Instagram Releases An Impressive Update in Version 6.0
Set to roll out today, Instagram releases an impressive update in version 6.0 of their amazing social photo sharing app. Seemingly to be it's most significant update to date, they have enabled video sharing, adjustable filters, and 9 new effects. It's new filters and effects will give you the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, highlights, shadows, vignetting, sharpening and filter strength by using it's slider tool to select the intensity.
In an interview with PetaPixel, Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom, was adamant to the fact that the new update has taken many months of research and testing. He also noted that the bar was set very high to match high-end photo editors like Photoshop and Lightroom, and improvements in speed were also taken in effect. All set for a nice level playing field for the Instagram community.
Instagram for iOS version 6.0 is available in Apple’s App Store, and Instagram for Android version 6.0 is available on Google Play today. See a quick demo video below of the new features in Instagram 6.0, and let us know what you think.
[Via PetaPixel]
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Samsung Releases Galaxy GamePad
Having previewed the Galaxy GamePad at the Samsung Galaxy S4 unveiling a few months back, the device has finally been released in Europe. The gaming device easily connects to your Android phone, offering a controller fit for all of your gaming needs when you're on the go. The controller's "Play" button takes you to Samsung's new Mobile Console App, giving access to 35 compatible titles like Need for Speed. The controller has a rechargeable battery and can be used with devices from 4 inches to 6.3 inches, allowing many to enjoy a better gaming experience on their Android devices. As of right now, there is no information on price point or when it will be available in the States.
[Via Engadget]
Google Search update is compatible with other apps
Yesterday, Google announced an update to their Google Search app for Androids that allows searches in the app to open in the native, pre-installed app. For example, if you did a Google search for The Matrix, your search results would have a link asking if you'd like to view the film's IMDb page in the IMDb app. While this may seem inconvenient for some (why not just search for it in the IMDb app in the first place?), Google Search could represent a central hub/landing page for searches while introducing compatibility with other approved apps.
In a way, Google is monopolizing all forms of app searches, giving power to approved apps and taking power away from those that aren't. However, considering the behemoth that Google is, it's no surprise that they would want to make the Google Search app the primary hub for any and all searches on Android phones. As an iPhone user, this doesn't necessarily affect me, but I can understand how some might find the new update convenient, even if it means adding another step to finding results. Plus, it gives Google even more reason to track and spy on any searches you may be conducting in third-party apps. Would you really sacrifice privacy for convenience?
The full list of compatible apps are below:
- AllTrails
- Allthecooks
- Beautylish
- Etsy
- Expedia
- Flixster
- Healthtap
- IMDb
- Moviefone
- Newegg
- OpenTable
- Trulia
- Wikipedia
[via Phandroid]
VSCO Cam Has Arrived For Android Users
When it comes to mobile photography, there are a ton of apps out there that offer many features and filters when it comes to photo editing. Some are better than others, and depending on your preferences, you might have a favorite app you use for editing your photos. I myself always use VSCO Cam when it comes to editing the photos I take because of the different editing tools and presets. I not only like it as an editing tool, but I like that they offer a feature called VSCO Grid where I can create a gallery for my mobile photography all through the app. Up until now, only iOS users were lucky enough to use VSCO Cam, but that has changed as the app has been made available for Android users, too. If you're looking for a great photo editing app, I suggest that both Android and iOS users check out VSCO Cam. For more information, head over to the official announcement page here.
[Via VSCO]
Hardwell Releases "Dare You" Via Shazam
Dutch EDM artist Hardwell, recently named the world's No. 1 DJ by DJ Mag, broke new ground today as the first artist to release a song strictly through the music-id application Shazam. Listeners are prompted to "Shazam" a 20 second clip on Hardwell's Youtube page that will then unlock his latest single "Dare You" featuring songwriter Matthew Koma, exclusively on the Shazam app. It opens a new avenue for artists to reach fans with their music, as if that landscape wasn't pretty cluttered already. It should push forward the proliferation of corporate cross-promotions to subsidize label money. Check out the song below and for the full download, get your Shazam app out and hit here.
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Google tests Google Play vending machines in Tokyo
Vending machines are literally everywhere in Japan. During my trip to Tokyo this past August, I couldn't go a block without seeing at least one vending machine. Unlike the vending machines here in the States, Japan utilizes the machines for everything from beer, milk, and energy drinks to ramen, pastries, and even panties. How fitting is it, then that Google would test their own vending machines in Tokyo?
Google is introducing Google Play vending machines in Shibuya, Tokyo's version of New York's Times Square. The vending machines will upload both paid and free-to-play games onto Android phones via a touch screen. This is a pretty cool concept for Google to explore, considering the overt nature of vending machines throughout Tokyo. The machines' placement in front of the Parco, one of the trendiest department stores in Tokyo, near the famous Shibuya Crossing will also bring in large audiences.
Japan can keep their Google Play vending machines as long as they can export their beer machines to us.
[via Engadget]