WebRaw demonstrates how a browser can perform the computationally challenging task of decoding a raw image.

Web-based photo editing took a second step forward Tuesday with the release of WebRaw, a tool that uses Mozilla's ASM.js technology for the computationally intense process of handling raw photos.

Raw photo formats, available on high-end cameras, offer better image quality and more editing flexibility, but they also are much more of a hassle than standard formats like JPEG, in part because they're so burdensome for computers to decode. That's why the demo, from Mozilla's Vladimir Vukicevic, is interesting: processing raw photos is the sort of chore that only a couple years ago would have been impossible with a Web application running in a browser.

Vukicevic's demonstration is an illustration of what's possible with a browser today, not an attempt to create an online competitor to premium raw-processing software like Adobe Systems' Lightroom or Apple's Aperture.

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For his contribution to seven Dream Theater albums (including such memorable tracks as the No. 4 single "Wither" off 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" and Grammy-nominated "On the Backs of Angels" off 2011's No. 8 album "A Dramatic Turn of Events"), Jordan Rudess is widely recognized as one of the finest keyboardists of all time. In fact, MusicRadar.com bestowed the honor upon him back in 2011.

These days the synth wiz is applying his technical savvy to the development of new apps that allow fans to unleash their own musical masterpieces. Along with his company, Wizdom Music, Rudess recently released Shapesonix and Maestro. Shapesonix lets users can create stunning audio-visual extravaganzas with the movement of a finger. With Maestro, users can play conductor to an orchestra of 3D classical musicians. These follow on the heels of such successful releases as the top-selling, multiple award-winning synth app MorphWiz, along with Sample Wiz, GeoSynth, Tachyon, and ... [Read more]