Computer giants Microsoft have launched digital photo software which will allow users to "walk" or "fly" through their snaps in a 360 degree virtual space.

The innovation, Photosynth, has been inspired by the success of networking and photo sharing sites such as Flickr, Facebook, and Bebo.

After uploading photos, the user can access them in 3D and virtually "walk" through the image, viewing it from any angle and zooming in and out.

Photos taken by different people can be mixed together, no matter what camera was used, when the photos were taken, or whether the images have different resolutions.

Microsoft consider this to be a jump forward in the evolution of digital photography, which has increased in popularity and affordability in recent years.

Microsoft's Paul Foster says, "This adds a lot to the telling of stories - the family day out for example."

The announcement coincided with an annual industry event which brings top brands together to exhibit the products and launches they hope will dominate the lead-up to Christmas.

Microsoft demonstrated the programme at the Playbite event, alongside the latest products from companies such as Nikon, Garmin, Edifer, Hauppauge and Netgear.

"It is an interesting application but I'm not sure it has many uses, "The main thing is that it is free."

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