Microsoft has released a managed beta version of Windows Live Photo Gallery, an upgrade to the Windows Photo Gallery that currently ships with Windows Vista.

 

July 10, 2007: Microsoft has released a managed beta version of Windows Live Photo Gallery, an upgrade to the Windows Photo Gallery that currently ships with Windows Vista.
The new application, which enables both Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2 users to share, edit, organize and print photos and digital home videos, includes all of the features of the current Windows Photo Gallery. However, it offers extended functionality and provides integration with Windows Live services, such as Windows Live Spaces. The new version includes:
– An enhanced Photo Import Tool. – Improved tagging and organisation facilities including the ability to quickly sort by name, file type, tag or date.
– Auto event grouping and tagging when importing photos and video from camera to PC.
– Improved performance for functions like panoramic stitch, histogram, and sharpen image.
– The ability to publish photos directly to photo galleries on Windows Live Spaces.
The managed beta version is currently available to a limited group of beta testers but Microsoft plans to open the beta up for the public later in the year, based on feedback from the initial testing. Windows Live Photo Gallery will run on Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2.