I can hardly believe it but it’s true. There’s no catch and they are even promising a refund for those of us who purchased the software. Here is the link
https://plus.google.com/+NikCollection/posts/AFGsG2Di7EK
If you haven’t downloaded the software do it immediately before they come to their senses.
The Lightweight Photographer 
Good news in one sense, but likely this means little or no more updating of the tools. No revenue….
Perhaps, but good software that’s free is rare. I think this is a gret offer.
Not contesting that, but for those who paid (and that’s NOT what this is about, the paying) and have been using it, failure to update means it gradually loses relevance and usability as OS and image processing software changes. Very little has been done since Google took it over. Fine for now, and price is right, but you get what you pay for 🙂
That’s also true. In my book, the image quality from the Nik tools has now been overtaken by both Exposure from Alien Skin and the On1 Phot editing suite.
Thank you very much for the info!
No problem.
Hi Robin Thank you so much for passing this info on. Downloaded and ready to try it out. Much appreciated Best regards Les Garner
> On 24 March 2016 at 20:52 The Lightweight Photographer
No problem. Nik is a terrific product but as Rick pointed out, lets hope they continue to develop it.
I’ve had Nik forever. I hope it continues to work. I’ve been using topaz and Macphun more lately.
I agree. let’s hope they continue to develop Nik. I also use Topaz as their plugins give a nice arty feel. I’m not familiar with Macphun but then I work exclusively in Windows.
Annoyingly I purchased mine at the end of 2015 – so no refund….
Not good timing Martin. It might be worth still trying to contact them and asking if they would consider a partial refund. It would seem fairer than having a hard cut off date.
I’m a little confused – the Google-Nik web-site seems to indicate that this is a 15-day free trial:
QUOTE
More affordable than ever
You don’t have to choose between plug-ins — now you get the full set for one low price. You can take the whole collection for a spin with a 15-day free trial.
UNQUOTE
Hi Martin, I’m not sure where you are seeing this. When I read the press release it does say that the desktop version will be free.
Try refreshing your browser . . . . I have just downloaded it free t to two different devices. Good luck.
Thanks for sending this on Robin. To think I almost bought it last week ! I think google are one of the best out there. After-all can we really believe that google earth is free and you can go and look at any location, anywhere in the world. Google drive is excellent too. Sorry . . . . . that’s enough google pushing. Thanks again Robin.
It’s great news. I recall when they bought out Nik, reduced the price of the software and gave everyone a refund who had bought it previously. I’m also hoping it means more potential purchasors for my Nik books.
Many thanks for the information Robin – sorry, I’m a bit late onto this one. Can confirm though that Google refunded my purchase costs today for the software, so they are being very true to their word. As you’ve said before, let’s hope they do continue to update the software for the future. many thanks for the heads-up!
That’s good news Ken. These are great tools and for free they are increadible value.