As anticipated, Apple has unveiled the latest version of Final Cut Pro today, which introduces an impressive array of new features that are sure to delight video editors. Final Cut Pro 11 now includes spatial video editing support, capabilities to transcribe to captions, a magnetic mask, and much more.
It’s significant to note that Final Cut Pro 11 marks the first release not falling under the 10.x category since Apple removed the ‘X’ from its name in 2020. Additionally, Apple has rolled out an update for Final Cut Pro on iPad, version 2.1, along with an upgrade for Final Cut Camera. These updates follow closely behind the launch of Logic Pro 11.1 today, which also features numerous enhancements for creative professionals.
Spatial Video Editing
One of the standout additions in Final Cut Pro 11 is the feature introduced during this summer’s WWDC. Apple is finally opening up spatial import, editing, and delivery capabilities for Final Cut Pro users, making it possible to import spatial video captured on iPhones to a Mac, edit it, and then deliver it for viewing on Apple Vision Pro.
Spatial videos can be recorded with the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone model from the 16 era. After capturing the footage, users can simply drag the spatial video into a Final Cut Pro project timeline, make edits, and deliver the final product. Editing spatial video is quite similar to working with standard 2D video, with added export controls to ensure smooth delivery.
Recently, Blackmagic Design, creator of the Final Cut Pro competitor DaVinci Resolve, updated its NLE to incorporate spatial video encoding and spatial photo decoding support, and I found that process to be quite user-friendly as well.
Transcribe to Captions
Highlighted during the Mac mini presentation, Apple has now integrated AI-assisted transcription natively in Final Cut Pro. This innovative feature will leverage the capabilities of the new M4-era hardware, providing speech-to-text processing that is up to 13 times faster than Intel Macs.
The Transcribe to Captions function is located within the color correction and audio enhancement tools, represented by a magic wand icon just below the viewer. Users can select the audio source to generate captions from, click on Transcribe to Captions, and let Final Cut Pro take care of the rest.
This new feature is sure to be a game-changer for creators, particularly those focused on short-form content. While caption transcription is not a new concept, with various companies like MotionVFX offering effective solutions, the key advantage here is that Apple’s transcription is directly integrated into Final Cut Pro and is available for free to existing users through the version 11 update.
AI-Generated Effects
Alongside the AI-assisted Transcribe to Captions feature, Final Cut Pro 11 now incorporates new AI-generated effects that significantly expand the range of effects available. While Final Cut Pro has offered various effects for some time, the introduction of AI-generated effects provides users with an almost limitless selection of engaging options.
Magnetic Mask
Magnetic Mask was another feature hinted at during Apple’s Mac mini event, and it was one we had limited knowledge about prior to today’s announcement. Although Apple didn’t elaborate on the Magnetic Mask during the event, it was showcased during the Final Cut Pro segment of the presentation.
Initially, we speculated that the Magnetic Mask would simplify the application of masks by utilizing snapping techniques to align with high-contrast areas.
DMN’s Take
Final Cut Pro 11 introduces several vital new features, with the Transcribe to Captions option being among the most sought-after additions. This feature is available as a complimentary update for current users.
What are your thoughts on Final Cut Pro 11? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
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