Windows Media Photo

Microsoft releases new graphics format to rival JPEG

In a challenge to the venerable graphics format, the JPEG, Microsoft have announced a new compressed photographic file format called Windows Media Photo.

Windows Media Photo (WMPhoto) will be supported by Microsoft's new operating system Vista, but will also be available for Windows XP. According to Microsoft, the new file format 'surpasses the limitations of existing image formats', for continuous tone images (for example photographs).

If WMPhoto does indeed maintain a better image quality at higher compression levels, then it could well give the industry standard, the JPEG, a run for it's money. Although, the scope is perhaps more important for the web design industry – where bandwidth is a constant battle – than the print design market, where large graphics files are the norm.

It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will be able to convince enough graphics software developers to adopt the format. JPEG is such an accepted file format that many web developers may take some convincing that a new, and proprietary, graphics format will offer anything new to designers and photographers.

26 May 2006

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