Canon tests image management platform ‘Project 1709’ with beta launch

17 Sep 2012

Canon is planning to launch its own cloud-based image management platform next year, but first it’s seeing release as a beta service under the codename ‘Project 1709’, inviting users to sign up, try it out and provide feedback and suggestions.

Project 1709 is currently available in English and German and the beta launch coincides with Photokina, the world’s leading imaging expo, which kicks off in Cologne, Germany, tomorrow.

“Since the advent of digital photography, people are taking more photos on a range of devices, and it has become more challenging to effectively manage and enjoy these images,” said Rainer Fuehres, head of consumer imaging at Canon Europe. “In Project 1709 we’ve developed a unique solution that makes it easier to manage photo collections across different platforms – whether stored on a hard drive, a social network, or in the cloud. This platform is designed for the modern photographer, providing instant access to their entire collections whenever and wherever they want it.”

Stored, tagged and indexed in the cloud

Project 1709 lets users store and access images in the cloud regardless of how they were captured or where they are saved. Advanced image-mapping technology identifies duplicates, allowing for easy removal, while users can also add tags to their images to make it easy to find what they’re looking for at a later date.

Canon Project 1709 Screenshot

Combining user-generated tags with EXIF data, dates, geo-tagged locations and device information, Project 1709 indexes images so that users can filter and search using any of these criteria. The image library is presented in a clean, tiled layout with a customisable timeline ribbon. A concise overview of EXIF data such as the camera model, exposure time, aperture setting and ISO speed are also displayed, so users can see and learn what settings they need for the best shots.

Facebook integration

Images can be uploaded using a desktop uploader or directly from the web page. The beta version comes with Facebook integration, allowing users to manage their Facebook photo albums, as well as pull in and store comments. Additional third-party services for uploading and sharing are expected to be added as development progresses.

“We’re excited at the prospect of working with photographers during the beta programme, and evolving the platform in the months and years ahead,” said Fuehres. Feedback on the beta service is welcome, as well as ideas for new features, while a full public launch of the service is expected in 2013.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com