I Have Seen The Future: Content Aware Image Resizing

THIS IS POSSIBLY the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time, certainly one of the most impressive pieces of technology I’ve seen lately. Many thanks to Mick for bringing this one to my attention. It’s the brainchild of a Dr. Ariel Shamir and I think it just might make him rich in the process.

The concept is “Content Aware Image Resizing” which I could ramble on about for a few paragraphs but basically just go watch the video demo of this new technology and be amazed. Honestly – you will be completely gobsmacked when you see the power of this new approach to image manipulation. If you want the full tech briefing check out this PDF document on the topic; it should satisfy the nerdiest of needs!

The implications are endless, but even from a WordPress perspective I wonder if there is the potential to incorporate such functionality into how images are handled by default, thereby making fluid themes really fluid (as distinct from now when image sizes remain constant while the text on the page moves as you resize your window).

Either way, even if this new technology cannot be adapted for WP sites, it will hopefully end up in Photoshop or all the usual players because it’s just too damn sweet to be ignored. In particular – stick with the video to the end folks – you will love the ‘eraser’ functionality.

I seriously hope the dude behind this idea has his patents sorted out because this is one nuclear hot idea.