Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[InstaCRT puts all other photo filter apps to shame (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/instacrt-puts-all-other-photo-filter-apps-to-shame-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/instacrt-puts-all-other-photo-filter-apps-to-shame-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/instacrt-puts-all-other-photo-filter-apps-to-shame-video/#comments InstaCRT puts all other photo filter apps to shame (video)

To hell with Instagram. Seriously. It's not that we don't understand the appeal of the photo filter standard bearer, it's just that it lacks a cleverness and visceral quality that InstaCRT has in spades. See, rather than simply recreate retro effect with some software trickery, InstaCRT actually uses the aging titular tech to achieve its goals. The concept, while clever, is actually pretty simple: you take a photo on your iPhone using the InstaCRT app, it's then uploaded to the developer where all the magic happens. Your image is displayed on a tiny 1-inch CRT (harvested from an old-school VHS camcorder) in the company's office, a picture of your photo is then taken with a fancy DSLR, and the resulting image is sent back to you. The results are monochrome, loaded with scanlines and just slightly distorted -- offering a sense of physicality that other photo filter apps just can't match. However, as clever as the concept is, it's equally inefficient and, as more people start using the app, the wait between snapping a pic and getting the finished product back, gets longer and longer. (We had to wait almost four minutes for the image above.) Still, we can't help but fall in love with InstaCRT... at least until the next photo filter app hits the market. Don't miss the video after the break, and hit up the source link to buy it now for $1.99 and see how fast we can crash the developer's servers.

Continue reading InstaCRT puts all other photo filter apps to shame (video)

InstaCRT puts all other photo filter apps to shame (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappscrthackinstacrtinstagramiosiphoneMartin StromMartinStrommobilepostcrossphoto filtersPhotoFiltersvideoFri, 25 May 2012 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Camera hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/facebook-camera-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/facebook-camera-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/facebook-camera-hands-on/#comments Image

Facebook has kept itself rather busy in the last month or so with such tasks as going public and purchasing popular photo-sharing app Instagram, but that doesn't mean it stopped working on other projects in the meantime. This realization is apparent with the launch of Facebook Camera, a photo-centric application that chooses to remain separated from the company's general mobile representation. It's still connected with the social network, of course, but it brings a fresh user interface and some light Photoshop-esque features to the table: filters, cropping, zoom, twist and so on. We had the opportunity to grab the new app and take it for a spin on an iPhone, so check out the gallery and continue below for our first impressions.

Gallery: Facebook Camera hands-on

Continue reading Facebook Camera hands-on

Facebook Camera hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecamerafacebookfacebook cameraFacebookCamerafiltershands-oninstagramiosipadiphoneiphone 3gsiphone 4iphone 4sIphone3gsIphone4Iphone4sipod touchipod touch 4th generationIpodTouchIpodTouch4thGenerationmobilepostcrossphoto-sharingThu, 24 May 2012 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook likes Karma app, buys the whole darn thing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/facebook-likes-karma-app-buys-the-whole-darn-thing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/facebook-likes-karma-app-buys-the-whole-darn-thing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/19/facebook-likes-karma-app-buys-the-whole-darn-thing/#comments Facebook likes Karma app, buys the whole darn thingWhat does one do after generating billions from an initial public stock offering? Go shopping, of course. After falling short of expectations following its somewhat helter-skelter IPO debut, Facebook simply shook off the whole thing and acquired itself some good Karma. No, we're not talking about that Karma. Instead, Facebook purchased the startup responsible for the Karma social gifting app. The move was apparently made to bolster Facebook's mobile chops -- an area the company considers ripe for opportunity. Just recently, Facebook also acquired mobile stalwart Instagram and the Lightbox team, for example. As for its newest purchase, Karma will be allowed to "continue to operate in full force" despite its recent status change, according to a blog post by co-founders Lee Linden and Ben Lewis. Details weren't disclosed about how much the deal was worth but judging from celebratory nature of their post, it doesn't look like Linden and Lewis will "Unlike" the agreement any time soon.

