"The Lightroom 4 beta introduces quite a list of features, including a completely new book-creation module, expanded support for video, soft proofing capability, and geo-tagging of still and video images via a Google Maps-powered module. Image editing tools have also been significantly updated, with a new
process version (PV2012) that includes a reworking of the Basic panel controls and new localized editing options.
To get you up to speed on what's new and help you start exploring the public beta, I'm going to take you through the tools and features that have changed since Lightroom 3. Keep in mind this is not a Lightroom review or tutorial, rather an illustrated overview of what has been added and updated. My goal is to help you get started in exploring these new features for yourself."
Another year, another LR beta. Some hots & nots: Lots of video functionality added, like cropping and effects, geo-tagging and soft-proofing, but face detection didn't make it. And its still bad at making cofeee:
"New tools to enhance and share your digital photograph library
A few new cameras are supported in this final version:
Canon" EOS-1D X, PowerShot G1 X, PowerShot S100
Fujifilm: FinePix F505 EXR, FinePix F605 EXR, FinePix HS30 EXR, FinePix HS33 EXR
Nikon: D4, D800, D800E
"What if I told you that by the end of this article I could drastically boost your Photoshop productivity? Interested? That's actually not an exaggeration if you've never taken advantage of Photoshop's actions and batch processing tools. If you find yourself repeatedly performing the same (often mindless) tasks in Photoshop one step at a time, I'm going to show you a better way to work.