Number 202 - March 2000

Seattle FilmWorks Adds Sound To Photos Delivered via Email
TidByte, New 9/2/99, from Ken's Korner
Seattle FilmWorks,1 a long-time discount photofinisher now largely Internet-based, has joined forces with VStream, a leader in Web-based communications, to bring audio commentary to email-delivered photos. The new service allows FilmWorks customers to add a personal narrative to their photos, using of VStream's Internet-based messaging service, Beep.     This is a marriage of two convenient services with high customer appeal," said Paul Berberian, VStream president. "We're blending Internet-enhanced communications with multimedia and the result is a visual and audio service that is fun and personal."     Using VStream's voice-to-email technology, Seattle FilmWorks customers can add narration to a photo with a simple phone call to VStream's automated messaging center. The audio file, produced through VStream, accompanies the photo whenever a customer emails photo links to friends, family, and business associates.     "We know our nearly two million customers enjoy sharing their visual memories with family and friends over the Internet, and now using VStream's technology, they can enhance those memories with audio descriptions," said Gary Christophersen, president and CEO, Seattle FilmWorks.	A Seattle FilmWorks customer, while viewing an online image of a photos, can now add a personal message at the click of a button. After selecting "Send a voice message" option, you receive an identification code and phone number. You then dial the number, enter the ID code and record your private messages and captions for specified photos. The audio file accompanies the photo, so anyone who views the photo via email has the option of also hearing the audio caption.     For more information, visit Seattle FilmWorks at http://www.filmworks.com1 or VStream at http://www.vstream.com. TOGGLE Editor's Note:     1 For those who didn't know, several TOG members use Seattle Filmworks (renamed Filmworks on 2/2/2000) film processing, normally getting their prints in the mail, as well as digitized on floppy disk or CD-ROM. Any of us can submit your name for a free trial roll of film or two from Filmworks to get you started--or you can simply sign up for free at their website. They also will put your prints up on their website for access with a password by you, family or friends, to view, download, print or whatever if desired. Pretty slick!
Number 202 - March 2000