Longhorn Focuses On Photo Support

The next major version of Windows, code-named "Longhorn," will include native support for RAW files, or uncompressed images created by digital cameras. Microsoft worked with several industry heavyweights to make this a reality, including Adobe, Canon, Fuji and Nikon. Windows XP will also receive the feature in a future upgrade.

Photographers prefer working with RAW files because they are uncompressed, meaning they offer the sharpest and the best quality. Essentially, these files are a digital negative of the image taken, because they are produced before the image is converted into JPG, GIF, TIFF, or other formats.

While true native support for the format will not come until Longhorn, an update due shortly for Windows XP will allow users to view and print Canon and Nikon RAW files through a program called the "RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer."

A future version of Digital Image Suite will add the ability to organize and edit the files.

"The explosion in popularity of digital photography on Windows continues to progress and evolve as consumers discover the quality benefits of digital camera RAW," said Amir Majidimehr, Microsoft vice president of digital media said.

According to internal research by Microsoft, nearly 15 percent of digital camera users have used RAW files in some way.

"By working with industry leaders to extend support for RAW in Windows, we are removing the obstacles for consumer use of RAW and enabling a seamless platform for the next era of digital imaging innovation," added Majidimehr.