Nero AG announced the upcoming release of Nero 8 recording and multimedia software suite at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Germany. So far, and without seeing the product in action, the new features however seem less than important and the version number upgrade to 8 somewhat overstatement. Based on the press release, the highlights are a re-designed Nero SmartStart menu, improved Windows Vista integration and a new RescueAgent application for recovering lost data.

IFA, Berlin, Germany (August 31, 2007) -- Nero, leaders in digital media technology, announced today the upcoming release of Nero 8, the latest version of the world's best-selling digital multimedia suite. Designed for consumer ease of use, Nero 8 extends content beyond the PC, allowing users to easily create, edit, burn, share, connect, and enjoy digital media files. Additionally, Nero 8 is built to ensure data integrity and reliability and is optimized for use with the new Windows Vista™ operating system.

Nero 8 introduces the newly-designed Nero StartSmart user interface, which maximizes user efficiency with a one-stop solution for creating and managing digital media projects. With this new interface, prime functions like burning and ripping audio and data discs can now be accessed directly, letting users complete projects with one-click functions. Nero 8 also supports a number of next-generation formats with editing, playback, and burning features. In addition, Nero 8 lets users edit photo slide shows and create High Definition video in both Blu-ray BD-AV and HD DVD video formats.

In addition, Nero RescueAgent™ has been developed and integrated based on Nero customer feedback, and allows users to restore deleted files and recover data from CDs and DVDs that may have been lost due to scratched discs, interrupted recording operations, or poor recording quality.

"When we released the first generation of our Nero suite, our goal was to help average PC users easily create and manage their digital lives," said Udo Eberlein, Chief Operating Officer, Nero AG. "With the launch of Nero 8, we are building on this vision, providing consumers with easy-to-use features for the creation, management, and protection of all their multimedia projects. Nero 8 users can simply do more in less time, whether they are converting audio files to MP3 format, editing photo slide shows and videos, or creating an entire home entertainment network with integrated streaming, recording, and playback options for their multimedia files."

Nero 8 has been optimized for use with the new Windows Vista™ operating system and offers a variety of features that complement Windows Vista™ including the Nero DiscCopy gadget, which lets users copy a disc with just one click in the Windows Vista™ sidebar. Nero 8 also provides a complete bundle of multimedia and backup and recovery features not found in Windows Vista™ alone. The addition of live icons allows users to see what is in a file without opening it, and a Rich Preview pane offers direct access to files from within the Windows Explorer browser.

Nero 8 will be available worldwide at participating retailers and online on October 1, 2007 and will have a suggested retail price of €69.99. Current Nero users can upgrade to Nero 8 online at a special discounted price.

For more information, visit www.nero.com.

Source: Nero Press Release