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Better JPEG standard due in 2009

JPEG XR, an image format created by Microsoft that promises a number of advantages over JPEG, has cleared a key standardization hurdle.

The Joint Photographic Experts Group, which standardized the original and still ubiquitous JPEG format, sent JPEG XR to the "final phases of standardization" after a vote at a January meeting, the group said Thursday. That means the standard's future is more certain.

"The committee expects the JPEG XR International Standard to be published later this year," the group said.

JPEG XR offers a few advantages over JPEG, according to Microsoft. For one thing, … Read more

Sony patents Surface-like photo printer

At CES last year I was lucky enough to get a chance to spend a good half hour with a prototype of the Microsoft Surface device. Since then, I've been to the campus in Redmond a few times and have seen a few more things it can do. It's promising technology, but Microsoft's going to have to hustle to get it to market if it wants to stay impressive, as other groups, like Sony, look to be rushing their own versions into the world.

Take this patent Sony recently filed for a digital printer. Using a touchscreen … Read more

Second Wireless iPhone Printing App Debuts

Following the release of HP's iPrint Photo application, which allows printing from the iPhone to capable HP printers, River Past Corporation has released another wireless printing application with one key advantage: the ability to direct output to printers from any manufacturer.

The new iPhone app, dubbed Air Photo, requires a server to be installed on a host Windows or Mac OS X system. That means it's not a direct-to-device solution like HP's offering. The software's description reads:

"Set up the printer only once on your computer, then simply tap "Print" with Air Photo … Read more

iPhone apps of the week

I've been on the phone with several iPhone application developers this week and the common thread has been that all are excited about the success of the iPhone App Store. But one of the developers wanted to point out that one of his applications that's been around since the beginning, but hadn't seen much exposure yet. After checking it out, I decided to include it in this weeks post.

This week's applications include a free photo-driven social-networking application and a game that plays like a classic stand-up arcade game from the past.

PhotoShare (free) from Big … Read more

First 3rd-party iPhone Mail Client: Send Multiple Photos

A new iPhone application allows users to bypass the iPhone's inherent one-photo-per-email limit. Appropriately dubbed "Multi-Photo Email," the applications works by connecting to a user's SMTP server and sending photos as simple attachments. Users can designate a subject and body, in essence making this application the first third-party email client for the iPhone.

Multi-Photo Email includes the following features:

Pick photos directly from the library Import recipients from the Address Book Adjust photo quality and reduce photo size

The new app is priced at $0.99 and is available through the iTunes App Store.

Works better than expected

Photogene is an image-manipulation tool that lets users crop images, correct color distribution, sharpen, rotate, and mirror images, as well as add special effects.

The application responds quickly to commands. We expected the application to bog down when changing color distributions with the histogram or cropping images, but the changes were nearly instant.

Photogene ran fast and worked nearly flawlessly during our few days with it. The only bug we ran into with the application was while creating screenshots for this review, so most people will probably never run into the same issue. When you create a screenshot while the … Read more

Easy-to-use image manipulator

You don't have to try learning a complex program like PhotoShop if you just want to sharpen photos and other images for scrapbooks, simple brochures, and newsletters. This app puts the essential tools in the hands of novices and other users who are intimidated by the learning curve required by professional-level programs.

NuGenImageWorks launches a large, easy-to-navigate interface with two essential screens: the first displays the original image you want to manipulate; the second shows the image with your changes in real time. Novices may have trouble understanding some of the tool names initially if they aren't familiar … Read more

Smartparts intros 2 touch-screen photo viewers

Smartparts has added two new pocket-size touch-screen digital photo viewers to its current lineup, the 2.4-inch SP24PC and the 3.5-inch SP35PC.

These compact digital photo viewers give people the capability to enjoy their favorite photos on the go. Users upload photos by connecting the viewer to their computer via USB cable. Both viewers are compatible with Mac and Windows.

The SP24PC can hold up to 50 images in its internal memory, and the SP35PC can hold up to 100 images. They both have a built-in rechargeable battery that automatically charges when the viewer is attached to a computer … Read more

Pandigital introduces new PanTouch Clear line of digital photo frames

In case you're watching the digital-photo frame market, it appears that prices are coming down nicely heading into the spring of 2009. Hitting stores next month, Pandigital's new PanTouch Clear line features an allegedly simplified touch-screen interface and an eye-catching floating-image design for a relatively affordable price.

The PanTouch Clear models come in 7- and 8-inch size frames. They offer 800x600 resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio, 6-in-1 card reader, and 1 GB of internal memory. They'll be available next month, with the 7-incher listed at $119 and the 8-inch model listed for $139.99. Both models … Read more