Flickr is using several metadata information like the image title, description, tags, author and gps location. All of these parameters can be synced with the tool. The process is always the same. The software extracts the metadata from Flickr and from the XMP and IPTC sections of locally stored images. Pictures are then matched into pairs by using filename, title and date / time information.

Pictures that do not exist locally can be downloaded from Flickr. The metadata is merged from both sides. Blank fields will be synchronized with metadata from a side that has information about that field. If both the local and online copy of the image contain metadata for a specific field the last updated stamp will determine which information will be used for both images.

Tags can be configured to be merged completely which would essentially mean that all tags from both sides will be considered and added to both sides, that the newer tags will be used or that tags will be left unchanged.

Flickr Metadata Synchr comes with a simulation mode which simulates the changes but does not actually commit them which is great to test the waters.

Geotagging is a feature that is not supported by many digital cameras yet but it will surely be a very powerful feature in the coming years. The Microsoft utility provides easy access to that feature and the ability to add geographic information to each image including street address, city, country and even gps data. Pictures can be placed on a virtual map next to locations they have been taken.

Longitude and Latitude are automatically added to the picture when a town and country have been selected. Microsoft Pro Photo Tools do not offer any additional features besides editing metadata but Microsoft has plans to add new features and functions to their software. It is currently in consideration to give third party developers access so that they can provide plugins and add-ons for the software.

The software can be downloaded from Microsoft directly and requires that your computer passes a genuine advantage check before starting the download.