Pro X. That may alleviate fears that Apple will end-of-life its FCP line of products, the way it did with popular compositing software Shake.
True, it’s only glimmer of hope, but for many small-time professionals (like me) who can’t afford to switch to another editing platform (much less another computer platform), it gives a small measure of comfort.
Via: TUAW
