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Photoshop vs. Slazzer: Which Works Best for Removing Backgrounds?

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Slazzer


Are you frequently called upon to remove backgrounds from a source image but aren’t sure whether to pay for Photoshop or use something else? If so, read on. Slazzer offers an alternative that may help you reach a conclusion.

Removing backgrounds from source images is something that many content creators or designers rely upon as they create or edit their work. Consequently, to create compelling imagery, designers need to remove backgrounds and add extra elements. However, doing this often isn’t as easy as it seems. That is to say; it can be very time-consuming.

Challenging the ‘Industry Standard’

Adobe Photoshop is a widely known photo editing software that features a comprehensive photo editing package. It is useful for graphic design professionals.

However, most people don’t use even half the features that come with the package.

Even with its depth of features, it still can be ridiculously hard to remove backgrounds. Moving into this space, Slazzer provides an inexpensive alternative for background removal.

Enter Slazzer

Slazzer offers an instantaneous background remover. Instead of hassling back and forth with Photoshop, the only thing users need to do is drag and drop an image. Done! It really is as easy as that.

Skeptics can give it a shot by trying it out for free by visiting the Slazzer homepage.

Since Slazzer is an AI-powered editing tool, it uses advanced computer vision algorithms. The application is able to quickly remove backgrounds from just about any image. In addition, users can replace a background with a fine degree of detailing in just a few seconds.

To see for yourself what Photoshop and Slazzer offer, here’s a breakdown of application usability, pricing structures, and features using an in-depth comparison.

User Interaction and Experience

Assuming you know even a little bit about Photoshop, you might wonder if it’s worth the expense to use it for one specific task, such as background removal. Maybe utilizing a dedicated application created specifically for that purpose for that would be much simpler?

In this niche, how does Slazzer measure up?

For one, the image background removal interface on Slazzer is straightforward. Drag and drop an image into the application. Sit back and wait for artificial intelligence (AI) to do the rest. That’s it.

With Photoshop, users have a wide range of tools and settings, from quick alterations using the Quick Selection Tool to precise adjustments. Photoshop features a lot to unpack…and a lot to get used to.

For instance, erasing a backdrop freehand requires the use of numerous edge, masking, brush, and eraser tools. This level of complexity may seem daunting and even frustrating to a novice user who only truly needs one tool.

Background Removal Options

Many businesses regularly must rely upon various methods to remove backgrounds. Some are costly in terms of staff time.

Professional photographers may take thousands of photos in a single photoshoot. These may all require an easier process than manually removing the background using Photoshop.

How does Slazzer stack up against Photoshop in this regard?

Slazzer

  • Features numerous tools. Anyone can remove backgrounds, and even process multiple images at the same time using the Bulk Background Remover.
  • The Rest API allows users to integrate Slazzer into an app website or system by adding a few lines of code.
  • The Desktop App can bulk process thousands of images sequentially on any Mac, Windows, or Linux device.
  • Plugins are available directly within Photoshop, Figma, Sketch, and WordPress.
  • Infinity Offline software provides unlimited image cutouts — megapixel quality and file size — on your desktop, offline.
  • On-premises deployment provides encrypted executable files on any cloud server in the world.

Photoshop

  • Has no distinctive feature specific to background removal.
  • The “Magic Wand” tool allows users to quickly remove objects.
    • However, due to the spectrum of color, it’s almost impossible to remove entire backgrounds.
  • Photoshop also does not have any Rest API function to integrate into any website or app.

Many Issues Can Be Resolved via Slazzer’s Plugin

Slazzer

The Slazzer plugin for Photoshop offers the ability to work at super speed, in your comfort zone, Likewise, it does this at a rate you’ve likely never seen before.

No more tedious and boring work trying to remove image backgrounds. In the same vein, no more paying for unnecessary tools. Slazzer removes image backgrounds in seconds.

Pricing Comparison

For many, price is one of the most important aspects of choosing an image-manipulation tool. Consequently, by offering flexible pricing plans, Slazzer can meet the specific needs of different environments.

