Arcsoft Raw Thumbnail Veiwer

ArcSoft RAW Thumbnail Viewer is a free plug-in for Windows that allows you to preview your RAW photos when browsing through your files.

Pros: Digital cameras download photos in individual RAW formats. When viewed through Windows explorer the photos, unfortunately, are shown as generic thumbnails. You are not able to review the image content. This thumbnail viewer lets you view the thumbnails and find out what the images are actually like. You are able to easily locate the image you want for further processing or may be, get it printed. Double clicking on the image launches the preferred photo editor. On installation a Arcsoft connect function starts working from system tray. This provides several functionality that include Information center connect, update checks, product UI settings, personalizing and registering. Information center provides product instructions and latest product and service information. Update check enable if product software updates are available. Product UI settings allow specific language settings for the UI. Personalize lets you customize the product by your name but it can be done only one time. Registering of course is the usual product registration process.

Cons: Too narrow a functionality. Also there are such a variety of digital cameras out there that it is always possible to face problems with some cameras. Watch out!

Overall this is a 3 star item.

ArcSoft RAW Thumbnail Viewer allows you to preview your RAW photos when browsing through your files. In the ¡°Thumbnails¡± view of Windows Explorer, RAW files appear as generic icons. With ArcSoft RAW Thumbnail Viewer, you can now see a thumbnail version of your picture! No more endless searching, just easily locate the photo you want to edit or print. Double-click to launch your favorite photo editor!