Facebook likes Karma app, buys the whole darn thing originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireacquisitionandroidappbuyfacebookfilterinstagramiphoneiphone androidIphoneAndroidkarmakarma appKarmaApplightboxmobilemobilepostcrosssocial giftingsocial networkSocialGiftingSocialNetworkSat, 19 May 2012 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/facebook-snaps-up-mobile-photo-sharing-firm-lightbox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/facebook-snaps-up-mobile-photo-sharing-firm-lightbox/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/facebook-snaps-up-mobile-photo-sharing-firm-lightbox/#comments Facebook

We get the impression that Facebook is on a big mobile photo sharing kick: just weeks after it bought Instagram for a cool billion, the social network has just hired the staff behind Lightbox. The two-man team of Nilesh Patel and Thai Tran is bringing its mostly Android- and HTML5-focused knowledge over to Facebook, where it's hoping to reach many, many more people. You'll have to wait awhile to see what the Lightbox team brings to Facebook's ever more mobile platform, but you'll also want to hurry if you want to keep anything hosted on Lightbox: the service shuts down on June 15th. As a consolation for the shutdown, the startup's code is being posted to GitHub so that the fruits of its efforts live on in open-sourced form.

Facebook snaps up mobile photo sharing firm Lightbox, decides Instagram isn't enough originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionacquisitionsandroidbuyoutbuyoutscellphonesfacebookgithubhtml5instagramlightboxmobilepostcrossopen sourceopen-sourceOpenSourcesharingsmartphonesmartphonessocial networksocial networkingsocial networksSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingSocialNetworksTue, 15 May 2012 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook redesigns mobile site and apps, takes a tip (or two) from Instagram]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/facebook-mobile-site-apps-redesign/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/facebook-mobile-site-apps-redesign/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/facebook-mobile-site-apps-redesign/#comments ImageFacebook redesigns mobile site and apps, takes a tip (or two) from Instagram

Maybe it was inspired by the other app's most recent update, or perhaps by Zuck's newly-minted commitment to mobile applications. Regardless, Facebook's redesigned its iPhone / iPod and Android apps along with its pocket-sized site, clearly taking some design tips from none other than its fresh acquisition, Instagram. As you can see in the image above, the news feed is now showing one large post rather than the usual two or three (at least on the iPhone / iPod variant), this mainly due to pictures now being up to 3X larger than before. Facebook didn't note any other major changes, and there was no mention on when, or if, this snap-driven design will make its way onto some of those not-so-mobile devices. Be sure to keep an eye out for the redesign, as it's said to be rolling out as we speak.

Facebook redesigns mobile site and apps, takes a tip (or two) from Instagram originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookfacebook appFacebook applicationfacebook applicationsfacebook appsfacebook for androidfacebook for iosfacebook mobileFacebookAppFacebookApplicationFacebookApplicationsFacebookAppsFacebookForAndroidFacebookForIosFacebookMobileinstagramIOSmobilemobile appmobile appsMobileAppMobileAppsmobilepostminiredesignsocial networksocial networksSocialNetworkSocialNetworksupdateMon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will have to wait]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ftc-probe-may-delay-facebook-buy-of-instagram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ftc-probe-may-delay-facebook-buy-of-instagram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/ftc-probe-may-delay-facebook-buy-of-instagram/#comments Image

If you were hoping that Facebook's buyout of Instagram would wrap up quickly and let you directly integrate your heavily filtered photos into Timeline, you might be disappointed. Citing the ever-present "people familiar with the matter," the FT believes the Federal Trade Commission is orchestrating a competition probe. These kinds of investigations are common for most deals over $66 million -- we suspect the $1 billion Instagram pact qualifies -- but could add six months to a year to Facebook's originally planned spring closure date. The deal is still expected to go through, and you can keep tilt-shifting your photos to death in the meantime; just don't expect those shots to blanket friends' Facebook walls anytime soon.

Rumored FTC probe could delay Facebook / Instagram deal, Toaster filter will have to wait originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcameracamerascellphonecellphonescompetitionfacebookFederal Trade CommissionFederalTradeCommissionftcinstagraminvestigationinvestigationsiphonemobilepostcrossphotographyprobesmartphonesmartphonesThu, 10 May 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram for Android updated with tilt-shift capabilities, all becomes well on Earth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/instagram-for-android-updated-with-tilt-shift-capabilities/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/instagram-for-android-updated-with-tilt-shift-capabilities/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/instagram-for-android-updated-with-tilt-shift-capabilities/#comments Instagram for Android updated with tilt-shift capabilities, all becomes well on Earth

Something tells us #teamiphone is going to adore this. Instagram has just updated its much-ballyhooed Android app, bringing the version to 1.1.0. What's new? Tilt-shift for "supported devices," enabling cameraphone shooters to add entirely too much blur to shots that could've used a tripod to begin with. We kid, we kid. But seriously, the download awaits in the source link.

