Adobe Systems has launched Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows and Mac platforms.

The San Jose, California-based vendor announced the immediate availability of the Windows version of the software, as well as the imminent arrival of the Mac version, yesterday.

The latest release of its photo editing and organisation package aimed at the consumer market comes loaded with a new Photo Merge exposure function and keyword tags.

Adobe’s veep Doug Mack said it has “simplified the editing process” with this caring-sharing release, as well as retaining “the power, and incorporated smart tools with built-in intelligence to bring once difficult tasks, within reach of everyone”.

Photoshop Elements 8 is Adobe’s junior software to its big daddy editing package - Creative Suite 4.

It said the Windows version of the software is available worldwide now and carries a US price tag of $99.99.

The similarly priced Mac version, however, won’t hit retail until next month, said Adobe.

Additionally, the company has spun out a Windows-only, US-only Plus version of Photoshop Elements 8 that gives customers, who are willing to part with a further $49.99 pa, 20GB of storage for auto online backup and sharing of photos, extra tutorials and interactive templates.

Adobe has plenty more about the release here. ®