Microsoft Announces New Photo/Image Format...Windows Media Photo | Digital Camera Websites: Digital Photography News:

"Microsoft has announced a new photo/image format called Windows Media Photo or .wmp. The new format is said to have a higher image quality than the popular .jpg format as well as smaller file size. The new format will ship with the new Windows Vista operating system."

I don't think anyone can deny that Microsoft are great at evolving technologies that appear to have stagnated somewhat - and image compression technology is one of those areas. If the 800 pound gorilla of the OS world comes out with a new standard, it's inherently got enough weight behind it to immediately gain some traction in the marketplace.

I can only think of two things that will prevent this image format from gaining mass market acceptance.

1) If they're completely wrong about how good it is. Which I rather doubt.
2) If they don't make it a re

asonably open standard, if they try and prevent companies who aren't them from making use of it. If they don't get Adobe and Apple on board, it won't take off in the graphics professional market.