Instagram for Android updated with tilt-shift capabilities, all becomes well on Earth originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappeffectfiltergoogleinstagrammobilepostminiphotographytilt shifttilt-shiftTilt-shiftPhotographyTiltShiftTue, 08 May 2012 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[That's right, folks: Instagram now supports HTC One X]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/instagram-now-supports-htc-one-x/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/instagram-now-supports-htc-one-x/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/instagram-now-supports-htc-one-x/#comments That's right, folks: Instagram now supports HTC One XUpon it's debut, one notable smartphone was curiously absent from Instagram's list of supported devices: the HTC One X. Thankfully, all of that worry is now behind filter lovers, as the latest update for this Android app has added support for HTC's premiere superphone and its stellar camera. In addition, the refresh is said to deliver better support for all devices based on NVIDIA's Tegra 3 platform, provide better support for tablet users and squash a nasty bug that'd caused Instagram photos to not appear in the gallery. With this issue behind us, we can now resume living our lives without worry or fear.

That's right, folks: Instagram now supports HTC One X originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappshtchtc one xHtcOneXinstagrammobilepostcrossnvidianvidia tegra 3NvidiaTegra3one xOneXtegra 3Tegra3updateupdatesTue, 10 Apr 2012 23:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook to buy Instagram]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/facebook-to-buy-instagram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/facebook-to-buy-instagram/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/facebook-to-buy-instagram/#comments
How's this for some big news on an otherwise slow Monday? Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has let slip that his company plans to buy popular photo-sharing app Instagram (pending all of the standard regulatory approvals, naturally). According to a report from All Things D's Kara Swisher, Facebook will pick up the social app, which got its own long-awaited Android version, for a cool $1 billion in cash and shares. Ole Zuck confirmed the news on his personal blog, adding that the deal won't affect Instagram's integration with competing social networks:
We think the fact that Instagram is connected to other services beyond Facebook is an important part of the experience. We plan on keeping features like the ability to post to other social networks, the ability to not share your Instagrams on Facebook if you want, and the ability to have followers and follow people separately from your friends on Facebook.
Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom confirmed via his site's blog that the service, "is not going away," adding, "The Instagram app will still be the same one you know and love." Check out some PR on the subject after the break.

Continue reading Facebook to buy Instagram

Facebook to buy Instagram originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquireacquisitionandroidappbuyfacebookfilterinstagramiphoneiphone androidmobilemobilepostcrossphotosocial networkSocialNetworkMon, 09 Apr 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram for Android update adds support for tablets, WiFi handsets and SD card installs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/instagram-for-android-updated-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/instagram-for-android-updated-tablets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/instagram-for-android-updated-tablets/#comments Instagram for Android update adds support for tablets, WiFi handsets and SD card installsIt's only been three days since Instagram launched on Android and the only thing that seems to match the influx of new users is the pace at which the company is pushing out updates to enhance support and tweak a few glitches. The latest one to hit today (1.0.3) promises expanded support for tablets and WiFi handsets, app installation on the SD card for storage-limited users and fixing an audio mute bug during capture. If you haven't delved into its photo sharing and filter features already, check out our hands-on to see how this highly anticipated app has made the transition to Android, or just hit the source link below and install it yourself.

Instagram for Android update adds support for tablets, WiFi handsets and SD card installs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappcamerafiltersgoogleinstagrammobilepostcrossphotosd cardSdCardsocial mediaSocialMediastoragetabletupdatewifiFri, 06 Apr 2012 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram for Android hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-for-android-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-for-android-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-for-android-hands-on/#comments Image

By now, you've got to be familiar with Instagram. Sure, you may have never used the app, which until mere minutes ago had yet to make its way beyond iOS, but you've surely seen the results, in tweets, emails or littering your Facebook feed. And beginning this very moment, you can join in on the fun, even if you've never owned an Apple device. We took instantly to Instagram for Android -- the app offers an experience nearly identical to the iOS version, though the ability to capture and manipulate images on a larger device brought a unique twist to the wildly popular image manipulation experience.

We decided to start off our snaps with a Samsung Galaxy Note, which not only offers a brilliant 1280 x 800-pixel display, but also a 5.3-inch surface on which to frame images and preview filters. Beyond the enormous variety of capture tools now available, it seems that not much has changed -- your favorite filters are still there, making those smartphone shots glow just as brilliantly as before. And, if you happen to despise the Instagram effect, this would probably be a good time to take that long-planned holiday from social media -- if it hasn't already, your screen is about to explode with colorful perfect squares of image funk goodness.

