Google snaps up former Adobe executive

Since its relatively humble days as a search engine, Google has diversified its interests into a wide variety of different technological endeavors. From mapping the highest mountains to the lowest valleys with Google Earth, to its recent acquisition of smart home tech company Nest, Google no longer seems content to remain on the desktop. However, according to CNET, Google's sights seem firmly set on the realm of digital photography and imaging, as former Adobe executive John Nack has now joined the world's largest technology company.

A broader push into digital imaging
Ordinarily, personnel moves don't tend to ignite much debate or speculation, even at Google. Nack's appointment, however, could be seen as the latest attempt by the search giant to muscle in on the digital photography space - a market that has long been dominated by Adobe's extensive range of products, including flagship program Photoshop. During his time with Adobe, Nack served as a project lead on Photoshop, and helmed many of the additions to the software that have made it virtually ubiquitous in the field of digital imaging.

"Why make this move? Merlin Mann once asked me, 'What do you want ten times more of?' I knew the answer: Impact," Nack wrote on his blog. "I'm so proud of the impact I've had at Adobe. From Smart Objects to Photoshop's first-ever public beta to countless little tweaks over the years...I'm proud of that legacy. Now, though, I'll get a chance to work on some new projects."

Closer collaboration
Nack served at Adobe for 14 years, so it should come as little surprise that his move to Google is a big deal in Silicon Valley. However, despite the perceived rivalries between the two companies, Nack's appointment at Google could result in greater collaboration between Google and Adobe, especially as many image manipulation applications migrate to the cloud and move away from traditional subscription business models.

CNET reports that although Google has acquired numerous imaging companies and products over the years, including Panoramio and Picasa, Nack could bring a whole new level of insight and expertise to Google in a highly competitive area in which the company has failed to make significant traction.

Whether Google will become a more dominant player in the imaging field remains to be seen. However, if you want to master the Adobe Creative Cloud or just get your feet wet with what is possible with this powerful range of tools, Adobe training at the American Graphics Institute is an excellent way to expand your horizons and broaden your skill set.