Unleash Your Inner Photographer: Top 10 Apps for Mobile Photography Enthusiasts

In the age of smartphone photography, capturing stunning images has never been easier. With the right apps, anyone can become a pro and elevate their photography game. To help you get the most out of your mobile photography experience, we've compiled a list of the top 10 apps for both iOS and Android that cater to various photography needs, from planning your shoots to editing your photos. So, grab your smartphone and let's dive into these incredible apps!

PhotoPills: An app for iOS and Android that helps you plan your photo shoots based on the position of the sun, moon, stars, and Milky Way. It also has an augmented reality mode that shows you how the sky will look like at any time or date.

Pixeo: An app for iOS and Android that helps you find and share amazing photo locations around the world. It has a database of photos taken by other photographers, with information on directions, reviews, and best times to shoot.

Bacon Camera: An app for Android only that gives you manual control over settings like ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. It also supports RAW file format and has a 50fps burst mode.

Camera +2: An app for iOS only that lets you adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. It also has presets for different types of photography, such as portrait and macro. It supports RAW file format and has a basic in-app editor.

Camera Zoom FX Premium: An app for Android only that operates like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. You can control the basic camera settings, as well as add tilt-shift effects and color transformations. It supports RAW file format and has a 50fps burst mode.

Moment Pro Camera: An app for iOS only that gives you manual control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. It also has a live histogram, a focus peaking feature, and a zebra stripes overlay. It supports RAW file format and has an in-app editor.

Snapseed: An app for iOS and Android that lets you edit your photos with a variety of tools and filters. You can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, white balance, and more. You can also crop, rotate, straighten, and add text to your photos.

VSCO: An app for iOS and Android that lets you shoot and edit your photos with a range of presets and tools. You can also explore and share your photos with a community of creative people.

Touch Retouch: An app for iOS and Android that lets you remove unwanted objects from your photos with a simple swipe. You can also clone, crop, and rotate your photos.

Lightroom Mobile: An app for iOS and Android that lets you edit your photos with advanced tools and presets. You can also sync your photos across devices and access them from anywhere.

Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual hobbyist, these top 10 mobile photography apps offer a wide range of features and tools that can transform your smartphone into a powerful photography machine. Experiment with different apps to find the perfect combination that suits your style and needs. With the help of these apps, you'll be able to plan your shoots, control your camera settings, and edit your photos like a pro. So, don't wait any longer – unleash your inner photographer and start capturing those stunning shots today!

The Essential Mobile App Trends to Watch in 2019

The field of Android and iOS mobile app development is constantly changing. Providing
users with optimal experiences requires staying up-to-date with new trends.

The following will be some of the most noteworthy in 2019. If you’re a developer, or simply someone with an interest in this field, be sure to pay attention to them this year.

Artificial Intelligence’s Role Grows

AI innovations such as machine learning allow apps to provide users with personalized experiences by analyzing their behavior. This is important, as surveys indicate customers want personalized service from businesses. Machine learning solutions let businesses provide it.

Chatbots Take Over

Chatbots can also improve the user experience in various ways. For example, they can help users search for key features within an app. They can also take over basic customer service tasks that human employees otherwise would have handled. Chatbots can even reach out to users directly to alert them to new features or promotions. Thanks to improvements in natural language processing, voice-based chatbots will be just as feasible as text-based chatbots in 2019.

Augmented Reality Becomes Even More Popular

Pokemon Go! was no fluke. Although the media craze may be over, the game still earns nearly a billion dollars in annual revenue.

Users clearly enjoy the dynamic experiences AR provides. Businesses will take notice, leveraging AR to improve everything from marketing campaigns to ecommerce shops.

More Customers Embrace Wearables

Wearable devices aren’t just fitness trackers anymore. Major organizations such as Uber have developed apps for wearable devices to offer users a greater degree of convenience. It’s highly likely other businesses will also explore the potential of this technology in 2019.