Gallery: Instagram for Android hands-on


Update: It appears that the Android version has yet to add the selective focus tool or Flickr and Posterous integration available in the iOS app. You can, however, brighten up the image and add or remove a frame.

Instagram for Android hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappcameradownloadgooglegoogle androidgoogle playGoogleAndroidGooglePlayhands-oninstagraminstagram for androidInstagramForAndroidmobilepostcrossnow availableNowAvailablephotographysocial mediaSocialMediaTue, 03 Apr 2012 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram comes to Android, available to download now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-android-download-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-android-download-now-available/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/instagram-android-download-now-available/#comments ImageWe've waiting for what feels like forever, but the Android contingent can finally carry on with life knowing that at least some things are (semi) fair. Yes, Instagram is now available for Android. Keeping with tradition, the app itself is free to download, and the outfit seems overjoyed with finishing up what it's (accurately) calling "one of the most anticipated releases on the Android platform to date." It's also clear that the team has done more than a simple port, and while the exact same filters will be found here as on the iOS version, the team has worked to make the app responsive and fluid on Android's vast landscape. We are told, however, that there are a few features that will not be included in the first version of the Android app (Tilt Shift / Blur, Share from Feed, Live Preview and Share to Flickr), but upcoming versions are intended to bridge any differences.

For now, any phone running Android 2.2 or above (with support for OpenGL ES 2) is compatible, but Android tablets are not. There's a maximum resolution support of 2,048 x 2,048, and the company assures us that the "exact same filters and algorithms are implemented on both [iOS and Android builds], so there is no difference in the output other than the raw image quality that differs between phones." Eager to get going? Head to Play on your device, or visit the source link below.

Update: Check out our hands-on!

Gallery: Instagram for Android screenshots

Continue reading Instagram comes to Android, available to download now

Instagram comes to Android, available to download now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappcameradownloadgooglegoogle androidgoogle playGoogleAndroidGooglePlayinstagraminstagram for androidInstagramForAndroidmobilepostcrossnow availableNowAvailablephotographyTue, 03 Apr 2012 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/24/instagram-signup-page-android/#comments ImageIt's no secret that one of the most popular apps to ever hit the App Store will soon be coming to Android, and if you'd prefer to be one of the very first on your block to be notified... well, there's a website for that. Instagram has just opened up a signup page for Android loyalists, enabling folks to input their email address and await word on the download going live. Sadly, there's no hint on the aforesaid page that gets us any closer to a specific release date, but hey -- it's one less unspecified thing you have to remember, right? Pop that source link if your interest has been piqued.

Instagram opens signup page for Android port, release date still unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappartdesigngooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidimageryinstagrammobilepostcrossphotophotographyportsignupSat, 24 Mar 2012 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Creative Studio brings panorama capture to Lumia handsets (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-creative-studio-brings-panorama-capture-to-lumia-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-creative-studio-brings-panorama-capture-to-lumia-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/22/nokia-creative-studio-brings-panorama-capture-to-lumia-handsets/#comments Nokia Creative Studio brings panorama capture to Lumia handsets (hands-on)
Nokia recently launched a new photography app called Creative studio which is available in the Windows Phone Marketplace exclusively for its Lumia handsets. Part panorama stitcher, part photo filter and part image editor, the app lets you take new pictures or chose shots from existing albums and tweak them to your heart's content. It features ten Instagram-like effects (including vignette and auto-enhance) plus seven common adjustments (such as crop and sharpness). We took the app for a spin and the UI is pretty slick, with an optional side-by-side before and after view of the photo you are currently editing. Once done, you have the option to continue applying additional effects and making further adjustments, save the image or share it. Twitter, Flickr and Facebook are supported, but sadly there's no integration with Windows Phone's People Hub -- you'll have to login to each service in the app itself. Check out the screen shots in the gallery below and hit the break for more impressions and some samples.

