Akvis Software has released Akvis SmartMask 2.5
(http://akvis.com/en/smartmask/), an update of the image selection
and masking plug-in for the Mac and Windows platforms. The upgrade
makes the eyedropper tools more flexible, adds new interface
languages (French and Portuguese) and improves compatibility with
Photoshop CS3,CS4 on Macintosh. Upgrade for registered users is free.

SmartMask is a masking tool designed to save time on complex
selections. With the app, there are two pencils, red and blue. Draw a
line with the blue pencil inside the object being selected (for
example, yourself in a group photo) and then outline the same object
with the red pencil to define the areas that should be cut out. The
selection algorithm analyzes the image and your drawing, and creates
the selection you want. Akvis SmartMask features three selection
modes are tailored to different types of selection: Sharp, Soft, and
Complex.

The new release makes selection even easier by making the eyedropper
tools more flexible (Complex mode), according to the folks at Akvis.
Also, version 2.5 adds new interface languages (French and
Portuguese) and improves compatibility with Photoshop CS3,CS4 on the
Mac.

For a free trial, Akvis offers 10 days to play with the fully
functional program.
http://Akvis.com/en/smartmask/download-selection-tool.php

Akvis SmartMask sells for $120; version 2.5 is a free update for
registered users. Home users can enjoy the full line of Akvis
plug-ins in the Akvis Alchemy bundle (Sketch, Chameleon, MultiBrush,
Retoucher, Coloriage, Noise Buster, Decorator, Enhancer, LightShop,
SmartMask, ArtSuite, Magnifier, ArtWork) for $325. One license
permits activation of the software on two computers.