Akvis has released Akvis Retoucher 4.0 for Mac OS X and Windows systems (http://akvis.com/en/retoucher ), an update of the app for restoring damaged photos by removing dust, scratches, stains, and by reconstructing the missing parts of a photo automatically.

Version 4.0 allows small and large objects to be removed, improving the composition of your photos. You can remove date stamps, distracting details and even bigger objects (i.e. a passersby who fell into the shot by accident, cars in the background, etc.). Also, now the interface contains some auxiliary tools that help the program to reconstruct the background.

What’s more, Akvis Retoucher is also available in a a standalone version. The plugin version is compatible with Photoshop CS5 64 bit.

Registered users with a Home license can upgrade to Retoucher 4.0 for free. Owners of a Business license will need to pay USS$19 USD to upgrade, but those who purchased Retoucher during July or August of 2010 can upgrade for free.

Akvis Retoucher sells for $87. Home users can enjoy the full line of Akvis plugins in the Akvis Alchemy bundle (all 13 plug-ins) for $325. Retoucher is also available in the Restoration bundle which has been expanded and now includes Retoucher, MultiBrush, and Coloriage wit han $83 discount.