Gallery: Nokia Creative Studio screenshots

Continue reading Nokia Creative Studio brings panorama capture to Lumia handsets (hands-on)

Nokia Creative Studio brings panorama capture to Lumia handsets (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appCreative StudioCreativeStudioeditoreffectfilterhands-onimagingInstagramLumiamobilepostcrossNokiaNokia Creative StudioNokia LumiaNokiaCreativeStudioNokiaLumiapanoramaphotographywarpWindows PhoneWindows Phone MarketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneMarketplaceThu, 22 Mar 2012 00:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram and Hipstamatic to announce photo-sharing partnership]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/instagram-hipstamatic-photo-sharing-partnership-ios-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/instagram-hipstamatic-photo-sharing-partnership-ios-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/instagram-hipstamatic-photo-sharing-partnership-ios-iphone/#comments ImageHistorically, Instagram has been the definition of closed. It's only available on one platform (iOS), and no third-party services were allowed to port content in via an API. According to Fast Company, that's changing today. It's bruited that Instagram will be opening its doors ever-so-slightly to one Hipstamatic, enabling users of the latter to tag their photos with lenses and filters, and then push them into the Instagram universe. It's being likened to Foursquare users pushing their check-in information to Facebook and Twitter, and it's bound to increase the visibility (and revenue) of Hipstamatic. Hopefully it's just the first deal of many to be cut, but on the real -- we're pretty sure an Android version of Instagram should've taken priority over this. Just sayin'.

Instagram and Hipstamatic to announce photo-sharing partnership originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HipstamaticimageryimagingInstagrampartnerpartnershipphotophoto sharingphotographyPhotoSharingrumorsocial networkingSocialNetworkingWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic Lumix GF5 accidentally leaked by Hong Kong spokesperson?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/panasonic-lumix-gf5-leak-hong-kong/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/panasonic-lumix-gf5-leak-hong-kong/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/panasonic-lumix-gf5-leak-hong-kong/#comments Frequent social networkers will tell you that Instagram's usually plastered with food photos and self-portraits, so we were quite surprised to see a product leak over there. After some careful inspection, we're pretty certain that the above picture shows a legit Panasonic Lumix GF5, which from this angle bears much resemblance to the GF3 bar the grip. To add credibility here, the uploader is none other than Hong Kong celebrity Angelababy who happens to be the brand ambassador for Panny (oopsie!). Unsurprisingly, the twee model has already removed the offending picture from her account, but the direct image link still works.

You may be wondering: shouldn't this Micro Four Thirds camera be the GF4 after the current GF3? Well, much like Chinese superstition, Japan also prefers to steer clear of the number 4 as it sounds the same as "death" in Japanese. For instance: there was no Lumix LX4 before the LX5. As for specs, Chinese website Nphoto reported earlier this month that the GF5 will also feature a 12-megapixel sensor but with a better signal-to-noise ratio and topping at ISO 12800, while on the back it'll have a much sharper LCD with 920k dots (instead of just 460k on the GF3). Judging by the looks of things it shouldn't be long before we see Angelababy presenting this new camera for real -- let's just hope that she gets to keep her job.

Panasonic Lumix GF5 accidentally leaked by Hong Kong spokesperson? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelababycameraGF4gf5hong kongHongKonginstagramleaklumixlumix dmc-gf5lumix gf5LumixDmc-gf5LumixGf5MFTMFTsmicro 43Micro Four ThirdsMicro43MicroFourThirdspanasonicSun, 18 Mar 2012 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram hits 27 million user milestone, teases Android app at SXSW]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/instagram-hits-27-million-user-milestone-teases-android-app-at/#comments Instagram hits 27 million users, plans to invite Android users to join the partyRejoice, photo filter fans, Instagram is heading to Android "very soon," according to founder Kevin Systrom. Speaking at South by Southwest, Systrom raved about the app's growth, boasting of its 27 million registered users. "They're not excited about it because it makes your photos look beautiful," he says, "They're excited because it networks people across the world and it's the single fastest growing thing in mobile period." The Android version is currently being tested in a private beta, and it's reported to be superior than its iOS counterpart. "It's really, really fast," Systrom said. Don't look so surprised, he did tell us, after all, that iOS was just the beginning.

Instagram hits 27 million user milestone, teases Android app at SXSW originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artdesigninstagramiosmacmilestonemobilepostcrossphotographphotographySXSWSXSW 2012Sxsw2012Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Instaprint offers portable photo booths for Instagram (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/insert-coin-instaprint-sets-up-portable-photo-booths-for-instag/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/insert-coin-instaprint-sets-up-portable-photo-booths-for-instag/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/insert-coin-instaprint-sets-up-portable-photo-booths-for-instag/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

