[IMG]http://dpnow.com/images2/8430/lr4beta_smaller-3.jpg[/IMG]

[I]Among the new toys in LR4 is an integrated map facility to not only show you where you took your photos but to geo-tag photos after you took them.[/I]

Adobe has announced the first public beta of Lightroom 4. We've been having a look at what Lightroom 4 has in the way of new and improved features, including better video support, geo-tagging facilities, sharing and soft-proofing options. You can [URL="http://dpnow.com/8430.html"]see our illustrated tour of Lightroom 4[/URL] in our features section.

I'm a little worried that Lightroom is starting to becoming a bit top-heavy. LR4 has acquired two new modules, Map and Book, and I wonder if either really earns their place. I'd have preferred the Map functionality to be an enhancement to the Library module and the Blurb-linked photobook module to be an extension of the Print module.

But I could be persuaded otherwise after spending more time using LR4. What about you? The beta will be available for download from [URL="http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom4/"]Adobe Labs[/URL].