Aviary (application suite)

Aviary is a proprietary web-based multi-media application suite that is free to use and currently under development by Worth1000. They are using the Adobe Flex platform for most of their tools. The exceptions are the instant loading mark-up tool Falcon (developed in Flash without using any frameworks) and the instant loading image edit tool Feather (developed in HTML5) and their platform independent photo effect filter sandbox (developed in the cloud). The individual tool names are bird-themed, hence the suite name. The scope of proposed tools has drawn comparisons to the Adobe Creative Suite. Aviary exited their invitation-only beta in October, 2008 and announced subscription plans for private collaboration under their blue plan (since extended to all members free of charge.) But the blue badge still remains a sign of support.

Tools

For Everyone

• Phoenix – Advanced Image Editor. An web-based image editor that can be utilized by anyone looking to retouch and manipulate a photo. From basic image editing to manipulating complex effects, Phoenix delivers essential key features available in powerful desktop clients right through your browser.
• Peacock – Node based visual laboratory Peacock is a tool with depth and endless possibilities like dragging, dropping, and connecting generators, effects, resources, and controllers. Users can create stunning art by combining terrains, patterns, computational effects, and more.
• Toucan – Color swatches and palettes creator
• Rookery – Codename for the file system utilized by Aviary.
• Raven – Vector editor. Raven allows users to create fully scalable vector art appropriate for logos, T-shirt designs, and much more.
• Talon – Chrome & Firefox Screen Capture Add-On. It will perform a screen capture of the visible portion of any webpage and then open the capture instantly in a basic image editor where you can do markup (draw arrows and rectangles), edit (crop, rotate and resize) and get the exact pixel colors of the image.
• Falcon – Image Markup. Falcon can be used for resizing, cropping, rotating, and other simple editing. Falcon runs lightning fast even on the slowest connections, which makes for great results and sharing in no time!
• Myna – Audio editor Myna is a powerful audio editing tool used to remix your favorite songs or record your own.
• Roc – Beat generator. With over 50 free instruments, users can create simple beats or an masterpiece with a simple point and click interface

In Alpha Testing

Old style

When Aviary new applications were introduced, they got the alpha testing status. This meant that only 'Pro members' could use them. At the moment there are no new applications under alpha testing; all applications in the suite are free to use for everyone.

New style

On April 18, 2011 Aviary reinvented Alpha testing on their website. Instead of only letting 'Pro members' use the new Alpha versions, everyone could use them. And instead of launching new and unknown tools, they launched new versions of the existing tools with the changes that were suggested by the community and got the most votes.

Announced

• Dodo, branded as a "web-based time machine" and announced on April 1, 2008, was later revealed to be an April Fools joke.
• Crane, branded as the web’s first paper-based image editor was announced on April 1, 2009. But was later revealed to be an April Fools joke.
• Birdstore, promoted as their killer business model was announced on April 1, 2010. But was later revealed to be an April Fools joke.
• Parrot, branded as the voice-activated actions enhancement for the Aviary suite. It was announced on April 1, 2011. But was later revealed to be an April Fools joke.

External links

• Aviary.com
• Aviary on Twitter