While the design hasn't changed much since we spied Instaprint precisely a year ago, the creators behind the Instagram-connected photo printers are now looking for cash -- your cash. Pitched as an event or party service, you can assign specific tags or locations to the printer, hopefully assuring all those instant snaps have at least a passing connection to whoever or whatever paid for all that photo paper. The technology is all a bit Polaroid, as the printers themselves are ink-free Zink types, limited only by however many blank sheets you have inside. Instaprint has set itself the heady target $500,000, with $260,000 of that sum going towards existing hardware and future production. The $399 investment option will net you your very own InstaPrint system, while sepia-tinted image obsessives can offer up £1,449 for the pro kit, containing one WiFi hub printer, three more connectable InstaPrint devices and 80 sheets of inkless paper for your premier cat photo collection/ food gallery get-together. See how it all works right after the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Instaprint offers portable photo booths for Instagram (video)

Insert Coin: Instaprint offers portable photo booths for Instagram (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insert coinInsertCoininstagraminstaprintphoto printerPhotoPrinterPolaroidPicturevideozinkzink photo printerZinkPhotoPrinterWed, 07 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/#comments There's something romantic about hacking the iPhone, especially when it means finding ways to personalize the massively popular handset. Apps like Instagram may help you realize artistic talent, but software just doesn't get those creative juices flowing like an old-fashioned piece of hardware can. Despite its taboo-sounding name, The Love Box isn't an adult toy in the traditional sense, instead serving as an analog video (and stills) mixer for your iPhone 4 or 4S. Consisting of a wooden box and an angled sliding mirror, the homegrown contraption lets you simultaneously capture the action in front of and behind you in a single image. It was originally designed in Barcelona to capture two people conversing for a documentary called "The Love Box Conversations," hence the name. The "lowest-tech accessory for the highest-tech phone" is available now as part of a very limited initial run of 100 units, and can be yours for €57.63 (about $77.50) if you hit up the source link below.

Continue reading The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video)

The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneartisticcameracamerashackhackinghacksinstagramiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4slove boxLoveBoxmobilepostcrosssplit camsplit camerasSplitCamSplitCamerasthe love boxTheLoveBoxvideoFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sina Weibo comes to entice business, not to bury Twitter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/sina-weibo-comes-to-entice-business-not-to-bury-twitter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/sina-weibo-comes-to-entice-business-not-to-bury-twitter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/sina-weibo-comes-to-entice-business-not-to-bury-twitter/#comments Sina Weibo, China's most popular micro-blogging service is on the cusp of launching an English language version. Twitter addicts won't be forced to choose between the two: it's not for them. No, this westward drive is to encourage businesses to connect to Chinese users -- Neil Bush, head of TX Oil already uses the service to drum up clients in the far east. The company has also enlisted the help of Instagram and Flipboard, who will integrate with the service (as long as the latter can charm the Government to unblock it).

Sina Weibo comes to entice business, not to bury Twitter originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaflipboardgovernmentinstagramnetworkingSina WeiboSinaWeibosocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingtweettwitterweiboThu, 03 Nov 2011 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram goes 2.0, gets even more filter-happy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/instagram-goes-2-0-gets-even-more-filter-happy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/instagram-goes-2-0-gets-even-more-filter-happy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/instagram-goes-2-0-gets-even-more-filter-happy/#comments Exceedingly popular iPhone photo app Instagram is celebrating its big (version) 2.0 with the addition of a number of new features. At the top of the list is Live Filters, which let you view images through effects in real-time, before taking a photo. Filters have been sped up post-picture taking as well, as has the tilt-shift function. The revamped app also introduces the Amaro, Rise, Hudson and Valencia filters and high-res photos at up to 1936 x 1936 on the iPhone 4. The app is getting a new icon and a few smaller tweaks like the ability to turn off borders. That long-awaited Android app is still conspicuously absent, however.

Instagram goes 2.0, gets even more filter-happy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsinstagramiphoneiphone 4iphone appIphone4IphoneAppmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiTue, 20 Sep 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook sets sights on Instagram users with photo filter integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/facebook-sets-sights-on-instagram-users-with-photo-filter-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/facebook-sets-sights-on-instagram-users-with-photo-filter-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/25/facebook-sets-sights-on-instagram-users-with-photo-filter-integ/#comments What now Instagram? You wouldn't sell to Facebook and now ol' Zucks is moving on without you. That's right, friends... the social network genius himself is scheming alongside his engineers to integrate photo filters within the company's mobile application. The CEO hopes to lure users away from the popular photography app and keep them tethered to his site via mobile handset. Apparently the tech has been ready for a bit, but the boss wants his team to add more editing options before the feature is released into the wild.

