Instagram 2.0 is here!

The long-awaited 2.0 version of Instagram is finally here. We’ve been anticipating the update since it was billed to be revolutionary in technology publications. And in our opinion, it puts even more fun into the photo-sharing experience.

When you tap “share” in Instagram, you used to get a camera screen without many options. After snapping a pic, you would proceed to the next screen and add filters, tiltshift, etc. Take a look at the old app:

Now Instagram brings these features directly into the photo-taking experience. When you tap share, not only can you take a picture, but you have at least 5 things you can do: filter, frame, flash, tiltshift, and flip to front camera.

NOW THAT IS COOL.

But I’ll admit, when I first opened the camera on Instagram, I thought I was supposed to do all of my filter options and tiltshifting while the camera was open. That’s not the case. You can also take a normal photo then tap the filter button - now you can scroll through all 16 filters at lightning speed to choose the right one, then add tiltshift and even rotate the image if you want.

Wait, 16 filters? Yup you heard correct. Instagram added four new filters (Amaro, Rise, Hudson, Valencia) and got rid of one of our favorites, Gotham, as well as Poprocket and Apollo.

The one main flaw we’ve noticed is the lack of the “slider” on the tiltshift, which gave control of the amount of blur. We’re also noticing that the 1977 filter has lost its texture, but perhaps we’re nitpicky.

Overall, these are some vast improvements to the app without sacrificing what worked well for 1.0 -> a fast, fun way to post pictures and interact with friends. While some might continue to use the hundreds of photo-editing apps, these new features will enhance an already excellent user experience. Great job, Instagram!

The World’s Biggest Photo Hack Day!

Tomorrow we’ll begin documenting something special. Photo Hack Day is an initiative of Aviary, General Assembly, and NASDAQ that is bringing together the brightest hackers and designers with the most forward-thinking APIs and leaders in mobile photography. 

EyeStory will be there to bring you the last images and buzz from this 2-day event in New York City.

Follow us for behind-the-scenes images and the latest on the winning teams!

Cool Use of Instagramer’s Photos

Recently the advertising agency Tribal DDB used Instagram on a cool campaign. We were impressed by their creative use of the app and photographer Aik Beng Chia’s feed to promote Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sun block. He uploaded 32 photos over 3 days, telling a story of friends going to the beach. But really, each photo was a miniature doll standing on human skin. When all 32 photos were viewed together on a special hashtag, people saw a larger image of the sun and a bright blue sky.

Pretty amazing, right?  We are looking forward to more creative uses of Instagram by brands.

Read more about it here.