Intel Corp has drummed up support from Hewlett Packard Co, Eastman Kodak Co and Microsoft Corp on a set of standards for connecting digital cameras to Intel-based personal computers. There are around 80 digital cameras on the market today, but obstacles such as multiple connection alternatives, varying file formats, storage formats, and drivers prevent users from having an easy experience in utilizing and exchanging image files. According to Intel, the Portable PC Camera ’98 Guide will outline how PC cameras can be used to capture, enhance, store and share images as well as easily connecting up to the PC. The design guideline to be distributed to OEMs and independent software vendors, specifies the use of existing technologies that support MMX processors, the Flashpix file format developed by Hewlett- Packard, Microsoft and Kodak, Intel’s USB Universal serial Bus, and removable flash memory miniature cards, and the Internet Imaging Protocol, co-developed by Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, Microsoft, Netscape Communications Corp and LivePicture Inc. According to Intel, official manufacturers will be able to meet the specifications in devices that cost under $200. Most current digital cameras range in price from $500 to $1,000. Among the companies announcing support for the specification are Adobe Systems Inc, Acer Inc, Dell Computer Corp, Polaroid Corp and Toshiba Corp.
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