The Rise of Accelerated Mobile Pages & Instant Apps

Mobile browsing is now more popular than desktop browsing. Thus, it’s important for mobile sites to perform reliably. Developers will meet this need by creating accelerated mobile pages for businesses and organizations. AMPs are streamlined pages that are designed to load quickly, encouraging users to stay on your site.

Instant apps will serve a similar purpose. Unlike traditional apps, users don’t need to download them to access them. They’re also smaller than typical mobile apps. This will help businesses offer mobile experiences to users who may not be inclined to download another app to their devices.

Increased Focus on Security

Security is always important when developing a mobile app. However, users will prioritize it to an even greater degree in 2019 due to recent data breaches.

The rise of fintech will also contribute to an increased emphasis on security. Since fintech apps use and store sensitive financial information, customers need to be certain they’re safe. Making a point to develop security measures will help clients feel comfortable trusting and interacting with your brand.

Beacons Will Be Everywhere

Beacon tech isn’t new. Macy’s recently used it to attract guests during the busy holiday shopping season. However, beacons will soon be commonplace in many public spots, from airports to shopping malls. Developers will do their part by focusing on creating effective beacon-based apps.

Even More On-Demand Apps

There’s no turning back from the on-demand revolution. Now that consumers know they can request services via convenient mobile apps, they’ll want that type of convenience whenever, and wherever, possible.

Developers who pay attention to these trends in 2019 will be more likely to create products that offer unbeatable user experiences. Again, success in this field involves staying on top of new developments. The ones listed here are poised to have a major impact on the industry this year.

5 Tips for Creating and Launching A Mobile App

5 Tips for Creating and Launching A Mobile App

The mobile app market has been experiencing explosive growth since its inception. The competition is high, but so is the opportunity. With literally billions of people with smartphones–and more to come–the market promises to offer rewards well into the next decade.

It’s only natural for a business to explore the possibilities of iOS mobile app development.

App creation can be as simple or sophisticated as your business demands. All apps, however, benefit from applying a good design and research process. Here are our top 5 tips for building your mobile app:

1. Explore Before Creating

A mobile app is a product. As such, development should be approached with the same best practices for any product creation.

Market research your ideas and study the available data during your idea incubation stage. With over 5 million apps on the market, your app will face stiff competition no matter what, but positioning your idea to be better than others will give you a leg up on your competitors.

Consider micro-testing your idea. Create a simplified, visual representation of your app and offer it on your webpage. Include some form of web analytics tracking to understand if visitors are interested, what they are clicking, and what they are willing to pay for.

2. Pick A Platform for Your App

Mobile apps run on two main platforms: Android by Google and iOS by Apple. By far, developers and marketers advise going with iOS first. While Android runs on more devices than iOS, several factors favor iOS in the app world.

Developers for iOS report that Apple makes development easier, the UX design tools for development are perceived as easier to use, and software updates are more frequent with higher adoption rates.

From a business point of view, iOS tends to offer higher ROI since Apple users frequently spend more on apps than Android users. From a strategy point of view, designing for one platform first saves initial budget outlays and serves as a learning foundation for the next platform launch.

3. Create Mock-Ups and Prototypes

Brainstorm your idea vigorously. If you are a small business, think about tossing ideas to your existing clients for feedback via email surveys. Harness the power of social media by asking for feedback on concepts. You don’t have to reveal you’re doing app research, but ask questions that will inform your decisions.

Once you’ve refined your idea, move on to prototyping. Start a rough draft on a whiteboard or good, old-fashioned paper. When you have a handle on a design, explore online software for creating wireframes and app prototypes.

Wireframes are plain-looking structural plans for your app, much like an outline is to a report. App prototypes are the next step to visualization that can incorporate design ideas like fonts, colors, links and buttons.

4. Work With A Professional Developer

Unless you’re an app developer yourself, working with a professional development agency will ensure you have a quality product to release. Approach hiring a designer as you would any other staff hire: Seek out solid portfolios that hold promise for your own brand identity, client references for similar type of work, and a working relationship that reflects the way you prefer to do business.

