Google unveils newest Picasa

Google is rolling out the newest version of Picasa

Google has rolled out new versions of its Picasa photo software and web album service.

Described by Google as a "one-two combo," the updates will be aimed at making it easier for users to get photos from their cameras to the web.

The Picasa 3 beta will sport the ability to automatically sync albums from a user's PC to the web, allowing the user to add, remove and edit web albums and locally-stored collections at the same time.

The aim of the update is to bring photo editing software and web services under a single banner, said Google product manager Mike Horowitz.

"Sharing online has skyrocketed in importance as more of us develop a network of friends and family who are tuning into our pictures," wrote Horowitz.

"Unlike piecemeal alternatives, Picasa manages all these things inside a single application, and with a consistent, easy-to-use interface."

The latest 'beta' version of Picasa will also have new photo editing components, including tools for reducing red-eye and retouching photos, as well as updated slide show and photo collage components.

Headlining the Picasa Web Albums overhaul will be the addition of 'name tags' for the service. The new feature will allow users to add photo tags of certain individuals and then organise and share the images based on who is listed in the picture.

Rival site Flickr and social networking service Facebook feature similar tagging systems in which users can add name or subject labels to each image.