Apple Announces Apple Image Capture Platform

Developer Platform Will Drive New Customer Uses

WWDC, SAN JOSE, California--May 13, 1996-- As a pioneer in the computing
industry, Apple Computer, Inc. continues to set the stage for creating new
markets with new technologies. Apple today introduced the Apple Image
Capture Platform and announced its intentions to license core components
of this platform. With this announcement, Apple is once again poised to
create a new industry it calls Personal Imaging. Apple defines Personal
Imaging as the total user experience related to the capture of an image,
including image editing and output.

The heart of the Apple Image Capture Platform is Apple's QuickTime IC
(Image Capture) technology. This technology combines a multi-tasking,
realtime operating system with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
built specifically for image capture devices based on an embedded
microprocessor. These APIs allow independent software developers, systems
integrators and camera vendors the ability to create compelling customer
solutions that don't require a computer, such as in-camera time lapse
photography, direct connection to the Internet to share and transmit
images, and in-camera filters. The APIs and tools are expected to be
available for multiple host platforms, including Macintosh and Microsoft
Windows.

Designed as an open, modular platform, the Apple Image Capture Platform
extends Apple's QuickTime architecture for displaying and storing
time-based media on Windows-and Mac OS-based computers, ensuring easier
adoption by the already large base of QuickTime developers.

"I think we're on the brink of a revolution in personal imaging," said Dr.
Terry Bailey, vice president of imaging and peripherals for Apple
Americas. "We're providing a cross-platform foundation which we believe
will ultimately drive the creation of a diverse range of new, innovative
image capture solutions. And, licensing the technologies to camera vendors
in particular, will give us access to a whole new market."

Motorola's newly announced MPC823 chip includes technologies from the Apple
Image Capture Platform, making it easy for developers to integrate the
microprocessor hardware and imaging software to design innovative,
customized applications for cameras and other image capture devices. This
integration of hardware and software also allows developers to reduce the
cost associated with storing images in the memory of a digital imaging
device. It also provides an excellent business proposition for camera
vendors, allowing each manufacturer to focus on their specific expertise
in image science, optics, manufacturing, etc., while reducing the
complexity of building more powerful next generation image capture
devices.

"Apple's commitment to the Personal Imaging market represents a positive
move for consumers," said Bruce Chizen, vice president and general manager
of Adobe Systems' consumer products division. "By leveraging the new Apple
Image Capture Platform, developers will be able create compelling new
applications, like Adobe PhotoDeluxe, that take advantage of
next-generation digital cameras, and put exciting easy-to-use tools in the
hands of end users. This could signal a tremendous breakthrough for
customers," said Kristy Holch, president of MegaTrends Research. "It's
akin to the 1985 introduction of the laser printer equipped with
PostScript. The printer provided the environment for desktop publishing
when combined with other items such as fonts and application software. The
Image Capture Platform will allow developers to write applications
directly to the camera to create compelling solutions that will let
consumers get more out of capturing images."

Some of these possible solutions include time lapse photography where a
computer is not required. For example, a software script running in the
camera will capture a series of images over time. The resulting images are
grouped and packaged as a QuickTime movie for immediate viewing on a
computer. Multiple images could also be "stitched" together to create a
QuickTime VR panoramic movie for a virtual reality tour, reducing the
expertise currently required to create such a movie. With the
communications facilities enabled by QuickTime IC, another possible
solution is enabled wherein a captured image is sent from the camera
across the Internet directly to a printer for printing.

Apple has applied for or is in the process of applying for more than 30
patents directed to the Apple Image Capture Platform. A developer release
of the API, including sample code is expected by June and a Software
Developers Kit (SDK) is expected later this summer.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry
and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on
easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, personal
digital assistants and Internet content. Headquartered in Cupertino,
California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions,
products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer,
entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in more
than 140 countries.

If you are considering the purchase of an Apple product and would like to
have product information faxed to you, please call 1-800-462-4396 in the
U.S. or 1-800-263-3394 in Canada. If you do not have a fax machine or
would like to locate an Apple authorized reseller near you, please call
1-800-538-9696. Customers outside the U.S. should contact their local
Apple representatives for information.

Apple's home page on the World Wide Web: http://www.apple.com/
 
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