Abode's well-established consumer photo-editing application Photoshop has undergone the conventional yearly upgrade - bringing forth the Photoshop Elements 8, which is not only attractive but also evolutionary.

Though the version 8 brings quite a few useful additions to the photo editing tools, the most persuasive enhancements pertain to digital asset management. For users who already have Photoshop Elements 7, the key reason to go in for the version 8 is the improved facility for keywording and managing their database of media.

Furthermore, the Organizer's full-screen mode now boasts of the new 'Auto QuickFix' tools - including Smart Fix, Color, Tone, Contrast, Detail, Color, and Red Eye - that can help in better editing of the photos.

Another extended photo editing tool is new 'PhotoMerge', which now features an Exposure tool that helps combine two almost identical photos, taken with dissimilar exposure values, for attaining the best-possible exposure.

For Mac users, Photoshop Elements 8 features a CS4 Bridge tab which facilitates the sorting and maintenance of image library; while for Windows users, the new version has numerous tools to simplify keywording of photos to the extent of even making them automated.

The Photoshop Elements 8 is currently available for $100. However, with an additional $40, users can avail one-year Photoshop. com Plus membership, including 20GB storage, as well as access to Adobe's ongoing flow of content like new tutorials and project templates!