Kodak and Skype offer photo sharing with voice

Stan Beer
Monday, 16 January 2006 09:29

Your IT - Entertainment

Eastman Kodak Company and internet phone company Skype, have released what they call the latest innovation in digital storytelling '• Kodak Photo Voice. The new service gives consumers the ability to hold internet phone conversations around the globe whilst sharing their photos online.

The beta version of Kodak Photo Voice is now available as a free download at www.kodakgallery.com/photovoice. 

"Today's families and social networks are scattered around the globe. Staying connected through photo sharing remains an important element in maintaining closer personal relationships," said Steve Morley, general manager, Kodak Digital & Film Imaging Systems Division.

"Traditional social gatherings that once took place around the radio, television or telephone are now happening around the computer, mobile phone or camera. Kodak Photo Voice marks the next step in this evolution."

Kodak Photo Voice enables two people to simultaneously view a customised slideshow, and to verbally discuss and react to each picture.

'Our goal is to make technology easy to use and Skype is a simple Internet communications service that is changing the way people stay in touch,' said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype.

After downloading Kodak Photo Voice and Skype, the host selects pictures from a Kodak EasyShare Gallery album or from their computer. The host can then compile photos into a Kodak Photo Voice presentation and "call" a friend via Skype to watch the slideshow live. Hosts can also submit orders for prints and other merchandise that guests select through Kodak EasyShare Gallery and have them mailed directly to the guest's home.