尼康公司今天宣佈，微軟的下一代作業系統Longhorn將能夠直接支援尼康的NEF（RAW）檔。這也是尼康對微軟近日宣佈長牛角將直接支持RAW檔的回應。此前尼康和微軟已經在XP系統上實現了顯示尼康NEF檔縮縮圖的功能。
這個消息是和尼康前幾天放出消息要加密NEF檔是相反的，不過可以分析出來，鑒於微軟在作業系統方面的壟斷地位，尼康最終還是屈服了。開放了NEF檔格式。
新聞稿原文如下
Nikon collaborates with Microsoft to support standard use of Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) files, in current and future versions of Windows
June 2, 2005
Collaboration Enables Consumers to easily access Nikon's high quality RAW file format called NEF, in current version of Windows, as well as enhanced, native support in next version of Windows code-named "Longhorn"
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (SHIMAMURA, Teruo, President) is pleased to announce Nikon's collaboration with Microsoft Corp., USA, for the support of the NEF (Nikon Electronic Format), Nikon's well received RAW file format. This project will enable NEF files to be viewed and edited with all applications that access images within "Longhorn," the code name for the next version of Microsoft Windows. In addition, Nikon worked with Microsoft on the Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer for Windows XP, a tool that enables consumers to view thumbnails, preview and print NEF files from Windows XP Explorer. This project will make NEF more widely accessible through current and future versions of Windows, enable consistent file management, and keep NEF's superior image quality intact; the project will make NEF more widely appealing across a broader range of users.
The overview of Nikon's collaboration with Microsoft
| Objective and advantage | The user will benefit from the consistency in operating environment offered by the next Microsoft operating system as supported by Nikon and other camera manufacturers. |
|---|---|
| Collaboration outline | Nikon's quality RAW file (NEF) will become available on current and future versions of Microsoft Windows with the implementation of Nikon's RAW format codecs (proprietary program). |
| Product detail and launching schedule | Please contact Microsoft for further details of products and their time schedule for product launch. |
"By working with Nikon and other camera manufacturers to extend support for RAW in Windows, Microsoft is making using and viewing RAW image files easier than ever," said Kevin Unangst, director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft. "These efforts with industry leaders like Nikon are improving the digital photography experience in Windows XP today while creating an even more powerful and seamless digital imaging platform in the next version of Windows."