App developers will be able to take your ideas to the next level. They can advise you on best practices, novel approaches to your own app, and provide crucial back-end programming savvy often lacked in-house by businesses.

5. Always Optimize Your Mobile App

Promoting your mobile app is crucial to attracting downloads. Apple’s App Store offers 2.2 million apps!

You need to stand out, and the way to stand out is through search optimization. Just as SEO works for internet search engines, apps need to be optimized in the app stores with keywords so that users can find you. Studies estimate that 63% of app users find their apps through search.

Once you have followed the process, published your app, and experience downloads, you have a gold mine for new market research. Monitor your users’ interactions with the app through analytics, solicit feedback from your users, and continually refine what your app has to offer.

PDF to Word Converter (Mobile Apps)

89% of smartphone users spend their time using mobile apps, according to stats found here. Productivity apps are definitely one of the most wanted category among users, because such apps can help you solve different work-related or school-related issues, such as note taking, sending emails, collaboration with your colleagues, document management, creating invoices and similar.

One such app that falls into this category is PDF to Word Converter. Its name speaks for itself- it converts PDF files to Word which basically means the app enables editing data saved in a PDF form, by turning it into a document format that is far easier to edit and manipulate.

General Specifications of the App

PDF to Word Converter can be download on both Android and iOS platform and these are the requirements:

• Android version 4.1 or later
• iOS version 9.0 or later
• Compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
• Also compatible with any Android smartphone and tablet device

PDF to Word Features

With this app you can convert native and scanned PDF documents to Word. The app is free and there are no limits on the file size or the number of converted files. Although, there are some in-app purchases, the conversion quality is the same. In other words, if you use the free version you rely on the same conversion technology. Conversions are pretty accurate and very close to the original, but the result also depends on the original file quality. The only disadvantage of the free version is that you need to wait for one hour to get a converted file.

Once the file is converted, you will need to open it in MS Word app or any other app that opens Word files such as LibreOffice, Office Suite and others. With this app you will be able to edit text from the PDF documents and to reuse old invoices, resumes and other documents. By doing so, you will save a lot of time, because you won’t need to make a resume, an invoice or other business documents, from scratch.

PDF to Word also gives you an option to select a file that is stored on your cloud. For instance, if your file is stored on Dropbox, you can access Dropbox via PDF to Word Converter and choose the file you want to convert. Other cloud systems that are supported are: Gmail (only for iOS), Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, iCloud (iOS only). These cloud services used to be paid and now they are given for free.

To sum up, here are the features of PDF to Word Converter:

• Converts scanned and native PDFs
• Fast (paid version only, otherwise  you wait for 1 hour)and high quality conversions
• Upload files directly from Gmail(only for iPhone), Google Drive, OneDrive, Box, Dropbox, iCloud (iOS only)
• Batch conversion, convert multiple files at once (this is not a free option and it works only on Android)
• You can rename the converted file (iOS only)
• No limits on the size of the file, or the number of converted files

How does it work

Both Android and iOS version of PDF to Word Converter have very intuitive user interface. There are small differences between the user experience on Android smartphone or tablet and on iPhone or iPad. Check it out:

iOS user guide:

• Start the app and select the file from the phone or from the cloud (iCloud, Gmail, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive)
• Tap on the file and the conversion will start

Android user guide:

• Tap on the plus button to add a file
• Choose to add a file from the device or from the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive)
• The conversion will start and you will be able to see the file converting

Conclusion

There are many PDF conversion apps available for mobile devices, but this one offers high quality technology, combined with the latest trends of cloud system availability and advanced OCR. It will help you finish your document management tasks and give you more time to do something more interesting.

Facebook launches new 'Rooms' App for Anonymous chat

For people who have been around long enough on the internet, you would remember chat. People would go to web apps like 'ICQ' and chat with random strangers. All that died out some time ago but Facebook wants to recreate that magic with their latest App 'Rooms'. This App comes from Facebook creative labs and seeks to create the early ethos of the web. That of web communities and random chats with strangers from anywhere in the world. The iPhone app is ready for download and use right now. You can choose any username you want and it will not use your Facebook profile. You can read more at their blog post here and download the App here.

