Google Picasa

Picasa uses picasa.ini files to keep track of keywords for each image. In addition to this, Picasa attaches IPTC keyword data to JPG files, but not to any other file format. Keywords attached to JPG files in Picasa can be read by other image library software like Adobe (Photoshop, Album and Bridge), digiKam and iPhoto and JPG files are NOT viewable by windows explorer, even after uninstalling the Picasa it leaves the files in the same situation and you do not have access to them again. Be aware and have a backup of your files if you want to install this software.

According to the Picasa Readme, Picasa can parse XMP data. However, it cannot search local files for existing XMP keywords.

It's dishonest to call this software free when the license states that Google has a right to use anything you create, forever, in whatever way they want and whoever they want to give it to.

If you take an amazing photo and save it with Picasa, Google can do whatever they want with it. So it's free to download, and then you give them the right to exploit you. Maybe that would be a fair trade...except for the fact that you cannot take back that right, even long after the software/service is obsolete and gone. Any semi-serious photographer should be wary about using Picasa!

From the license, read starting the 2nd sentence:

11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive licence to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This licence is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.

11.2 You agree that this licence includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.

Good software.

You retain copyright but give Google permission to use your content to make more money. Forever.

Adobe Lightroom. Costs $$ but you own what you create. Google doesn't own you.

It's dishonest to call this software free when the license states that Google has a right to use anything you create, forever, in whatever way they want and whoever they want to give it to. It's free to download, and you give them in exchange the right to all of your content forever.

That's making money off your talent. And you can't take back the permission from them! Ever, even after the software is long outdated.

From the license, start with the 2nd sentence:

11.1 You retain copyright and any other rights you already hold in Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. By submitting, posting or displaying the content you give Google a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive licence to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute any Content which you submit, post or display on or through, the Services. This licence is for the sole purpose of enabling Google to display, distribute and promote the Services and may be revoked for certain Services as defined in the Additional Terms of those Services.

11.2 You agree that this licence includes a right for Google to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals with whom Google has relationships for the provision of syndicated services, and to use such Content in connection with the provision of those services.

Good software.

They can legally use anything you ever create, share it, forever. No royalties etc. You take that photo because you were the only one there to witness the event...and they could use it.