Photo sharing from Flickr, Facebook, Picasa and geotagging site "locr" come to personal printed photo albums. Today FotoInsight launches a new version of FotoInsight Designer with new photo book formats and new features like fading frames and festive templates.

Cambridge, 17 March 2009. - Against an ever increasing number of photo book services, FotoInsight is increasing its technological lead with the introduction of version 4.5 of FotoInsight Designer, which is now also available for Linux and Mac. The ease at which photos can freely be inserted into the book or into templates now also extends to clipart, maps, text and images from photo sharing sites like Flickr as well as the geotagging site "locr" and Wikipedia GeoNames. The photo sharing sites become an online interface for photo book building with family and friends, as users can now complement their printed photo albums with additional pictures (e.g. the Eiffel Tower form a different angle) from photo sharing sites, straight from within the FotoInsight Designer software. 

Geotagging and Photosharing

In addition, with just a mouse click pictures used in a photo calendar or photo book project in FotoInsight Designer 4.5 can be uploaded to the geotagging photo community "locr". The other way around, aerial shots and maps from the geotagging community will come handy for comprehensive information of the locality in a personal travel book. "locr GmbH's" Managing Director Malte Schloen states: “The collaboration between the FotoInsight Photo Book service and locr as a geotagging and information sharing site combines two innovative leaders to the benefit of users. Geotagging communities like 'locr' free internet users from Ordnance Survey's outdated geographic information monopoly.” FotoInsight's Managing Director Klaas Brumann adds: “We are so excited that our software tool for photo book design now integrates a gateway into shared photos and geographic information and online photo sharing, that we are already working on extending the range of photo sharing sites to also include Facebook and Picasa in the following release later this year.”

Travel Diaries

For geotagged images the new software can load corresponding local information straight from "locr" or Wikipedia into the photo book. Creating area maps takes just a click. FotoInsight's Head of Communication Catalina Martínez states: “It has never been easier to write comprehensive travel diaries or even your own travel guide.” Using geotagging applications for photos or tagging the location information manually opens a new world of opportunity to relate images with locality information.

Image Layering and Blend-in Image Masks

According to Andrew White, Internet Sales Manager at FotoInsight print partner CEWE Color Ltd.: " layering images in any order or position has been one of the outstanding features of its Designer software for photo books". With the new software upgrade a range of different shapes or blend-in image masks can be used as image frames. There are also plenty of new frames and clipart to decorate photo gifts for Mothering Sunday, Easter, Father's Day etc.

New Panorama Format

After extending its range with the Photo Book XXL with editable hardcover in portrait format (H36 x 28 cm) and in faux leather with traditional screw bind in panoramic format (H30 x W42 cm) last year, FotoInsight now adds an A4 panorama size (H28 x W21 cm). FotoInsight's print resolution of 360 dpi produces crisp panorama images spreading across double pages up to 84 cm wide.

Mac OS and Linux, too

Compatible with Windows XP, Linux and Mac operating system 10.5 Leopard and above, version 4.5 of the FotoInsight Designer software is now available to download from the FotoInsight website. The software upgrade sees greater functionality for editing, sorting and arranging photos, as well as for creating personalised photo gifts that preserve photographic memories.

In Time for the Easter holidays

The Easter holiday photographs are a great opportunity to try the new FotoInsight Designer features, printing photographic memories. Therefore FotoInsight offers 10% off all photo canvas print (voucher CNV1) and a square photo book (21 x 21 cm) for £10 (saving £4.99; voucher code PBSS1C, expires 30 April 2009).

For journalists:

For questions or if you would like to test the FotoInsight photobook software "Designer" as a journalist please contact us at tel. +44 (0)8700 114911 or email pr (at) fotoinsight.co.uk. FotoInsight also offer vouchers and software for reader offers. FotoInsight Photo Book Service: http://fotoinsight.co.uk/book

 

Information about FotoInsight

FotoInsight Ltd was founded in 2003 in Cambridge and runs an easy to use digital photo processing service, offering an extensive array of award-winning photographic print and photo gifts as well as the photo books, photo poster, photographic calendars and photos on canvas printing. Customers benefit from patented development processes and the experience of Europe’s largest independent photo lab with an installed capacity of 18 million prints per day. Photos ordered through http://fotoinsight.co.uk are developed in one of 19 strategically located, state of the art photo labs, employing 3000 staff, with an output of over 3 billion prints per year.