Get all your Retail Circulars and Coupons from Retale

Retale is a mobile and web app designed to get you all your coupons and circulars in one place. Launched in the US just i time for the holiday shopping season; Retale is just the kind of App you need to organize and find the best retail deals closest to you.  The way the app works is that based on your Geolocation it collects and finds circulars and coupons from your favorite retails nearest to you. The app also shows you the physical location of the store with its opening and closing times. This way you can plan and get your shopping done at a time that's most convenient to you.

The App's layout is beautiful, clean and easy to navigate. based on your location you can see all the coupons just like in the newspapers -- except this is in 2D. So instead of reading through the newspapers or other magazines and cutting out your Sunday Coupons and taking it to the store. Find the latest coupons and circulars on the app, save the coupon to redeem later by mobile device or printing them at home.

Users can also create Alerts to be notified about the latest coupons and circulars and be notified when they become available. Since it's all happening online, you can also access video, direct links to product pages and clip-able coupons. The app also helps you share these deals with you friends on Social Media. The App is available for both Mobile and PC. The app is brought to you by the Bonial International Group.

Check out Retale now.

http://youtu.be/K_zxHw_hhS4

Use Air gestures to answer calls on any Android phone

Samsung Galaxy S4 users have something called Air Gestures  -- they can use it to answer calls by a simple wave of the hand in the air. Users of other Android phones who'd like to get have this feature can do so now through an Android App called Air-CallAccept. There are two versions of the App. The free version allows users to accept calls using an air gesture like a wave of the hand in the air. Or putting the handset to their face. The paid version of the app lets users use gestures to even reject calls and send canned SMS when they reject a call.

How to use Air gestures to answer calls on your Android phone
All you need to do is download the app and install it and it's ready to go.

Air gestures are the new thing for SmartPhones and a lot of phone makers are starting to offer air gestures to answer and reject calls. So if you want this new feature on your Android phone. Please find the links below.

Air-CallAccept free version
Air-CallAccept Paid version ($2.99) via XDA

Mickey O'Greedy new iOS, Android and Facebook game for travelers and gamers

The new game Mickey O'Greedy's Luggage Swindle is brought to you by SendMyBag. The game revolves around the concept of frustrated travelers and the problems with luggage. Low-cost airlines tend to be greedy and very bad at handling luggage. You, their customer and traveler must pay the price. It all starts with the Airlines and their confusing luggage policies, high excess baggage fees and hand luggage. The game takes a swipe at all this. So the next time you're in an airport and need a game to vent your frustrations and also earn discounts from SendMyBag - this is the game you need to be playing.

Mickey O'Greedy's Luggage Swindle - how to play.
The game can be played on your iPhone, iPad, Android Phone and Facebook. Once you start the game you have a catching hand and with it, you can grab as many travelers as you can. Be sure to only grab travelers with luggage. Each one you grab gives you points. Reach a high score and avail discounts and coupons from SendMyBag. Check you starts and your earnings by clicking on the passport icon. You can also use it to pay with friends competitively. The game lets users play at all imaginable international locations and so changes the flavor and feel of the game. Very simple to play and will take away your boredom when waiting to take your next flight. Simply touch to grab.

Mickey O'Greedy's Luggage Swindle - iOS App, Android App and on Facebook. You can also check out Luggage Shipping Provider SendMyBag here.

Convert PDF Docs on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone using Able2Extract PDF Converter

Able2Extract is a free mobile convert that lets you open any PDF Doc on your SmartPhone or Tablet device. Once your convert the document, it can be stored in any Microsoft Office Document of your choise. so you can open a PDF Document and then store in the word, excel, PowerPoint and more. The App is free to download and use on your iOS Phone or Andriod phone, it's a mobile app and can also be used on your Tablet device. So good to go on your iPad, Android based Tablets like the Kindle etc. Once you open the file it is stored on your device and does not really take up much space. The makers of the app also say that no file is stored on their own servers for more than 24 hours. All files are stored locally on your device. Using Able2Extract PDF Converter you can view any PDF on your Android, iPhone or any other SmartPhone and convert it to any MS Office Format. Should also work very well with eBooks.

