Google have just added several new features to version 2.1 of their popular Picasa photo editing software.

Google Newsletter Release

If you’re running Windows 2000/XP or higher, simply open Picasa and you’ll be automatically updated to the latest version of the software. This means you’ll enjoy:

Multiple languages - You asked for it, you got it: Picasa is now available in Chinese (simplified and traditional), Dutch, English (US and UK), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian and Spanish. The software automatically matches your system’s native language and locale. To change your preferred language in Picasa, go to Tools > Options. Then just close and re-open Picasa and the changes will take effect.

BlogThis! - The new “BlogThis!” button allows you to post one photo at a time directly to the Blogger.com web editor without going through the Hello software.

Print CD covers - Print perfectly sized photo CD covers at home. Click the “Print” button. Go to Tools > Options > Printing. Select “CD Label Size” and apply, and “CD label” will now appear as one of your print layout choices.

Improved RAW file handling - Since many of you use professional-quality cameras, we’ve added support for more makes and RAW file types: Canon (.CRW, .CR2), Nikon (.NEF), Olympus (.ORF), Pentax (.PEF), Kodak (.DCR), Sony (.SRF), Minolta (.MRW), and Fuji (.RAF).

Import from additional cameras - Picasa’s “Import” button takes photos off these cameras: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, aka the 350D(.CR2); Pentax *istDS(.PEF); and Konica/Minolta Maxxum7D, aka the Dynax 7D(.MRW).