The saga continues... Looks like Kodak have had a slight (sarcasm) change of heart over the Digital Photography features in Microsoft's new Windows XP Operating System. In a new official release they're now saying, "The changes made to Windows XP are a positive move. Kodak is pleased that our EasyShare digital cameras and software will work well with Windows XP," said Phil Gerskovich, chief operating officer, Digital and Applied Imaging, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "We look forward to working with Microsoft to continue to improve the digital photography experience in Windows XP."

Kodak Welcomes Microsoft's Changes to Digital Photography Features in Windows XP Operating System

ROCHESTER, N.Y., August 13-Eastman Kodak Company has been notified by Microsoft Corporation that it intends to make changes to the upcoming release of Windows XP. Microsoft has notified Kodak that it will:

• Change the presentation of choices upon a digital camera connection from a drop down menu to a visible list enabling consumers to view a number of third-party digital photography applications.
   
• Clearly identify the Scanner and Camera Wizard within the dialog box as a Microsoft digital photography function.
   
• Microsoft and Kodak have worked together to ensure that digital camera manufacturers that want to get the most out of the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) standard can achieve it either through the standard Windows implementation or by installing a driver specific to their cameras, providing the driver meets the quality criteria for Windows.

Kodak is in the process of submitting its PTP driver to the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) for testing so that consumers can easily use Kodak's digital cameras and software Windows XP.

"The changes made to Windows XP are a positive move. Kodak is pleased that our EasyShare digital cameras and software will work well with Windows XP," said Phil Gerskovich, chief operating officer, Digital and Applied Imaging, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "We look forward to working with Microsoft to continue to improve the digital photography experience in Windows XP."

"Our goal for Windows XP has always been to deliver a great experience for customers and new opportunities for partners," said Chris Jones, Vice President of Windows. "Kodak is an important partner for Microsoft. We are pleased that we've been able to incorporate their feedback and will continue our communications on ways to improve the digital photo experience."

On Tuesday, Kodak plans to announce the extension of the EasyShare system with three new digital cameras, the Kodak DX3215, DX3700 and DX3900 Zoom digital cameras, all of which will be compatible with Windows XP. The Kodak EasyShare system includes a digital camera, a docking station and software to let people easily transfer pictures from camera to PC and connect to the Internet to e-mail or print their pictures. EasyShare simplifies digital photography by making digital cameras, imaging networks and services and media work as a system.