Able2Extract - How does it work
Once you download the app - you can open any PDF document by opening it with Able2Extract PDF Converter. Now simply tap on the document and choose your conversion output. Like word, excel or PowerPoint. You doc now opens in the required format and you can then edit the same. The whole process does not put too mush stress on your processor or your ram. So the document is converted and delivered to your phone and stored right on your device. The whole process is very simple and very fast. The app is free to use and should really help in converting PDF docs on your mobile device.

Able2Extract PDF Converter on Google Play
Able2Extract PDF Converter on iTunes
Able2Extract PDF Converter on the web

Everything.me Mobile Searches answered with Popular Apps

Seems the fight for mobile search is getting hotter and hotter. With a lot more companies trying to get into something that Google is king of. With Facebook rumored to pick up Waze for as much as $1 billion - wanting themselves to get into mobile search. Waze works as a navigation App that lets users add a lot of navigation information - also allows users to connect with Facebook and see where their friends are driving around. Waze is Israel based and now in the news is another Israeli company Everything.Me.

Everything.Me how does it work
Everything.me is Android App based on a concept that seeks to redefine mobile search and the kind of answers you get. Mobile users are used to searching and getting a list of links that need to be clicked, to reach their desired destination. Not so with Everything.Me - here when a user searches a list of popular apps are thrown up. Popular mobile apps are found and displayed - so let;s say you search for Sushi. The background of your screen should change to something Sushi. The results would be popular food based apps that get thrown up. Like, FoodSpotting that when tapped will show users Sushi places nearby and a lot of other food and restaurant based apps.

With Mobile search the game is changing fast. People are on the go and want answers quickly, Everything.Me helps to get you those answers in the shortest possible time using the apps already on your phone. Something that you're familiar with and in addition bringing the best related apps to your phone. Your SmartPhone changes completely once you begin your search - from background to the actually search results. Currently available on Google Play and functional only in the US, Canada and UK.

Check out Everything.Me on Google Play now.

Check out the video below to know more.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfEcHi3tmKY

Facebook iPhone and iPad App Gets Chat heads and Stickers

The Facebook App for the iPhone and iPad has got a decent upgrade. The visuals for stories on the iPad has been improved and you now have clearer and brighter stories in your News feed. Especially pictures being shared by your friends, which appear on your news feed - looks a lot more interesting and bigger. The two biggest and most noteworthy improvement are 'Chat Heads' and 'Stickers'.

Facebook Chat Heads
The way this works on the app is that - you keep doing what you normally do. When a friend wants to chat all you need to do is to click on the Chat heads icon to reply. Drag them around and flick them down to close. This way you carry on doing what you usually do and simultaneously chat with all your FB pals.

Facebook Stickers.
This is one of those fun features to add life to you fb messages. So when you're chatting all you need to do is to tap on the smiley face to add sticker to your chat. You can also tap on the basket to go to the stickers store. Here you can buy additional stickers to add color to your chat.

To updated version of the app is now available at the app store. Chat Heads and Stickers will roll out over the next couple of weeks.

Source: fb Newsroom. 

what is Kik and how does it work

Kik is a fast social messenger for SmartPhones, and can be used over cross-platforms. With Kik uses can send free SMS and text messages. Free apps like Kik and Whatsapp are fast becoming the most used Apps on phones and could in the long run pose a threat to social media sites like Facebook. With kik users can send free SMS messages bypassing messaging rates offered by carriers. users can send unlimited SMS' for free, and also send pictures and share videos with their friends. Group messaging is also possible and therefore, with one share people can share stuff with their immediate group of friends.

What is Kik and how does it work.

