Paint Manufacturers Launch Color-Capturing iPhone Apps

For color enthusiasts, two major paint manufacturers have introduced new iPhone applications to help capture color inspiration -- and automatically generate palettes -- all on the go.

ColorCapture Ben, a new iPhone and iPod Touch application, allows users to match any color in a photograph to one of Benjamin Moore’s more than 3,300 paint colors.

The application, which was developed by Benjamin Moore, allows users to zoom in on a particular color in a picture they’ve taken or loaded onto their device, tap a “match” key and see a display of the paints closest to the color desired, plus a range of darker and lighter shades on either side. These color “chips” can be saved to a favorites folder for future reference. Should users want to take the next step, the application will use the device’s built-in GPS system to find the nearest store carrying Benjamin Moore paint.

Sherwin-Williams is also joining the fun with ColorSnap, an app that feeds off the maker’s more than 1,500 available colors. Both apps offer the same goal with different levels of functionality.

Applications: apple.com/iphone/appstore.