CALABASAS, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/24/09 -- Photo Explosion 4.0 and Photo Explosion Deluxe 4.0 were released today by Nova Development, a consumer software unit of leading global software developer and publisher Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ). Photo Explosion set a new standard for consumer photo software when it was first released, with powerful editing tools, stunning special effects, and pro-quality projects combined into one package.

The latest versions contain more new features in one release than ever before in the company's history. With Photo Explosion 4.0, the company has added 150 new features, including QuickFix Studio, which makes it easy to improve photos with one click, and Makeover Studio, with easy-to-use retouching tools.

The software includes more than 6,000 photo projects and graphics. Photo Explosion 4.0 also enables users to upload finished photos and projects to YouTube, Flickr, SendPhotos and Facebook directly. And a new user interface ensures that you can always find and use just the right tool or effect.

"The holidays are packed with photos -- to take, share, and save. And again this year, we expect that digital cameras will be among the most popular gifts," said Roger Bloxberg, CEO of Avanquest North America. "Photo Explosion 4.0 and Photo Explosion Deluxe 4.0 are the perfect complements to help turn digital pictures into special keepsakes."

Photo Explosion Deluxe 4.0 includes even more new features -- over 200 -- including more than 10,000 photo projects and graphics, and more easy-to-use tools, such as the new Extract tool, which removes backgrounds, and an enhanced Morph tool, which creates intriguing morphed pictures.

This new release makes it easier than ever to create a CD photo slide show that you can watch on TV using a set-top DVD player, complete with background music and transitions. And a new free iPhone app lets you upload photos on the go for sharing over the Internet.

Both titles are available now through leading retailers and through the company's own site, www.novadevelopment.com. The software, which ships on a DVD, is for PCs running Windows 7, Vista, or XP.

About Nova Development

Based in Southern California and founded in 1984, Nova Development is a market leader in consumer software for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Nova Development is the retail publisher of best-selling software for desktop publishing, print creativity and many other purposes, as well as educational titles for both children and adults. Nova Development was acquired by Avanquest Software in 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.novadevelopment.com and http://www.avanquest.com.

About Avanquest Software

Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ) is one of the world's leading software developers and publishers, with operations on three continents and marketing through Retail, Corporate, OEM and Direct-to-Consumer channels. Avanquest's presence in North America, consisting of Avanquest Software USA and Avanquest North America (which includes the Nova Development division), places it among the top ten retail software publishers in the United States. With more than 100 software titles, the combined companies offer one of the largest and most diversified product portfolios in the software industry, available at more than 10,000 North American retail locations, on the Web, and through OEM partnerships. Additional information is at http://about.avanquest.com.