QBeo's Imaging Software to Be Bundled With Epson's New Line of Photo Printers; PhotoGenetics To be Included With Three Epson Printer Models

Business Wire, Feb 12, 2001

Business/High-Tech Editors

NORTH BEND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2001

QBeo Inc., an innovator of digital image enhancement technology, today announced an agreement with Epson America Inc. to bundle its PhotoGenetics(TM) imaging software with three Epson color photo-reproduction printers for distribution in the United States and Canada.

The printers include the EPSON Stylus(R) Photo 780, 890 and 1280 models. The EPSON Stylus Photo 890 will be bundled with QBeo's full version of PhotoGenetics, while the other printer models will be bundled with PhotoGenetics TE, a trial version. QBeo, in cooperation with Epson, will present a special purchase opportunity for those customers receiving the TE version of PhotoGenetics.

"QBeo's PhotoGenetics is a great color optimization tool to bundle with our new line of EPSON Stylus Photo printers," said Fabia Ochoa, product manager, photo printers, Epson. "Our customers can quickly and easily improve their images with a few clicks of the mouse. It's an extremely useful and efficient tool for novice users or professionals who are limited on time."

Mark Hayrynen, director of business development for QBeo, said, "QBeo is excited to earn favor with Epson for our popular PhotoGenetics application. Now Epson customers will have the chance to use PhotoGenetics to improve photos taken in less-than-optimum conditions and adjust them based on their personal preferences."

In addition to quick and easy image enhancement, PhotoGenetics provides tools for image zooming, rotating, cropping and red eye removal. PhotoGenetics also includes a printer calibration option, which enables users to match printed output to the colors displayed on their computer monitors.

PhotoGenetics and other products developed by QBeo are powered by the unique ImageOp(TM) technology, which lets people enhance and manipulate images to their preference simply by comparing and rating the original against a series of variations. ImageOp alters 12 image characteristics such as hue, gradient, color balance, contrast, gamma, color temperature, color shift and saturation, without requiring any graphics knowledge from the user.

Epson offers an extensive array of award-winning image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail market. Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America Inc. has headquarters in Long Beach, Calif.

QBeo's ImageOp(TM) technology allows anyone to effortlessly enrich captured memories and stories. Based in North Bend, Wash., QBeo Inc. is developing digital imaging technology to help people enjoy and share their memories through pictures and videos. QBeo has offered consumer imaging applications for personal computers since 1998. The company recently applied its award-winning technology to digital video and the Internet, and is now bringing consumer imaging to the broadband cable environment. For more information, visit www.qbeo.com or call 425/888-6609.