What do the different subscription and/or price options look like? There are some significant differences many will appreciate.

  • Slazzer offers flexible subscription and top-up models. With Photoshop, a monthly subscription is the only option.
  • Slazzer offers tiered pricing based on desired functionalities. (See the Slazzer Infinity pricing model below.) But let’s first do a side-by-side comparison.

Table 1: Photoshop vs. Slazzer

Slazzer Photoshop
Free Plan ✅

  •  Two (2) free credits with unlimited free previews on Slazzer.com.
  • API access and apps for Windows/Mac/Linux.
  • Photoshop extension.
  • Refer friends and earn free credits.
Free Plan ❌

  • There’s no free plan with Photoshop.
  • You can, however, trial it for free for seven days.
Subscriptions ✅

Various subscription options. There is a credit-based model which gives you the flexibility to pay for what you need and change to your necessity.

  • From 100 credits a month to 50,000.
  • Pricing starts from $13 USD and goes up to $1999 USD.
  • Ten-Day Money Back Guarantee
Subscriptions ✅

  • Photoshop works on a subscription model of $20.99 per month.

 

API Solution

  • A Rest API solution that integrates into your app, website, or system with just a few lines of code.
API Solution

  • Photoshop does not support this functionality.
Pay-as-you-go

One of the most popular methods of payment. The top-up model or pay-as-you-go lets you pay for the amounts of credit you use.

  • From 10 credits to 12,000.
  • Starting at $6 (0.6 cents per image) to $1,300 (0.1 cents per image).
Pay-as-you-go

  • There is no pay-as-you-go model for Photoshop.

Making an Informed Choice

So which should you choose? It all depends on your specific needs and everyday usage.

Now that we’ve covered a general overview of the two applications let’s dial in our focus on the common task of removing image backgrounds. Choosing the right application will depend on your current workflow, specifically how often you need this specific capability.

One of the nicer features of Slazzer is that it does not force this either/or dynamic. It can be used within Photoshop without ever leaving the application.

  • The Slazzer Top Up pricing plans offer a convenient way to perform a one-time background-removal job without committing to an ongoing subscription. Slazzer offers plans that start at 10 credits per month, assuming you need ongoing capabilities.
  • They also allow users to roll over any unused credits, up to six (6). This eliminates the worry of paying monthly subscription fees for services you don’t use.

Addressing Various Real-World Scenarios

  1. You might be thinking: “I don’t know much about photo editing, nor do I want to. I just need the background removed.” In this case, Slazzer fits the bill.
  2. “I want to remove the background of an image and plan to use another tool — not Photoshop — to create a social media post.” Again, Slazzer is the economical choice.
  3. “I’m a professional photographer, and I need to quickly remove a background so I can move on to other tasks.” In this instance, use Photoshop with the Slazzer plugin.

Customized Solutions

The folks at Slazzer are able to customize their product to respond to specific requirements.

Are you called upon to process more than 100,000 images per year? Slazzer provides an Enterprise Sales team that can put together individualized quotes.

Image Support for Various Media Formats

  • Users can upload any image in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format.
  • Slazzer supports a file size of up to 12MB and a 25-megapixel resolution.
  • If the image resolution is larger than 25 megapixels — e.g., 6250×4000 pixels or any other aspect ratio — that image is automatically resized to Slazzer’s maximum resolution.
  • Photos must have a primary subject that is clearly positioned in the foreground.
    For example, most images of products, people, cars, animals, and other objects work seamlessly.

How Adobe Express Compares to Slazzer

Even though Photoshop does not favorably compare to Slazzer in terms of ease of drag-and-drop background removal, Adobe recently released a new application called “Adobe Express.”

Does Express offer a more favorable comparison to Slazzer? Let’s take a look.

Table 2: Slazzer vs. Adobe Express

Slazzer Adobe Express
Drag and Drop

Supports drag and drop function, but also has much more.

 

Drag and Drop

Supports drag and drop function.

