A new and sophisticated image processing package that exploits to the full the graphics of the new Acorn machines and yet remains easy to use has been launched by Longman Logotron.
With The Big Picture it is possible to create and edit images in 16.7 million colours and print on any sized paper, even posters. Big effects can also be created on modest sized machines as a unique feature of the software is an extremely fast virtual memory system which enables it to run on a 1Mb Archimedes. Parts of images can be stretched and rotated, photographs can be retouched and montages created, plus the comprehensive tool kit will work with a graphics tablets.
For users in multi-platform environments, The Big Picture supports a range of bitmap image formats including: JPEG, PhotoCD, GIF, TIF, Acorn Sprites and ClearFiles.

Baba yaga and the Magic Geese, Imo and the King, and The Little Samurai are the latest multimedia titles to be released by ABLAC Learning Works. Each tale is based on folk tales from Russia, Africa and Japan and includes, stunning 3D art, over 25 minutes of hand drawn animation, over 500 'click and explore' options and original music.
All the CD-Roms are compatible with PC and Apple and will be available with single or multi users licenses.

Europress Software have launched, Treasure Island the second in their Living Classics series of animated stories. Designed with Windows 95 in mind, and an example of what can be achieved using Klick and Create the new multimedia authoring tool from Europress. Treasure Island is also the first interactive story book to feature Dolby Surround Sound, which should mean that although your vision is restricted to the size of your TV screen, your ears now take you right in the 'heart' of the action. The CD-Rom also doubles as an audio CD and be be used on any CD Audio player, but is only available for PCs.

The best selling Usborne Exploring Nature CD-Rom is now available in Multimedia PC format. This disk is an adaptation of the "Usborne First Complete Book of Nature" for CD-Rom, designed and produced by Main Communications. Key features of the title are the superb illustrations and text prepared by experienced teachers, making it a classroom and library resource of the highest order. Suitable for all primary, middle, and lower secondary schools.

Guildsoft, have release two new products for Religious Education - QuickVerse for Windows 3.0 and QuickVerse for Windows Bible Reference Collection for CD-Rom. QuickVerse comes complete with the full text of the New International Version and allows searches for any passage of scripture. Search for words, partial words and combinations of words or phrases. Alternatively, searches can be made using The Nave's Topical Bible(supplied with QuickVerse) by topic, allowing for more efficient study of the bible.
The Bible Reference Collection contains QuickVerse plus The King James Version, Strong's Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, Holman Bible and the PC Bible Atlas.

Epson has further strengthened its range of inkjet printers with a new model that offers 720dpi quality for personal users who need black only output. Called the Stylus 820 this new machine features Epson's acclaimed piezo print head technology and specially formulated black ink.. For users wishing to add colour to their documents, the Stylus 820 can be transformed into a photo-real colour inkjet printer with a simple upgrade kit.
The printer is supplied with a custom driver and can print at a speed of 2.5 pages per minute(ppm) when printing an A4 page of text.

AST the UL's third largest personal computer vendor, has announced it latest range of Advantage!, multimedia personal computers for the home and small office. The new Advantage! introduces AST Works II featuring SPOT, a unique, 'constant companion' icon which aids navigation around the computer system. Other key features include advanced fax, voice-mail, answerphone and Internet access software, Windows 95 and comprehensive on-line documentation. The four models in the new Advantage! range off a range of power and features to suit the needs of most end users.

The Sonamara MultiGen Genlock Adaptor has been replaced by two new models offering both entry and professional level equipment. Both models are suitable for Acorn RISC OS, DOS, Windows and Apple. The external units are supplied with an Infra Red remote controller for all functions including overlay, overscan/underscan, horizontal and vertical positioning. Accepts composite and S-Video with output as composite, S-Video and RGB.

In conjunction with a leading developer of security systems, Sonamara have launched Quipalarm suitable for use with nay computer. The alarm sits either inside the case or on the outside of the machine and allows the machine to work normally, but as soon as the equipment is moved, an ear splitting 120 Decibel alarm sounds (minor movements or 'knocks' are allowed).

The Barracuda Security Device is an intelligent motion and light detector with protects the machine with a 117 decibel alarm plus a new security dye. Not only is the actually machine alarmed, but an unauthorised intrusion will release a jet of red dye - harmless to the operation of the computer but leaving an indelible mark on the internal components branding them as stolen for ever. Available for PCs directly fron Westcoast Management or through many PC dealers.