 

Information about locr

locr is a revolutionary geotagging photo community. According to the slogan "Geotag, Print & Share - Show your World in Photos"- locr offers users the possibility of visualizing photos with the aid of street maps, satellite images and location information. locr has specialized in travel-, geophotography and geophoto-software solutions for digital cameras and mobile phones. With a GPS-Mobile Phone, a digital camera with integrated GPS or a GPS-accessory device photos can be geotagged and uploaded to locr. Within the community people from all over the world share, rate and comment the most beautiful photos. With the "locr Geophoto Book" the first travel photo book that includes auto-created street maps, locr will extend its product range with print products in spring 2009. locr was founded in September 2006 in Brunswick, Germany.



Contact

FotoInsight Ltd.

Catalina Martínez, Head of International Communication

9 Moore Close

Cambridge

CB4 1ZP, UK

Skype fotoinside

Tel. +44 (0)8700 114911

Fax +44 (0)8715 601675

Email: pr (at) fotoinsight.co.uk

http://fotoinsight.co.uk/



locr GmbH

Malte Schloen

Technologiepark

Rebenring 33

38106 Braunschweig

Tel. +49 531-482 693 34

Fax. +49 531-482 693 21

Email: m.schloen (at) locr.com

Labels: Digital photography, Facebook, Flickr, Geotagging, locr, photo sharing, photobook, photographic album, printed, printing, software

Software makes it easy to create impressive artistic prints from manipulated digital images. This has helped producers of quality, large format canvas printing services. FotoInsight of Cambridge is launching its online canvas service in France, Spain and is now selling in 32 countries.

According to FotoInsight, thousands of its online photo printing customers have taken advantage of its new production processes. Modern fabrics, optimised for ink absorption and long durability and standardised sizes which allow a largely automatised production process result in professional quality of a high continuity and durability at lower prices.

Labels: digital art, digital photo service online, Digital photography, image editing, mounted canvas photo, photo on canvas, photo printing, photoscreen, textile print

The online photo service Printing-1 is growing and increases its service capabilities in the UK. The company now offers a range of soft and hardcover photo books from leaflet size to A4 books with up to 144 pages Printing-1 photo books are available with three different bindings methods (staple, spiral and book binding) with soft and hardcover in matt or glossy finish.
Taking good photographs is easier and cheaper than ever before. Many digital images lingering on computer hard drives could be preserved in coffee table style photo book or stand out as a mounted canvas on a wall or in the reception room. Until recently photo canvas printing was done by small workshops at horrendous prices. Printing-1 claims to apply the latest technology and efficient production methods to offer what it calls “large prints at small prices”.

Printing-1, a specialist service for amateurs and professional photographers, prints photos onto canvas on frames starting at 30 cm per side and increasing in 10 cm steps to 80 cm per side, where any combination of size can be chosen in these 10 cm steps. The standardised formats, parts and processes allow for higher degree of automation and help to bring the price down. The print penetrates deep into the yarn and therefore does not crack on the edge of the frame. Images are delivered stretched and mounted onto a robust wooden frame which can be hung on the wall immediately and is expected to be extremely long lasting, due to optimised inks and fabrics.

Photo Book Software

According to Printing-1, during the software development special emphasis was put on ease of use and creative freedom for users on Windows and Apple computers. Images are not only fully scalable and can be positioned freely on any page; each frame can be defined individually, too. The page number feature can be switched on or off for individual pages in order not to spoil a beautiful full page image. Instead of limiting creativity through an automatic assistant the program provides templates to help positioning images after which they can still be adjust or moved. In general, the new photo book software entices creative experiments with the lay-out tools. Printing-1 is going down new paths: The program allows switching between binding types and book formats at any time, automatically adjusting the page layout.



Not only printed photo books, but also online photo book sharing

Individual photo books can be saved as separate projects. The photo books are to be uploaded to http://www.printing-1.co.uk first, before placing an order. At their website they will be stored free of charge for up to two months, allowing users to invite friends to view their Printing-1 photo books online. This way friends and family can view and comment on the scrapbook project and order and pay for their own printed memory book if they wish. When a photobook is ordered as a present and sent directly to friends or family abroad (including the USA), using a separate delivery addresses helps save time and money.

