Feature Request: Photosynth

Standard excuse for why this one is late. Nice introduction. Blah, blah, blah.

Okay, so I'll assume everyone already knows what Photosynth is or can take a look at a link. I have a few suggestions to the Photosynth team, and my standard anyone-can-use-this-free bit always falls on my suggestions posts.

Feature Request: Pointcloud format release

Imagine allowing the information from a Synth to be used to make virtual environment in say, a video game.

Feature Request: Video to Photosynth

I know that video has less resolution, but imagine the possibilities of being able to upload, say, an uncompressed AVI file, and have it automatically reduced to pictures and turned into a Synth, all the while giving the end viewer the ability to watch the video from within the Photosynth as part of a tour.

Feature Request: Silverlight Viewer for Photosynth

And what faster way to port to other platforms then to let anyone with Silverlight view a Photosynth is there? Also a great way to enhance Silverlight adoption.

Feature Request: Shifting Panoramas

What if the Synth could show you the environment, and when there are enough photos, stitch them together so that you could see a panorama instead of having to look at each photo?

Feature Request: Tagging

What if you could select an area in each picture and tag it as an object or person? What if you could search through all Photosynths for a object or person? Of course, there would have to be a system in place for abuse, but the potential is great.

Feature Request: Object Recognition

Now take it one step further. What if the system learned from this, and could tag items itself? This goes hand and hand with the next suggestion I have:

Feature Request: GPS/Date Information

The physical location and date giving should be viewable. This also helps with the next suggestion too!

Feature Request: Connected to Live Maps

What better way to one up your competition? Abuse system will need to be in place however...

Feature Request: Link Objects to Pages

With object recognition, you will need to link to pages, especially with people. You could have every photo that you're in link to your Live Space, or the Live Calendar entry indicating when you were there.

Feature Request: Guided Tour

WorldWide Telescope has a nifty feature where people can make it guide you about, so why not Photosynth? Take it one step further and allow video exports of these tours too!

Feature Request: Deep Linking

This one goes hand and hand with a Silverlight viewer. Allow links to specific photos or viewer positions. That way the bunny that lives under that rock at Stonehenge can be found by the masses.

I'm sending this list off to the Photosynth group in hopes that they can use it. Like any of these or have more suggestions? Post your ideas in the comments, and then make sure to contact Microsoft about it. Customer feedback is the surest way to improve Synthing.