Instagram debuts standalone app for photo collages

There are a large number of photo collage apps out on the market and they’re crammed with so many features that you don’t know what to do with all of them. Instagram is taking them on directly with its new standalone photo collage app called Layout. It lets you combine borderless multiple photos to show off selfies with your friends or even get a bit more creative with your landscape shots.

The app really is just meant to create photo collages but it’ll let you take selfies with its Photo Booth feature that will take four consecutive shots at once. It’ll let you pick photos from your camera roll. It even has a Faces option so it’ll just show you photos with people in them. And like other photo collage apps, you can adjust and rearrange photos individually to get your layout right. You can flip and rotate images to create mirror effect and the like. Layout is currently just available on iOS but it will be coming to Android in the coming months.

Source: Instagram | Via: Fast Company | Download: Apple iTunes App Store (Free)

Instagram opens beta-testing for Android users

If you love Instagram and are using an Android device, now you can get a chance to try out new features before they go live. The Facebook-owned app is inviting Android users to sign up for beta-testing program. To be a beta-tester you have to be willing to replace your existing Instagram with a beta version of the app, which of course will come with its own set of bugs and other problems. Beta programs are designed for a select number of users to try out new features to see what works and what doesn’t before a wider release.

To sign up, you have to join the Instagram Beta Group on Google+. From there, you visit the tester link and download Instagram from Google’s Play Store to update your existing app. While using this version, make sure to submit feedback through the “Report a problem” option.

Source: VentureBeat

Instagram introduces five new filters

A new significant update for Instagram brings five new filters that are said to be inspired by its community. Called Slumber, Crema, Ludwig, Aden, and Perpetua, the new filters are supposed to complement the capabilities on today’s smartphone cameras. The filters are said to “soften and subtly shift colors to achieve the look and feel you want for your each photo.”

There is also a new way to find your favorite filters now. The filter tray now shows blurred previews of your images on them to make it easier to decide which ones to use. You can even rearrange the order of filters by selecting the Manage button so you can put your favorites first and hide those you don’t use. The update is coming to both iOS and Android apps.

Source: Instagram | Via: Cult of Android | Download: Apple iTunes App Store (Free) + Google Play Store (Free)

Instagram now lets you edit captions

Whether it be a case of sticky fingers or autocomplete on a rampage, we’ve all messed up our captions and status updates at one point or another. Instagram for the longest time wouldn’t let you edit your captions so you had to go through the trouble of deleting a photo and putting it right back up just so you can get it right. They have finally heard your pleas and now lets you edit captions after you post your images. You just need to tap on the three dots at the bottom right of the image and the Edit option appears there. Aside from editing caption, it also lets you tag people and add location.

Instagram has also updated its Explore tab to add two separate sections: Photos and People. Photos looks just like what Explore used to look like with a grid of photos, while People shows off accounts you might be interested in following. This new update is available for iOS and Android users.

Source: Instagram | Download: Apple iTunes App Store (Free) + Google Play Store (Free)