A still image can create a lasting impression. A video of the same scene can also leave an impression but of a different kind. Now Microsoft has launched a free app, via its Microsoft Research division that basically creates a hybrid of those two media forms. It"s called Cliplets and its available to download from the application"s web site. It comes in both 64-bit and 32-bit Windows 7 versions; Microsoft is not offering any official support for the product.
The web site states:
Microsoft Research Cliplets is an interactive app that uses semi-automated methods to give users the power to create "Cliplets" -- a type of imagery that sits between stills and video from handheld videos. The app provides a creative lens one can use to focus on important aspects of a moment by mixing static and dynamic elements from a video clip.
The web site also comes with a number of video tutorials that assist the Cliplets users into creating what are basically animated pictures. There"s also a page on the app"s support forum that mentions its current issues. The app cannot run on Windows XP or Vista and the 32-bit Windows 7 version can only create Cliplets in 640x480 resolutions.