Corel has announced the first releases from its next-generation ?Alta? modular digital imaging platform. Snapfire is a free download which enables users to organise, enhance and share their digital photos and video clips. Corel claims that it is easier to use than comparable products, and introduces a variety of popular features never before offered on a free application.

Key features include Snapfire Shows ? customised slideshows that enable users to include their own music selections, as well as add fun transitions and motion effects. ?Professional-quality? photo albums, calendars, collages, greeting cards and slideshows can also be created within minutes by dropping photos into a range of custom templates. An easy-to-follow Message Center also delivers quick tips, tutorials, news, and information on product updates.

“For those who want an easier, faster, more reliable and less expensive way to enjoy and manage their growing digital photo and video clip collections, Snapfire is the ideal solution,” claims Blaine Mathieu, general manager of Corel’s Digital Imaging business.

Other noteworthy capabilities include:
Organising: Snapfire automatically scans the computer’s My Pictures folder, finds and catalogues all existing photos and videos, and then provides multiple options for browsing. With full-screen Quick Review, and the handy QuickSearch to aid browsing and organizing.
Enhancing: Choose from a selection of one-click photo-improvements, or follow the advice of the built-in ?Photo Doctor?.
Creating: Drop your photos into professionally-designed templates. Choose
from album pages, calendars, collages, greeting cards and much more.
Sharing: Share photos/video through e-mailing, printing or ordering prints online.

Snapfire Plus
Users can also easily upgrade to Snapfire Plus, an enhanced version of Snapfire,
as their experience grows. Corel Snapfire Plus offers all the organisation and sharing options of Snapfire, plus more advanced features, such as the popular Makeover Tools and Picture Tubes features currently found only in Corel Paint Shop Pro. Snapfire Plus also provides more slide show options, including easy video editing and full control over motion effects and transitions, additional project templates, and the PhotoSafe Backup System.

“Snapfire Plus was designed for users who want to evolve tomore advanced photo and video editing and sharing without sacrificing the ease-of-use and learning that are integral to the Snapfire experience. After users master Snapfire, they can easily access more functionality and complete more elaborate and creative photo and video projects with Snapfire Plus,” added Mathieu.

In addition, Users can add extra functionality to Snapfire Plus by adding additional modular components as they need them. The first, available shortly, will allow users to author Snapfire slideshows to a DVD and play them back on a DVD player.

Corel Snapfire is a free download, available now, from www.snapfire.co.uk. Snapfire Plus is priced at £25 and is available immediately at various retailers, at www.snapfire.co.uk and via www.corel.co.uk.