CNN Enlists iReporters to Capture ‘The Moment’ of Obama’s Oath

Network to Use Microsoft Photosynth and User-Generated Photos to Create 3-D Image of Inauguration

CNN plans to create the most unique view of the exact moment US President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Tuesday 20^th January at 8pm (UAE). Using Microsoft Photosynth technology, CNN and Microsoft Corp. will produce the first “synth” of a major historical moment.

Photosynth, part of the Microsoft Virtual Earth product family, enables users to create synths, detailed 3-D environments of photos that are identified by minute similarities and then fused together. In this case, the initial images comprise those captured on cell phones, cameras and mobile devices by inauguration attendees of the moment Obama is sworn in as president. From the vast sweep of the crowd to a close-up on the new president’s raised hand, every angle of this historic moment will be frozen in time. To see examples of synths, visit http://photosynth.com.

CNN is inviting people witnessing “The Moment” to take part in a special iReport assignment by e-mailing their pictures to themoment@CNN.com. The photos will post immediately to iReport.com, CNN’s user-generated news community, and shortly after the oath of office, viewers and users can see the resulting synths on-air and online. In staying with CNN’s long tradition of using technology to reinvent political coverage, the network will feature the synths on the Magic Wall. The use of Photosynth within the multi-touch environment will be made possible by the strong relationship among CNN, Perceptive Pixel and Microsoft.

Visitors to CNN.com will also be able to explore the images captured in this transformative moment on either their PC or Mac. Photosynth will allow CNN.com visitors to glide around the Capitol, virtually experiencing the occasion from every angle. For more details on sending in photos and to view the synths on Inauguration Day, visit www.CNN.com/themoment.

“We’re pleased to partner with CNN to bring this historic event to life through the eyes of those attending the inauguration,” says Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president, Microsoft. “Microsoft Photosynth technology enables an immersive experience for CNN to share with all of its viewers.”

“As the nation watches this momentous occasion on Tuesday, CNN, through its partnership with Microsoft, will again make television history,” adds David Bohrman, CNN’s senior vice president and Washington DC bureau chief. “From the YouTube debates to the Magic Wall, CNN has proven itself as the network which embraces technological tools to engage viewers and allow them to witness news events in ways never before imagined.”

On 20^th January, CNN’s The Inauguration of Barack Obama begins at 2pm (UAE), with continuous live coverage of the day’s events, including the swearing-in ceremony, parade and official inaugural balls. Throughout the special programming, viewers can expect to see the synths their pictures helped create.

For more information on Virtual Earth, visit www.microsoft.com/virtualearth.