Free Plan

Two free credits with unlimited free previews on slazzer.com.

–   API access and apps for Windows/Mac/Linux. Photoshop extension. Refer friends and earn free credits.

Free Plan

–   Start with free plan.

–   Includes all the core features below so you can start making content. Continue using it for as long as you want at no cost.

–   2GB of storage.

Multiple Features for Background Removal

Slazzer has many services and features all dedicated to making the process of background removal both fast and effective.

Multiple Features for Background Removal

No dedicated alternative features for background removal.

Mobile App

Features a mobile app on Android.

–   Quickly and easily remove the background from photos on your mobile device by launching the background remover Slazzer mobile app.

Mobile App

Features a mobile app on iOS.

–   App dedicated to more than background removal. A designer tool. Turn your edited image into different template designs.

 

API Solution

A Rest API solution that Integrates into your app, website, or system with just a few lines of code.

API Solution

Adobe Express does not support this functionality.

Overall, both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Express offer many positive image manipulation features. True, Adobe Express offers an attractive alternative to purchasing full-blown Photoshop, but it still does not compete with Slazzer in terms of ease of background removal.

Adobe Express can be thought of more as “Canva for editing, with some added tools.” Additionally, Photoshop and Adobe express do not have the Rest API tool offered by Slazzer.

Accuracy of Results: Slazzer vs. Photoshop vs. Adobe Express

The strength of Slazzer lies in its AI, which is dedicated to identifying different elements in an image. From people, products, animals, cars, graphics, and real estate, the Visual AI is tailored to detect these objects and remove backgrounds accordingly. AI engineering makes the tool powerful for this specific task.

When determining which tool is best for removing image backgrounds, Slazzer holds the competitive edge. Photoshop does not have a specific background removal tool. Adobe Express does, but the feature is fairly limited by comparison.

Slazzer

Slazzer Infinity

Many users don’t want to work with an API and the technical aspects involved with installation. In response, Slazzer is launching an API-free application. This new dedicated background removal tool will be limited to desktop applications.

Slazzer Infinity will be the first-ever desktop application for background removal, specifically instant and infinite removals. Infinity features the ability to remove image backgrounds automatically and offline with no manual intervention required. Users don’t even need an internet connection. There are no technical/API requirements.

Powered by AI and automation, users can start a free trial period of Slazzer for all their business needs. During the free trial, Slazzer Infinity places a watermark is placed on each image. (After purchase, watermarking is removed, and the app is tailored to your specific needs.) The final cost of the Infinity app will depend on individual requirements.

The Slazzer Infinity application is available for Windows, Mac, or Linux desktop computers. After download, Slazzer will prompt you to select an input and output folder. After that, the app will work automatically 24/7 to process images sequentially, without interruption.

Contact the Slazzer sales team if interested in a custom quote.

Slazzer

Photoshop Plugin

  • When you click install, a new menu will open, Window → Extensions → Remove Background.
  • This button will then be available anytime you need it during your design process.
  • When you click on the background removal button, all images are processed through the Slazzer API.
  • You will need an active API key and an internet connection to use the plugin.

Photoshop Extension

  • In Adobe Exchange, click the Free button to install the Slazzer plugin.
  • Make sure you have the Creative Cloud Desktop App installed, version 4.6 or above.
  • Installation will take a few seconds. There is no progress bar. However, you should receive a message once installation is complete.
  • If installing from Adobe Exchange does not work, you can also install Slazzer manually using the Anastasiy’s Extension Manager.
  • Download the remove.bg plugin and use it in Photoshop.
  • Check the Slazzer website for easy drag-and-drop accessibility.

Slazzer

 

Summary

With Slazzer, background removal is their only game. That’s the only market need they are attempting to answer. Given that specific need, expect the company to grow and potentially become the go-to background removal platform.

Photo editing and content creation will only become more important in an increasingly digital age. Slazzer seeks to make it as easy and accessible as possible.

Slazzer

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Politics

Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

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Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

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Politics

Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

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Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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Politics

UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

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Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

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