Microsoft's Photosynth captures inaugural moment
Microsoft's Photosynth creates an interactive 3D panorama from multiple still images. CNN used the technology to re-create Obama's inauguration.
(Credit: CNET News)Microsoft's Photosynth is an impressive tool for stitching together dozens of photos to allow a place or event to be viewed from multiple angles.
The only hard part is it really takes 75 photos or more to get the optimal experience. That's a lot of work for one photographer. But, with big events, one can also rely on crowdsourcing. Which is what CNN has done with the inaugural, asking viewers to send in their photos of Barack Obama's swearing in.
The resulting Photosynth is pretty cool. (It requires Silverlight for viewing.)
For Microsoft, it marks a high-profile showcase of Photosynth and what the technology can do. I expect to see other news organizations use it for other events, particularly sports.
What's the coolest Photosynth you have seen? Post a link below so we can all enjoy.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=6a074de5-b4ea-427a-ac91-d1f11b5e8d78
Impressive stuff.
Sure it's an exclusive, but its not like they beat out some other software (that I know of). I'm glad Microsoft is getting this exposure, Microsoft Live Labs has some pretty innovative stuff.
- by kboateng January 23, 2009 9:41 AM PST
- Love this technology...have been using it for a while and I hope Facebook and other sites take note and implement it...would make the sites a lot more enjoyable.
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