The Printing-1 Photo book Software

Beyond the use of layout templates, each page can be edited freely. The editing tools include free scaling, rotating and positioning of photographs. A line around an image helps to set it against coloured backgrounds. Frames can be defined individually around each picture and images can also be printed frameless across a full page or even a double page, providing the right format for landscapes and other photographs requiring a larger space. The printing-1 My Photobook software for Windows and Mac also provides a tool to post-edit images individually. This allows giving images a degree of semi-transparency, an interesting effect on some overlapping images.

With digital photobooks the many digital memories vanishing on ageing computer hard discs can finally see the light of day. The digital photo service Printing-1 delivers in the UK, the USA and most European countries within two weeks of ordering online. The ability to view digital photographs on ever improving screens removed the immediate need for printing. It appears that long lasting, professionally printed products like canvas prints and photo books will keep photographers interested in printing for some time to come.

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Labels: Digital photography, launching new website, mounted canvas printing, new product, photo books, photo on canvas

Published by greenstreet software for PC and MAC

Cambridge, 13 September 2006. - The latest Digital Cameras come with more features, more complexity - and more opportunity. For confused consumers National Geographic’s Digital Photography Guide is the answer, with a complete in depth view of everything from taking the perfect photo to using your computer as a fully functional Digital Darkroom. Ideal for Christmas presents for the budding digital camera or camera phone user.



This complete guide, based on the book “National Geographic Photography Field Guide” by Rob Sheppard, is the first step to first class photographs and covers every aspect of digital photography from cameras, memory cards and basic photography to creating truly exotic images using your home computer. Novices can follow a complete Digital Photography course from start to finish and experienced photographers can select a subject for real-time information and useful tips. Unlike a book each subject is supported by demonstrations, interactive examples, virtual cameras, narration and exercises. With the massive upsurge in Digital Camera ownership this guide will prove invaluable.


“We are delighted with the National Geographic Digital Photo Guide. It is extremely comprehensive, easy to follow and packed full of information - and who better to show you the ropes! This handy guide is perfect for both amateurs and experienced photographer who want to shoot like the pros. With strong branding, popular subject matter - and the success of our other National Geographic titles - we expect this product to have instant appeal” Commented Jeff Fenton CEO of Greenstreet Software Ltd.

National Geographic Digital Photo Guide is being backed by an aggressive PR and Marketing campaign, plus some fantastic launch offers.

The National Geographic Digital Photo Guide is released on 18th September for both PC and MAC with an SRP of £29.99.

For further information on National Geographic Digital Photo Guide, to request a review copy or for information on cover mount versions, competitions and subscription incentives please contact:

Liane Pilkington

+ 44 (0)1480 358826

lpilkington (at) greenstreetsoftware.com

           
Greenstreet - Background

Greenstreet are a leading developer & software publisher focusing on the sale of top quality, innovative products developed both in-house and by outside parties worldwide. Winner of major Industry awards and accolades for innovation & value, greenstreet creates feature packed products at affordable prices - for Home Entertainment, SME Business & Office Markets - and a well-established test department ensures that only the very best games and utility software gets the greenstreet stamp of approval.

National Geographic

Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic Ventures includes National Geographic Television production and distribution, National Geographic Television International, National Geographic Giant Screen Films, Kids TV, National Geographic Home Entertainment, and digital Media business development, comprising digital Motion, Nationalgeographic.com and National Geographic Maps. NGV creates and distributes content across multi-platforms and media providing outlets for the hundreds of scientific ad expedition-based grants awarded each year. For more information go to nationalgeographic.com.

Press Contact

IITM LLP
Klaas Brumann
Email: pr (at) IITM.info
Tel. +44 (0)20 32867469

Labels: Digital photography

Former director claims Kodak mislead customers on the quality of online photo sharing.
“A former employee has accused Eastman Kodak Co. of illegally tampering with the quality of customers' digital photos and making false advertising claims, according to a statement issued Wednesday (29 March 2006) by the former employee's attorney” reports DylanMcGrath, business editor at AP. A competing online photo printing service, FotoInsight of Cambridge, UK distances itself from unlimited, free online photo hosting. FotoInsight’s Managing Director Klaas Brumann states: “Providing quality prints for a few cents or pence does not combine with unlimited online storage of multi megabyte image files. FotoInsight only offers uncompressed, printing quality online archiving. We have always stated that this can only be maintained with an honest time limit.” 