Facebook sets sights on Instagram users with photo filter integration originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfilterfiltersinstagramMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergphotophoto filterphoto filtersPhotoFilterPhotoFiltersphotographyphotosZuckerbergzuckerberg facebookZuckerbergFacebookThu, 25 Aug 2011 05:33:00 EST<![CDATA[White HTC EVO 3D gets exclusive RadioShack bow on September 9th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/white-htc-evo-3d-gets-exclusive-radioshack-bow-on-september-9th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/white-htc-evo-3d-gets-exclusive-radioshack-bow-on-september-9th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/white-htc-evo-3d-gets-exclusive-radioshack-bow-on-september-9th/#comments If Wall-E's lady friend, Eve, and Spielberg's E.T. were to come together in engineering matrimony, we're pretty sure this white EVO 3D would be the resulting offspring. This "rare and beautiful" unicorn from HTC's beastly, dual-core Android herd hails from the Hesse-led network, and will be available as a RadioShack exclusive on September 9th. The electronics retailer dipped more than just its toes into our 21st century ways (or more likely hired a new intern), getting the message out via its Twitter account, and snapping an Instagram shot of the bleached handset. Pricing for the phone has yet to be announced, but we'd be surprised if this gets a premium over its $199 on-contract twin.

White HTC EVO 3D gets exclusive RadioShack bow on September 9th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DAndroiddual-coreEVO 3DEvo3dHTCHTC EVO 3DHtcEvo3dInstagrammobilepostminiphonephonesRadioShacksmartphonesmartphonesSprintTwitterwhitewhite EVO 3DWhiteEvo3dTue, 23 Aug 2011 22:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Instagram hits 150 million uploads in nine months, still won't talk about Android plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/instagram-hits-150-million-uploads-in-nine-months-still-wont-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/instagram-hits-150-million-uploads-in-nine-months-still-wont-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/instagram-hits-150-million-uploads-in-nine-months-still-wont-t/#comments For better or worse, Instagram's taken the iOS-capturing world by storm. And if you're wondering what our qualification for "by storm" is, well... let's just say The Biebs blasted out his first image on the service last month. As the story goes, four young lads with a fistful of dollars and boundless imaginations started up the famed app on October 6th, 2010. Today, there's still only four employees, but the user base has expanded just a wee bit. The outfit just saw its 150 millionth photo uploaded (shown after the break!), with the current rate clocking in at around 15 images per second. Naturally, we took the opportunity to ask one of those four what this meant for a future Android release, and while he confirmed that he had nothing to announce right away, he did mention that the (still free) iOS build is just "the beginning of what's to come." So, how's about dropping a link to your favorite Instagram down in comments below? Best one wins!

Continue reading Instagram hits 150 million uploads in nine months, still won't talk about Android plans

Instagram hits 150 million uploads in nine months, still won't talk about Android plans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappleAppStoreartdesigninstagramiosmacmilestonephotographphotographyWed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/t-mobile-mytouch-4g-slide-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/t-mobile-mytouch-4g-slide-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/t-mobile-mytouch-4g-slide-review/#comments Not too long ago, things were pretty simple in T-Mobile's Android land. For us (the nerds, geeks, power users, early adopters, and other misbegotten social deviants) there was the G series of phones with plain Android, culminating recently with LG's delightful G2x. If you wanted to buy your mom an Android smartphone, you'd point her at the myTouch series of handsets with custom HTC Sense-based skins, like last winter's myTouch 4G. Life got a bit more complicated with the introduction of LG's Optimus T, Samsung's Galaxy S 4G, and other devices that don't neatly fit into the carrier's grand branding scheme. Well, fear not! T-Mobile and HTC went ahead and refreshed last summer's lovely myTouch 3G Slide with a dash of dual-core tech lifted right from HTC's Sensation flagship and a bespoke 8 megapixel shooter said to be "the most advanced camera of any smartphone". Those are fighting words... so does the myTouch 4G Slide (as it's called) beat the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S II, Sony Ericsson's Xperia Arc, and Nokia's N8 in terms of imaging performance? Is the sliding keyboard as pleasant to use as its predecessor? And most importantly, is this your mom's next phone? Read on for our full review.