Once you download the app which is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Nokia and BlackBerry. The app will integrate with your phone contacts and if you friends also have Kik, you can start messaging and texting for free, by turning on the Address Book matching feature.

There are also Kik cards to help you search for funny videos on YouTube and share with your friends. Once downloaded you will need a Kik username. As your username is your identity and not your phone number. So you Kik to send messages, sketches, videos, picture and more. It is free to use and can be fun among friends. kik uses your existing data plan or Wi-Fi to send and receive messages. When using Wi-Fi it's totally free. When using your data plan however, the price is set by your provider. So let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Download kik for your SmartPhone now
Kik Andriod Download
Kik iPhone and iPad download

You might also like: What is Whatsapp and how does it work.

What is Whatsapp and how does it work

Whatsapp has become the No. 1 cross-platform mobile SmartPhone communications. The app to be used on an iOS platform will cost a moderate $0,99 per year. Android users have the ability to communicate with friends and family, absolutely free. The ability to Send SMS text messages absolutely free is what has made Whatapps the de facto standard from cross-platform communications. Users can communicate with each other for free without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia. In addition users can also create groups and use group messaging to stay in touch with each other. In addition users can also share videos and photos for free with their friends.

What is Whatsapp and how does Whatsapp work.
Whatsapp uses your own internet connection plan like 3G and Wi-Fi to send SMS messages for free. So since the app is using your own data plan - video messages and pictures messages can be sent for free. There are also no international charges for sending SMS or Text Messages. Everything is totally free.

Once you download the App it integrates into your SmartPhone easily and therefore no need to create a username or PIN. Your address book is then used to easily add your buddies, friends and family. If your phone is switched off, Whatsapp will still save your messages for you. You get them all once you turn your phone back on. The app is also good for sharing location and sending data.

Download Whatsapp for your SmartPhone here
Download Whatsapp app for Android
Download Whatsapp for iPhone and iPad

You might also like: What is Kik and how does it work

How does Google Keep work

Google Keep is the newest Android App from Google. With Google Keep you can save your notes on a SmartPhone and it will always be available to you on Google Drive. With the cloud based Google Drive you can make sure that all your data is available when you want to use it. It will be stored in the cloud for whenever you want. Once you download and install the Google Keep app you can begin to save all your notes. So let's say you have set out to write a screenplay and the ideas keep coming to you when you're moving about. Instead of searching for a writing pad to jot down your ideas. Just open Google Keep and write you ideas. Save it as a note for later use.

You can also use Google Keep to set yourself reminders, checklists, photos and just about anything that you feel is important to you. Another important feature is for people who would rather speak then type. So your ideas are pouring in fast and you need to get them written down - with Google Keep you can simply speak and Google Keep will automatically transcribe voice memos for you. So give it whirl and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Google Keep Android App

http://youtu.be/UbvkHEDvw-o

Mailbox App for iPhone: How does it work

Mailbox the new iOS app is now available for free at the Apple iTunes store. You can get it for free; however there is a waiting list or reservation list, you would need to join. The App is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. With the app you can get an easy to use Inbox that works like a breeze. Currently available only for Gmail, the app radically transforms your Inbox into a clutter free zone and you can handle all you mail with only the swipe of your thumb. it is easy to use and has already become popular. So don't waste time, just go and download the App right now.

Mailbox for iPhone and iPad - How does it work.
1. You would need to first download the app on to your device.
2. add the various email addresses you use.
3. you now get a unified Inbox where all your email is visible.
4. You can choose to browse through all of them or jump into individual accounts
5. Tap on any message to view it - swipe right and the color changes to green if you would rather archive than read. Pull a little further and it changes to red and gets deleted.
6. You can either swipe left on a particular message or tap the clock icon while in message view to put the snooze button on it.
7. Once a message is in snooze mode you can set when you'd like to open that message again. Maybe a month later
8. You can also drag messages around to reorder them.
9. Long swipe left to get to your lists
10. You can also choose to use push notifications.

