Microsoft, Kodak agree on photo services in Windows XP
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Microsoft Corp. has agreed to change its new Windows XP operating system to make it easier for users to access the Eastman Kodak digital camera software and services they have installed on their computers.
The change also would make it easier to launch any other third-party photo editing software on a computer.
Windows XP is set for release in October. Rochester, N.Y.-based Kodak complained that an early version failed to automatically direct Kodak camera owners to a list where they could easily access Kodak's photo printing services when they plug their digital camera into their computers.
Under an agreement to be announced Monday, Microsoft will change the presentation of options on a digital camera connection from a drop-down menu to a list of third-party digital photo applications.
Windows XP also will clearly identify its own Scanner and Camera Wizard as Microsoft digital photography functions, along with listing Kodak or any other third-party photo programs installed on a computer. Any of the software could be designated the ``default'' so it would launch automatically when a digital camera is plugged into the computer.
``We think Microsoft made significant positive changes in the operation system,'' Kodak spokesman Anthony Sanzio said Sunday. ``They're opening up a dialogue box to let consumers see what software is available to them and that's a positive step by Microsoft. We welcome those changes.''
But he said Kodak has ``other concerns about Windows XP and we hope to resolve those with Microsoft.'' He declined to discuss other changes Kodak wants, saying the company prefers to keep its discussions with Microsoft private.
Kodak plans to announce Tuesday the development of three new digital cameras compatible with Windows XP.
``We worked with Kodak to make these changes and we think these changes are good,'' said Jim Cullinan, Microsoft's lead product manager for Windows. ``We thought it was good feedback so we made the change.''
He said Microsoft wants to enhance consumer choices that can be exercised under the new operating system. ``We want XP to allow other third parties to have an opportunity to build a business,'' he said.
Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat and member of the Judiciary Committee, wrote to Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer last month and asked him to delay Windows XP's release until the company changes the operating system to make it easier for rivals to offer competing software.
``Hopefully this is the first in a series of steps so there's fair competition,'' Schumer said Sunday.
Schumer is critical of Microsoft's decision to bundle several new features with Windows XP that can replace software made by rivals, including programs for digital photography, instant messaging and streaming media.
``All we are asking for is that other competitive products be given an equal place on the platform so consumers can make the choice,'' Schumer said.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to open hearings in fall into whether Microsoft is improperly thwarting competition. Microsoft has said it is just adding features to meet customer demand.
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On the Net:
Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com
Sen. Charles Schumer: http://schumer.senate.gov
Eastman Kodak: http://www.kodak.com
Source
http://www.siliconvalley.com/docs/news/tech/013354.htm