Gallery: T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide review

Continue reading T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide review

T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2 GHz1.2Ghz1080p3.7-inch8 megapixel800 x 480800X4808MegapixelAdobe ReaderAdobeReaderAdreno 220Adreno220AndroidAndroid 2.3Android 2.3.4Android2.3Android2.3.4AWScameraphoneDLNAdual coredual-coreDualCorefront facing cameraFrontFacingCameraGingerbreadGoogleHDRHSPA+HTCHTC myTouch 4G Slidehtc senseHTC Sense 3.0htc sense uiHtcMytouch4gSlideHtcSenseHtcSense3.0HtcSenseUiInstagramMSM8260myTouch 4G SlideMytouch4gSlidenetflixQikQualcommreviewsenseSense 3.0Sense UISense3.0SenseUismartphoneSnapdragonSuper LCDSuperLcdSwypeT-MobileT-Mobile myTouch 4G SlideT-Mobile TVT-mobileMytouch4gSlideT-mobileTvTeleNavvideoWiFi callingWifiCallingWVGATue, 02 Aug 2011 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: 130 years of GE innovation, accentuated with 130-year old Instagram filters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/visualized-130-years-of-ge-innovation-accentuated-with-130-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/visualized-130-years-of-ge-innovation-accentuated-with-130-yea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/visualized-130-years-of-ge-innovation-accentuated-with-130-yea/#comments It may not pay any taxes, but General Electric sure knows how to use an iPhone 4 to upload photos to Tumblr. Hit the source link for a boatload of other shots that probably are as old as they look. But, not at all.

Visualized: 130 years of GE innovation, accentuated with 130-year old Instagram filters originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engineeringGEgeneral electricGeneralElectricinnovationinstagramphotophotosvisualizedThu, 07 Jul 2011 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Impossible announces PX 680 Color Shade film for Polaroid 600 cameras, shows Instagram how it's really done]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/impossible-announces-px-680-color-shade-film-for-polaroid-600-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/impossible-announces-px-680-color-shade-film-for-polaroid-600-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/impossible-announces-px-680-color-shade-film-for-polaroid-600-ca/#comments
Fortunately for photography buffs, Impossible's mission to revive Instant Integral film hasn't proven, well, impossible. And the company's latest film stock, PX 680 Color Shade, reminds us of those Hipstamatic and Instagram shots the kids like so much these days. Except, you know -- the aforementioned apps simulate old school photographic processes and equipment, while the new film achieves the same effect by using time-honored methods that remind us of the new school smartphone apps that ape time-honored photographic processes and equipment. Just thinking about it makes our heads hurt! If you've been waiting your whole life for the perfect Polaroid 600 color film, it's available now for $22. Hit the source link for more info (and some pretty awesome sample shots).

Impossible announces PX 680 Color Shade film for Polaroid 600 cameras, shows Instagram how it's really done originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmhipstamaticIMPOSSIBLEinstagramInstant IntegralInstant Integral filmInstantIntegralInstantIntegralFilmnetherlandspolaroidpolaroid 600polaroid Instant Integral filmPolaroid600PolaroidInstantIntegralFilmpx 680px 680 color shadePx680Px680ColorShadeFri, 06 May 2011 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Instaprint service is the Polaroid of the Instagram generation, no shaking required (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/instaprint-service-is-the-polaroid-of-the-instagram-generation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/instaprint-service-is-the-polaroid-of-the-instagram-generation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/instaprint-service-is-the-polaroid-of-the-instagram-generation/#commentsSure Polaroid brought its headline product into 2011 by teaming up with Lady Gaga, but most of us are just fine with using our phones to quickly capture memorable moments. Well, Instaprint aims to recreate the photo craze of yesteryear by tying it in to Instagram -- the wildly popular (and currently iOS-only) app that lets you apply various filters to your photos for quick sharing among friends. The Instaprinter (our term, not the company's) is essentially a modified Zink photo printer with internet connectivity and tie-ins to the Instagram API, that automatically prints items tagged with any hashtag you choose. As of now, the company is planning to rent Instaprint boxes and demo the service at SXSWi, targeting it as a novel way to capture all angles of whatever event you may be hosting -- which to us seems like a fun idea. That is, until someone starts abusing the system and tags a photo of their derriere with #GrandmasBirthday. You can try it out now by tagging your shots with #Instaprint, and see it printed live in the stream embedded after the break.

Continue reading Instaprint service is the Polaroid of the Instagram generation, no shaking required (video)

Instaprint service is the Polaroid of the Instagram generation, no shaking required (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>instagraminstaprintlady gagaLadyGagaphoto printerPhotoPrinterpolaroidpolaroid picturePolaroidPicturezinkzink photo printerZinkPhotoPrinterTue, 08 Mar 2011 18:49:00 EST