source: techcrunch ai: adobe acquires image and video enhancement tool maker topaz labs
level: business
adobe announced it is acquiring topaz labs, a company known for ai models that enhance images and video. topaz labs has been around for over twenty years and recently developed its own models: astra for ai video upscaling and wonder for image retouching. the startup also created technology to run large video models on consumer gpus. adobe already offers some topaz tools in creative cloud and plans to integrate the models into its firefly ai app and other editing suites. topaz products will remain available as standalone services through its website.
deepa subramaniam, adobe's vp of product marketing for creative cloud, said topaz labs brings expertise in optimizing large ai models to run directly on devices. this will help adobe deliver faster, more responsive experiences and make advanced ai more accessible and cost-effective for creatives. professionals can use topaz tools for sharpening details, reducing noise, or restoring archival footage when combining real-life footage with ai clips.
the acquisition comes as adobe competes with canva and blackmagic design in the image and video editing market. by adding topaz labs' technology, adobe aims to keep users within its ecosystem and prevent them from turning to other software for editing and enhancements. the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
why it matters: integrating topaz labs' on-device ai models could make advanced video and image enhancement faster and cheaper for creative professionals using adobe tools.
source: techcrunch ai: adobe acquires image and video enhancement tool maker topaz labs