New Photo and Video App from MGI

MGI, a creator of visual media software, just announced MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition, a new product that allows users to store, view, and share photo and video files on both color and grayscale Palm OS handhelds, and comes with a Windows desktop application for fixing photos and optimizing media files prior to transfer. Images can be panned and zoomed. Video can be played at 30 fps and both can even be beamed between handhelds.

MGI is debuting the new software at the Palm Pavilion, as part of CES 2001. It will be available in February. The price hasn't been revealed yet.

MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition has two parts, PhotoSuite Mobile Organizer, which is the desktop app, and PhotoSuite Mobile Album, the Palm OS app. Users can store, view (including pan and zoom), and share media on their handheld device, create slide shows with timed or manual playback, and supports video playback at a full 30 fps (frames per second). The software also supports the 'beaming' of photos and videos to other handhelds while retaining all the essential color and image information even when 'beamed' between gray scale and color screen units.

The desktop software allows users to acquire media files from a variety of sources, and edit and enhance photos as well as optimize pictures and videos prior to transferring them to the handheld. It also supports and converts popular media file formats including .JPG, .PNG, .TIF, .BMP, .GIF, .AVI, .WMV, .MOV. It is certified as a Palm Powered Compatible Solution.

"Handheld wireless devices are evolving into ideal portable photo platforms, with an ability to capture images, send or receive snapshots and videos, store albums, and display business presentations," said Kristy Holch, principal analyst at InfoTrends Research Group, Inc.