New Photo Software Products Boost Creativity, Organization

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 11/21/2005

New York — Several imaging software companies introduced new programs aimed at the mainstream camera user, helping them organize their voluminous photo archives and transform staid digital still photos into multimedia creations.

Allume Systems, a division of Smith Micro Software, introduced its Personal Photosuite title for organizing and editing digital images. The software lets users e-mail, print, upload and create video CD's of their digital images. A wizard-style interface walks consumers through creating photo albums, greeting cards, personalized calendars and Web pages.

The software supports image archiving through CD burning, image captioning, framing, time-stamping and notation. A “Smart Caption” feature lets users add and erase captions without permanently altering the underlying image file.

The software is shipping now for a suggested $39.99.

Simple Star signed a definitive agreement to acquire OurPictures in a bid to expand its partnership with retail photofinishers.

The move, sealed last month, gives Simple Star access to the OurPictures network, which, among other things, connects users to retailers to order photo prints directly from a software application.

The company described the acquisition as an acknowledgement that “consumers will soon print the majority of their [digital] photos at retail, just as they traditionally have when printing from film.”

OurPictures provided private label software to Ritz Camera Centers, which Ritz distributed for free to consumers who purchased a digital camera. The software had an application that let users upload photos directly to Ritz stores for making prints, often with a one-hour turnaround. According to Rich Tranchida, executive VP, Ritz Camera Centers, the relationship with OurPictures will continue through the acquisition and may even be expanded.

“It's been a phenomenal driver of business,” Tranchida said.

Simple Star has an existing print-ordering partnership with Walgreens.

According to Simple Star, the acquisition will let users of the company's PhotoShow imaging program make prints at over 25,000 locations nationwide including Longs Drugs and Wal-Mart.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. In a release announcing the purchase, Simple Star said it would retain OurPictures' management.

InterVideo, in conjunction with UleadSystems, introduced the sixth version of its Photo Express consumer image editing application. The new version offers new photo projects for creating animations that can be viewed on cellular phones or mobile devices.

The new version also integrates a Quick Task launcher that streamlines access to common editing and creativity tasks.

Photo projects are now grouped in a single “Create” menu found in both the software's browse and edit modes. The program offers photo album templates with personalized text and other customizable features.

A mobile animations tool lets users add animated objects to photos and create animations for use on phones or other mobile devices. The company also expanded the number of clip-art photo “props” available in the program.

The software supports the creation of Internet albums, pages, cards and slideshows.

Photo Express is available now for a suggested $39.99.