According to FotoInsight, providing unlimited online photo sharing at print quality is unsustainable with ever larger digital camera image files. FotoInsight provides an online archive option with print orders only, limited to one month, after which users may pay for an extension. Klaas Brumann comments: “Not everything on the internet can be free. There are plenty of sites specializing in online photo sharing, which is a feasible service as long as there is a tap on the size. Ofoto's (Kodak) business idea to use print quality photo files for unlimited hosting is wrong”.

According to FotoInsight, providing photo sharing with free basic features is feasible if financed through the sale of add-on premium services or advertising, as long as the image files remain small. Such online photo sharing sites follow a very different business model from photo printing services like FotoInsight, which specialise in real photographic paper prints and photo gifts requiring print resolution jpegs. “FotoInsight has never understood how Ofoto could accept unlimited storage and online access of multi megabyte jpegs for unlimited time. With Kodak acquiring Ofoto they will have to deal with the accusation by their former director of engineering Maya Raber, to have planned to “irreversibly damage photos”.” FotoInsight’s Managing Director Klaas Brumann comments from Cambridge: “FotoInsight is proud to facilitate the sharing of photographic memories with a printed photo book or online, across geographic boundaries. Our services endeavour to provide long term quality solutions.”

Free for republishing. 373 words.


Contact information
FotoInsight Ltd.
Cambridge, CB4 1ZP, UK
Skype FotoInside
Tel. +44 8700 114911
Fax. +44 8715 601675

Labels: digital photo processing online, Digital photography, online photographic archive, photo printing, photo sharing, photographic paper

FotoInsight is making it easier to get real photographic paper prints, greeting cards
CeBIT, Hannover. 23 March 2006. – FotoInsight.co.uk announces the release of its new photo software package called Home Photo Service. According to FotoInsight the application resolves eight common problems of digital photography. During the first three months FotoInsight is distributing free copies off its website: http://fotoinsight.co.uk/designer-software.html 

Digital photography’s popularity has already overtaken analogue colour photography. While photographic prints on inkjet printers still lack behind in quality and price the digital format has taken consumers and business users by storm because of the ease and speed at which images can be stored and transferred across networks including the internet. Once the hard disk is filling up with hi-res images FotoInsight’s Home Photo Service software helps to:

1.- escape lack of hard disk space and high storage costs.

2.- back-up photo collections onto CD-R.

3.- edit, turn, flip, crop digital images, remove red eyes and more.

4.- convert image file to jpeg or other formats.

5.- print on real photographic paper at the same prices as with traditional (analogue) photo printing (from 9p per print).

6.- organise image collections and albums and to find images back.

7.- create slide shows of important events or holiday pictures.

8.- be creative: Print photo calendars, frames, greeting cards.

FotoInsight.co.uk’s new “Home Photo Service Software” resolves all of this and makes ordering prints online really easy. If the internet connection is interrupted during transmission the application will automatically try to communicate with the server to start where the upload was interrupted, without user intervention or the risk of loosing of data etc.



Edit, crop, rotate, zoom etc

It currently is free. FotoInsight is introducing the application with no time limit as a free download. But the free download introduction will last three months only, by then FotoInsight hopes the application will have received many commendations and plans to start charging for the software as for any other image editing application. Free copies (Windows PC or Mac) can be downloaded from:

http://fotoinsight.ie/designer-software.html.

FotoInsight’s Managing Director Klaas Brumann comments from Cambridge: “Photographic memories must never fade. FotoInsight is proud to provide the software that will help to preserve memories in vivid colours.”



Contact information

FotoInsight Ltd.
Klaas Brumann, Managing Director
Cambridge, CB4 1ZP, UK
Skype FotoInsight
Tel. +44 8700 114911

Press Contact:

IITM is a specialist agency and will be delighted to arrange interviews, images, NFR versions for review and discuss opportunities for software reviews, cover mounts, incentives, OEM versions.

Labels: Digital photography, greetings cards, image editing, photo printing, software