New Versions Of FotoLook And ScanWise Software Scheduled for Q3 2001.

CeBIT, Hanover, Germany � 24 March 2001 � Agfa announced that future versions of ScanWise and FotoLook scanning software will support Mac OS X, Apple’s next generation operating system. The software release is scheduled for the third quarter of 2001. Agfa SnapScan owners use the ScanWise software for intuitive push-button scanning, while Agfa DuoScan users enjoy the professional features of FotoLook. Beta versions will be ready for download in June 2001.

“With the Mac OS X versions of ScanWise and FotoLook, our intent is to take full advantage of the new operating system’s capabilities such as increased system stability and general productivity,” said Peter Verhulst, international sales and marketing manager, Agfa Consumer Digital Imaging.

“The Macintosh remains the leading platform for professional graphics applications. Our new software in combination with Mac OS X will give users measurable performance advantages in scanning and image editing.”

“With state-of-the-art technology throughout, a stunning new user interface called 'Aqua' and powerful 2-D and 3-D graphics capabilities, Mac OS X is an ideal platform for the creative community,” said Clent Richardson, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re pleased to see Agfa take advantage of the capabilities of Mac OS X, and their new scanner software is sure to have broad appeal to creative consumers and professionals worldwide.”

The current version of ScanWise is unique in its ability to completely simplify the scanning process while producing optimum quality results. It actually communicates with other software in the computer--image editors; web browsers; fax, email, printer, word processing, and OCR applications. Each time ScanWise is launched, the software locates the resident applications and determines the optimum settings for each application.

FotoLook for Agfa’s line of Arcus and DuoScan scanners includes innovative features such as intelligent USM (unsharp masking), advanced batch scanning, and automatic and manual black and white point setting. Agfa’s unique Total Film Scanning (TFS) technology uses brand name or custom-built profiles for black and white or colour negative scanning. Other professional FotoLook tools include variable descreening for scanning halftone images, gradation curves, and gamma and colorcast correction, and CIELab support and selective colour correction for the Mac.

FotoLook’s interactive and production modes can be tailored to exact scanning needs. Interactive mode allows immediate adjustments to a preview scan for complete scanning control. Production mode is tailored to workflows where speed is essential.