FastPictureViewer helps review images faster by taking advantage, when available, of the power of multi-core processors and speed of DirectX graphic accelerators, working together to speed up viewing.

Pros: FastPictureViewer is an application designed for quick operation. It takes advantage of the quick operation of the Direct X graphics accelerators and the possible parallel operations in a multi-core processor wherever available. Thus making photo viewing and other features it offers very fast.

Once set to an album to be viewed flipping of images and switching between fit-to-window and 100% viewing modes are instantaneous. As with most such viewing one can drag and drop a folder for instant viewing too. This fast browsing can be extended to hundreds of images within a tree structured set of folders and sub folders. The application is able to detect any new photos added into such folder structure even while it is being viewed.

Plug and play integration with optional auto browsing of inserted media or digital camera is possible. While browsing such collections one can easily sort them by single clicks on the images you want to keep. Such images would be copied onto a target folder very quickly. One could use the click and hold instantaneous zoom and configurable 50% to 6400% magnifier. Rating and categorizing of pictures is possible in a single key stroke too. It is possible to make this application multi monitor aware and large monitor supported.

The user interface is simple and very easy to use with large picture viewing area and simple clickable controls. A free home basic edition is available that support the Microsoft HD photo formats HDP and EDP.

Cons: Functionality is very limited, limited to this browsing and selecting features but is interesting due to the speed element.

Overall: The application is rated at 3 stars.