The app is excellent and it is advised for you to get it now. Download Mailbox iOS app from the App store now.

Check video below to know more
http://youtu.be/CICMxwgm274

How to search for photos in Windows 8 using PhotoWhirl

Windows 8 or RT is the new windows OS and with it comes many uses. One being the ability to search of photos online which have been geotagged. Photos shared online through popular photo sharing sites like Flickr, Instagram, Panoramio and 500px automatically add location details unless turned off by the person uploading and sharing these images. If you are a photography enthusiast and like to find photos associated with a certain place that PhotoWhirl app for Windows 8 and RT is the app for you. With it you can search through services like Flickr, Instagram, Panoramio and 500px to find images and photos associated with a particular location.

Photowhirl: How does it work.
You simply download the App on your Windows 8 device -- PC, Tablet or Mobile
Open the app and select the photo-sharing service you want to use.
So if you select Flickr all photo are loaded on a map.
Click on the location you want to search and find all associated photos and images.

So when starting out on your next photography adventure -- use PhotoWhirl to find all photos uploaded from a particular place. This way it helps your research and helps guide you to the best photography spots. Get inspiration from other photographers before you begin your trip.

Get PhotoWhirl now at the Windows 8 Store.

Related post: How to become a Wildlife Photographer.

InAPPropriate (A look into youth behavior on photo sharing apps)

The unavoidable popularity in tech gadgets has taken over and infiltrated the youth. Kids of all ages can be seen using Smartphones and Tablets, and seem to be using them at increasingly younger ages. These gadgets come along with power and access to things which may be too advanced, or a bit inappropriate.

While it is important to keep with the times and the technology available to us, it is also important to remember boundaries that must be instilled. The most access kids use to have was to a computer, which in my day was a desktop in a communal family room. This gave a sense of independence, but it was also in a safe environment where some form of monitoring could occur. Now kids are given the freedom of carrying around their gadgets at all times, giving them the freedom to use and do whatever they desire with them.

Photo sharing should be a positive and creative experience- allowing others to see pictures you have taken and giving them access to your adventures. The only problem is that some photo sharers aren’t very wholesome or family friendly.

Take Instagram for example: you can follow individual people and see their pictures and you can also look at a popular page which shows the pictures that have been “liked” the most. While some photos are interesting shots of nature or of some cute little puppy, more often than not at least one of the images will be a scantily clad young female.

The cycle continues due to the fact that young children idolize certain celebrities, even those that may not be the best role models. There are a lot of female celebrities that voluntarily share images of themselves in provocative outfits, or sometimes no outfits at all. These not-so-prude ladies have an influence on their young fans since they are posting these images on their social networks for all of their millions of followers to see.

Women who aren’t celebrities contribute to said problem too. There isn’t a time that I can open up my Instagram and NOT see a picture of a half naked girl making a pouty face. This photo sharing network has now become a personal promotion network of females flaunting themselves for millions of other users to see. Young girls then see such images and believe that such actions and behaviors are what makes one cool, attractive or desirable and therefore mimic these approaches.

While users can be blocked or reported (along with individual photos), it is important to remember that censoring all of these images isn’t a likely thing. These photo apps (and other social networks) may not exactly be for just anybody. Perhaps if you’re a parent and your child is using such a device, you should consider checking out some settings and making sure what they’re seeing isn’t too much for their innocent eyes.

Guest post by Chrissy Giglio of Fueled.

Vine the mico-video App by Twitter has been launched

Twitter the micro-blogging network have just launched their micro-video app in the iStore. With the new Vine app from Twitter you can shoot and record videos and then share it on Twitter and Facebook. You however have one 6 seconds to get the job done. 140 characters was enough to make Twitter one of the hottest internet destinations. Since each Tweet cannot contain more that 140 characters. If that logic was good enough for words then 6 seconds is good enough for video. Currently only available on iOS devices (iPhone, iPod and iPad), it should be made available to Android users pretty soon.

