Photosynth, the future of digital images?
Microsoft Live Labs has announced the worldwide availability of Photosynth, a software-and-services solution that promises to create three-dimensional compositions from standard digital photos.
The service, previously only available as a technology preview, now allows for users to create their own synths at Photosynth.net. In order to get started, a user requires a Windows Live ID and a 7MB browser plug-in, available for Internet Explorer versions 6 or 7, and FireFox versions 2 or 3.
Once up and running, users can create synths for free, and are given a 20GB quota in which to store and share their creations.
So, how does it work? Well, Photosynth will use a set of clever image-analysis algorithms to analyse the photos you choose to upload, and look for detailed similarities. It'll then attempt to estimate the origins of the images, and stitch them all together in a 3D environment.
Sound complicated? Here's a Microsoft video to demonstrate the power of Photosynth:
Despite its promise, Microsoft states that Photosynth is so new that it's likely to provide the occasional bug. In addition, the service currently only supports Windows, though, Microsoft hopes to add Mac OS X support in the near future.
A selection of pre-made synths from the likes of National Geographic are available for viewing at the official Photosynth website, and the results are astonishing. If you've decided to put Photosynth to the test, share your synths in the HEXUS.community forums.
If you're looking for help in getting started, Microsoft's 10 tips for creating super synths can be found on page two.
