Use PicLens Image Software for Blogging and Research

Mozilla has begun changing the face of Web browsing with its Firefox browser. This cross-platform browser allows for tabbed browsing, customizable security and, most intriguing, add-on extensions that can add an infinite amount of functionality to Firefox. For just about any task a user may have, there is usually some kind of add-on for Firefox that will aid him in accomplishing it. Now developer Cooliris has built a revolutionary add-on called PicLens for full-screen searching, browsing and viewing of images from across the Web. With its futuristic GUI, PicLens allows users to search for images and browse through them in a virtual "wall of images".

To get started with the PicLens add-on, simply open your Firefox browser, select the Tools pull-down menu, and click on "Add-ons". In the Add-ons window select the "Get Extensions" link from the bottom right corner. You will now be magically whisked away to the Mozilla Firefox Add-Ons site. In the search box type "PicLens" and press your Enter/Return key. When you see PicLens in the search results simply click the button that says "Add to Firefox". The button should also indicate if you are downloading the Windows or Mac version. Follow the installation instructions. After Firefox restarts you will be equipped with PicLens. Let the fun begin!

Another Thumbnail in the Wall

You will find the PicLens button in the upper right corner of Firefox. Select this and you will see what ever site you are viewing fade away into a black background with a search bar in the top right corner. Select this search box and you will be given the choice of searching a number of different services including Google and Flickr. Type a word or phrase or anything into the search box, press your Enter/Return key and watch as the black background fills up with clear thumbnails of the results of your search. These thumbnails will form a 3 layer high wall that you can use to browse through all of your search results. For starters grab the blue slider bar at the bottom of the PicLens browser and begin sliding it to the right. You sill see the images wall begin to fly by in a very smooth manner allowing you to quickly or slowly browse through the images that resulted from your search. Another way of browsing the wall of thumbnails is by simply clicking on any black space within the wall and swiping it left or right. This will "sling" the wall to the left or right and it will eventually slow down and stop. If you have seen the swiping functionality in the iPhone or the iPod Touch then you can imagine what this aspect of PicLens is like.

Let's Get a Closer Look

You may come across an image in the wall of thumbnails that you like and want to see closer. Simply click once on the image and it will be brought forward for you to see. Click anywhere in the black and it returns to its place and you can continue scrolling. Now if you would like to see a full screen view of your selected image simply double-click any image in the wall of thumbnails. The selected pic will fill up the screen and the rest of your thumbnails will appear in a row across the bottom so you can continue scrolling from there while still viewing your selected image. This bottom bar will also allow you to skip to other images and view them in full screen. Also there is a play button that will begin playing your image search results as a slideshow in full screen.

If you want to view pictures from Flickr, or find a picture of your favorite entertainer, or locate images taken at your favorite vacation destination, the PicLens Firefox add-on is a great way to do it easily and in crisp full screen. I know that it will help me as I am doing research for my blog and for personal interests. My kudos to Cooliris for such a great, free piece of software.