Vine: How does it work
Once you record a video using Vine it looks more like an animated GIF rather than a video. These short videos can be attached to your Tweets and sent out to your Twitter Followers.

1. Go to the App and install it on your device
2. Once installed you will need to sign-in with your Twitter account or via email.
3. Hit the video camera button and press down on the view finder to start recording
4. Release your finger and the recording stops.
5. You now have the option to share your video via a Tweet or on Facebook.

Vine App by Twitter

 

DO APPS MAKE US FEEL LIKE CELEBRITIES?

I sit here in New York City, typing an opinion blog on my Macbook in my newest pair of high heels. How Carrie Bradshaw of me? No, it is not a coincidence. Many times I find myself saying “What Would Carrie Do?” My desire to emulate the characters of Sex and the City and other real life celebrities is evident in my purchases, and not simply pairs of Manolo Blahniks, but also my mobile devices and the accompanying applications.

How many times are pictures captured of celebrities checking out their IPhones while sitting in a coffee shop on the streets of LA or NYC? Are they simply texting? Often not. My guess is they are updating their Twitter, or uploading a picture on Instagram.

I made a Twitter account in 2011 but only after my roommate twisted my arm. I followed a few friends initially but when I found that I could follow some of my favorite celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, my use of the app skyrocketed. Now I tweet like a madwoman and cannot go a half hour without checking in on what Justin Timberlake has to say. Many of my friends do not like to tweet but have an account solely to follow all their favorite athletes, actors and musicians. With Twitter, we are in real time with these celebrities, as if we know them personally.

My obsession with being in the know of celebrity news not only influenced my download of Twitter but of Instagram. I am sure Rihanna wouldn’t have accepted my Facebook friend request, but with Instagram I am able to see all her wild photographs and feel as though we are friends! This constant documentation of our lives via photographs gives us the feeling of being a celebrity. It’s as though we have our own paparazzi, photoshop included.

Many apps can help create a celebrity life lifestyle. For instance, with the UrbanDaddy app, I can put in that I am in SoHo with three of my girlfriends and we want drinks. UrbanDaddy can give us suggestions of some great bars in the area. POOF, I am reenacting a recurring scene in Sex and the City. A Manhattan anyone?

And your smart device can help you look like a celebrity too. Major retailers like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom have apps. Now I can purchase that outfit inspired by Victoria Beckham right from the palm of my hand.

The use of mobile technology to feed our celebrity addiction is not just limited to females and clothes. Think of all the guys who download the ESPN app to be in the know of all their favorite teams and athletes. ScoreCenter has them looking at their phones for constant updates.

I am not saying the only reason we have and use smart devices is because celebrities do. Many of us use them to help in our normal daily lives and at work. But it is undeniable that television and celebrities are a huge marketing tool for the tech world. Why do you think so many of them are in commercials for these devices? We value the opinion of our celebs and that includes what apps they are using now!

Guest post  by Shannon Kelly.

Facebook Poke App for iOS

Every Facebook user is familiar with the Facebook Poke feature and some loved it and others not so much. If you are one of those people who like to use this fun feature and poke your friends -- things just got a little better for you. You can now download the Facebook Poke stand alone App for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad. This app works by allowing you to poke your friends either one at a time or multiple friends at once. With the Poke App you can poke, send a message, photo or video in a lightweight way. Once you poke a friend you can set a time for the message, meaning after 1,3,5 or 10 seconds whenever time runs out, the poke disappears completely.

If a friend pokes you using the Poke App you will need to tap and hold down the message to read it, after which it expires. If there is a message that you might be uncomfortable with you can always report it. So this is something that many people didn't see coming. You though the Facebook Poke has silently disappeared, not so it is risen again and this time with t standalone app, all to itself. Facebook was always a place meant for friendship and keeping it light. Facebook Poke is a prominent expression of that and in celebration you can now download the Facebook Poke App for your SmartPhone or Tablet and let the spirit live on.

Facebook Poke App for iOS - you can also read more at the Facebook news release.