The second iteration of Picasa, the photo organizing software acquired last summer by Google, has been released. Picasa 2.0 touts more advanced editing tools and improved organization, while simplifying overall photo management for users of all skill levels.

Picasa users now can utilize 12 photographic filter effects, along with color adjustments, cropping and red-eye removal. Labels and stars can be added to photos for faster ordering and searching.

"With Picasa 2, we've made it easier for people to find, organize, improve and enhance their photographs, as well as create photo CDs, personalized slideshows, desktop collages, and much more," said Lars Perkins, General Manager at Picasa.

Google has also added its own touch to the software. Adding to Picasa's ability to upload photos to Blogger, version 2.0 enables users to e-mail photos through Google's Gmail service.

Picasa, which some call a Windows counterpart to Apple's iPhoto for Macs, is offered as a free download.