Skylum has launched a new version of its AI-powered photo editor, now available as a native app for Android and ChromeOS. The move, announced in partnership with Google, brings Luminar’s editing tools to mobile devices and Chromebooks, targeting photographers who prefer to work beyond the desktop.
The app’s name is Luminar: Photo Editor and it supports a wide range of Android devices. This includes phones, tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks. Its interface adjusts to various screen sizes and aspect ratios, aiming to offer a consistent editing experience across devices.
Previously limited to macOS and Windows, we’ve known Luminar for its use of artificial intelligence to simplify common editing tasks. With the introduction of Luminar’s Android and Chrome OS editor, Skylum is extending those capabilities to users on the go.
The Android version includes several of Luminar’s well-known tools. Here’s a full list:
- Enhance AI — A single slider intelligently adjusts up to a dozen essential settings – including shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation, exposure, and detail – to improve the overall image quality instantly.
- Structure AI — Brings out detail and clarity while preserving a natural look. Enhances only the necessary areas of an image without over-sharpening or introducing noise where it’s not needed.
- Relight AI — Gives full control over the lighting in a photo, ideal for creatively enhancing mood or correcting backlit scenes. The tool analyzes the image in three dimensions to realistically adjust foreground lighting without affecting the rest of the composition.
- Atmosphere AI — Adds realistic fog, mist or haze, using content-aware and depth-based masking. The effect is applied with precision to enhance mood without covering key subjects, ensuring a natural, realistic look.
- Sky AI — Automatically detects the sky in the image and replaces it seamlessly with a new one, factoring in realistic lighting and reflections, specifically on water and other reflective surfaces.
- Skin AI — Smooths skin and removes blemishes with a single tap, helping portraits look polished while preserving natural texture.
- Body AI — Allows subtle adjustment of the torso shape – either reducing or enhancing the volume – for a more balanced appearance. AI precisely maps key body features, ensuring natural-looking edits without distorting the background.
There are also some core editing tools included:
- Develop: Adjust exposure, temperature, tint, smart contrast, highlights, shadows, blacks, whites, saturation, vibrance, vignette, and more.
- Essential Tools: Crop, Details, Erase, Landscape Enhancer (Foliage Enhancer, Golden Hour, Dehaze), and Monochrome.
- Filter collection: Robust color correction, film-inspired looks, and nostalgic tones loved by many in the photography world.
According to Skylum, the app is intended to provide quick and accessible edits. Plus, you don’t need advanced skills or desktop hardware. Editing tasks that once demanded time and technical know-how can now be done in a few taps. I think it’s perfect for beginners who are just getting into the world of image editing, when everything seems overwhelming and difficult.
Cross-Platform Support with Google
The collaboration with Google aims to deliver a consistent experience across Android and ChromeOS. Google’s Strategic Partnership Manager Maria Schmidt notes:
“Partnering with Google accelerates our product innovation and reinforces our position as a market leader. Together, we’re committed to delivering exceptional user experiences that surpass expectations by bringing the power of Luminar to Android users worldwide.”
The app integrates into the broader Android and Chromebook ecosystems. It supports touch input and adapts UI elements for various device types, including dual-screen foldables.
Pricing and Availability
The Luminar Android app is now available on Google Play under three pricing tiers:
- Monthly Plan: $4.99 / €3.99
- Yearly Plan: $29.99 / €23.99 (with a 7-day free trial)
- Lifetime License: $59.99 / €47.99
This marks the first time Luminar’s editing capabilities are officially available on Android. Whether it finds a dedicated audience among mobile users remains to be seen, but the arrival of Luminar Android certainly broadens the software’s reach.
