Kodak, AOL Team Up to Deliver Your Photos Via the Net
Photographers can have their pictures returned to them via the Internet under a program announced Tuesday by Eastman Kodak Co. and America Online Inc.
The service, which teams up the world’s largest film manufacturer and the world’s largest online service, will be available to AOL’s 12 million members when they drop film off at developers that process Kodak film.
More than 30,000 retailers are expected to participate in the program, which is being called “You’ve Got Pictures,” an extension of AOL’s familiar “You’ve Got Mail,” said Kodak spokesman Charles Smith.
Under the program, photographers can drop off film from any type of camera and for an additional $5 to $7 have digital images returned to their AOL e-mail addresses within 48 hours. The service will be available in the fall.
The two companies will share revenue from the joint venture, but they did not disclose financial details. Both companies said they will make joint investments in advertising and marketing, product development and ongoing support.
Kodak Chairman George Fisher is searching for ways to cut costs and boost interest in digital imaging, a business that lost $440 million last year. Kodak is developing digital cameras with Intel Corp. and wants AOL’s help to expand a fledgling business while rival Fuji Photo Film Co. chips away at its main business of selling photographic film.
Kodak’s stock was down 25 cents at $70.25, while AOL rose $4.56 to $87.69, both in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Room Service: Hotel room rates can be hard to fathom but, with a little savvy, you can get good discounts, says Consumer Reports.
For openers, don’t jump at the first rate quoted by a reservations clerk--a little hesitation and some questions on your part can prompt the clerk to tell you the full range of prices. The magazine also suggests taking advantage of group discounts, such as those available to AAA members.
While it’s a good idea to call the hotel chain’s toll-free number, also call the local hotel itself, which may know more about special promotion rates or weekend and off-season discounts.
Another tip: Some chains will give a 10% discount to people who book a room over the Internet.
Upon Reflection: Ward’s Auto World magazine reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering whether to allow auto makers to install driver’s side-view mirrors that will help eliminate the blind spot that plagues motorists trying to make lane changes.
The mirrors, currently allowed on the passenger side, are either convex, meaning they are curved, or aspheric, which means they are mostly flat, with an outer edge that’s angled outward. Both give drivers a fuller view of vehicles on either side of their own.
Ward’s also reports that Donnelly Corp., which makes car mirrors, is working on a three-camera system that would provide a complete view of all sides of a vehicle.
Social Insecurity: While most Americans are concerned about the viability of the Social Security system, many are nonetheless ignorant about how the system works and the changes made to it recently, PaineWebber Inc. and the Gallup Organization found when they surveyed 1,202 people.
About 60% of the survey respondents said they had no idea how much Social Security tax they pay. Only 14% know that the normal retirement age has been raised to 67 for Americans now under age 30. And 76% said they need more information about the issues involved in Social Security.
News You Can Reuse: When you zip open your next overnight delivery envelope, check before you toss it--you may be able to use it again. United Parcel Service is using reusable envelopes for its overnight letter packages that have a second strip of adhesive and a special flap to seal the package a second time.
