Q-Research Teams With Casio to Offer Digital Camera Users Image Enhancement Capabilities; PhotoGenetics Software Also to be Marketed By Ariston, d-store.com - Product Information

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Jan 10, 2000

Q-Research Inc., maker of digital image enhancement programs, has announced an agreement to package its PhotoGenetics software with Casio's newest digital cameras.

In addition, Q-Research has announced marketing alliances with Ariston Technologies and d-store.com.

PhotoGenetics enables inexperienced users to quickly and easily improve the quality of digital and scanned images based on personal preferences. The software employs a simple interface to access a powerful technology known as genetic image optimization. Users compare their original images with variations created by PhotoGenetics, which manipulates a dozen image characteristics such as hue, gradient, color balance, contrast, gamma, color temperature, color shift and saturation. Users click on a scaled bar to indicate how much better or worse each variation is compared to the original, and the desired enhancements are automatically applied.

PhotoGenetics will be packaged with Casio's latest digital camera models, including the QV-8000SX with 8X optical zoom and the QV-2000UX with 2.1 megapixel resolution, USB and support for CF Type II cards.

Ariston will also distribute PhotoGenetics with its Universal Serial Bus (USB) iRead Flashcard Reader/Writer and iSee Web cameras sold through its Web site and worldwide network of distributors and resellers. The iRead Flashcard Reader/Writer enables the quick transfer of images from digital cameras to a PC or Macintosh. The iSee Web cameras allow users to take snapshots, videoconference, create movies and transfer files over the Internet.

In another alliance, d-store.com, the leading provider of digital photography solutions online, will market PhotoGenetics through its Web site. Visitors to the www.d-store.com site may connect with a link to d-store.com's PhotoGenetics offer for a free 30-day trial or to download the software.

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio, Inc., with sales over $450 million, markets calculators, watches, palm-size PCs, business organizers, musical keyboards, audio and video products, electronic cash registers, digital imaging products and other consumer electronic products.

d-store.com is the premier digital photography Web store, offering digital photography solutions for the consumer, professional and educational markets. d-store.com differentiates itself from other commercial Web stores with its commitment to competitive pricing, excellent customer service, reliability and ease of doing business.

Ariston Technologies is a leading USB developer and manufacturer selling to distributors, resellers, educational accounts and mail order catalogues around the world. Ariston has the most diversified cross-platform (Windows 98 and Mac) USB product line in the world with 18 products currently shipping and additional products under development.

Q-Research Inc., a North Bend, Wash.-based firm, is developing new technology for the digital image revolution. Recognizing the fundamental, but often overlooked fact that every pair of human eyes sees the world in a unique way, Q-Research is using "genetic" programming to optimize digital images for individual users. For more information, visit www.photogenetics.com, or call 425/888-6609.