Challenger to Photoshop?

CMaster

Seems Microsoft is releasing their new software suite (Expression)which includes an graphic editing tool. I have to say after checking out some of the online demos it looks pretty impressive.

MS Expression Demos

I think they've done a very excellent job for a "first time" product here and could actually give Photoshop some competition. And competition is A-OK in my book!

Check out the Flexible Bitmap Painting & Editing demo. If the "PhotoMontage" feature doesn't make you go "Wow..that's SLICK!"...well, you can take me out back and beat me with a 2x4!

A friend and I checked out the downloadable version and were pretty impressed overall. They've done some slick things and highly recommend you guys checking it out.

Expression Graphic Designer (you can download from this page)

wholenewlight

I think there may be yet another product, more photoshop-like, still coming. I was invited to take an hour long microsoft survey (web based but with a phone interviewer) about three months ago. A lot of the questions pointed toward a solution that might have curves, layers (but maybe more simple than ps layers), and tons of questions about other ps like features.

Maybe it was simply market research??

The questions did not point to a product that was as "graphic design" oriented as this expressions product.

PS. I was paid $30 (amex gift card) for my time, they got a bargain:D . The research company was not microsoft BUT had MS fingerprints all over the survey questions.

I dunno any more than that