It’s arguably the biggest update to the Instagram app ever: Starting today with the launch of Instagram version 4.0, the world’s most popular photo sharing social network is giving you the ability to record and share short videos, as well.
Many of Instagram’s new video features seem to one-up Twitter’s competing social video network Vine. For example, Instagram users are given a full 15 seconds’ worth of recording time to work with, as opposed to Vine’s 6-second maximum. You also get a number of video editing tools, too, including the simple ability to reject part of a recorded video clip without losing the entire thing.
Naturally, because this is Instagram, you’re also given the ability to apply any of 13 different filters to your videos. And these aren’t just recycled filters from the photo sharing half of the app – these are all new filters designed specifically for video.
Another really cool feature coming to Instagram is called Cinema. It’s a video stabilization tool that helps turn shaky video into something smoother, more professional. This way, if you’re chasing a toddler around the house trying to get a video, it’ll look like a Hollywood big shot took the video. (OK, maybe it's not that good. But after trying it out, I can confirm that it does improve your videos.)
The new, updated Instagram 4.0 is currently available for download on iTunes and Google Play for Android and Apple devices. Download it and let us know what you think!
From Jeff on June 21, 2013 :: 10:35 am
I just noticed that the new Instagram on Android has access to modify battery statistics. This seems crazy. I can’t think of any reason why, other than to avoid showing how much battery life they’re really using.
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