New Adobe Photoshop Express for Android lets you seamlessly share photos to Instagram.

Adobe Photoshop Express for Android just got better today thanks to an update that will make users happy, especially those with an Instagram account. Instagram is a very popular photo sharing platform, more popular than Snapchat and gradually gaining more and more users. A popularity that parent company Facebook is now trying to monetize and I'm not sure that move will play well with users. Only the future will tell. but I digress.

In this update, Adobe is adding the square aspect ratio for Instagram. Users will be able to share photos to Instagram "without worrying about the 1:1 aspect ratio. PhotoShop Express will handle that automatically. This is a great addition.

PhotoShop Express now supports "Split Tone". This new feature will let users "add different colors to the shadows and the highlights of an image to create a surreal effect."

That's it for this update. Head over to Google Play Store to download or update Adobe PhotoShop Express and enjoy hassle-free image editing to share on Instagram.

Instagram introduces Music in Stories.

Have you ever watched a movie without sound or music? And did you like it? It probably sounded weird as a soundtrack is essential to any movie and as of today, will most likely become key to your Instagram Stories.

Instagram announced the 400 million people who use Stories every day will now be able to add music to their Stories from a library of thousands of songs. Instagram added a new music icon and when you tap on it, you get access to a music library from which to browse by mood, genre or what's popular. Of course, songs can be previewed. 

Once you've found the song you like and that fits your Story, you can go even further and rewind or forward to the part of the song that best fits your Story. Instagram recognizes "that music can play an important role in how you share your moments and express yourself with friends and we're working hard to bring it to the global community in the future."

Music is available on Instagram version 51 in "select countries". However, the ability to choose a song before capturing a video is only available in iOS only, but the company says this feature is coming to Android soon. If you live in one of those "select countries", look for version 51 in Google Play Store.

Instagram now lets you share stories you're mentioned in.

"Starting today, when someone mentions you in their story, you'll be able to share that photo or video into your own story." Instagram is bringing this new feature to its app today on Android and iOS. They announced this in a blog post yesterday. Users that get mentioned will receive a notification in their Direct messages thread and will see an option to add that content to their own story. In addition, the user will be able to "rotate and position it and add creative tools like text or stickers on to it as well." Followers who see the story will also see the original poster's username and get the possibility to follow them. Instagram says this feature only works for public accounts.

This seems to be a server-side update. However, make sure you grab the latest version of the app in Google Play Store.

Instagram for Android now lets users share Feed Posts to Stories.

Today Instagram is making sharing feed posts to story publicly available to Android users. This feature differs from Regram in that users can quickly share a post of interest to their story for their friends and followers to see.

Instagram says that "to share a feed to your story, just tap the paper airplane button below the post, just as you would to send it via Direct. At the top, you'll now see the option to create a story. Tap it to see the feed post as a sticker with a customized background ready to share to your story. You can rotate, scale and move the sticker - and tap it to explore other styles."

Shared posts will appear with the original poster's username, which is clickable so you can check the original post and even see more post. Obviously, it is only possible to share posts from public accounts and should you not want your posts to be shared, Instagram lets you opt out in the app settings.

Get Instagram for Android in Google Play Store.

Instagram now lets you take portrait mode style photos/videos with new 'Focus' feature.

Today, Instagram announced a new feature called 'Focus' "that can instantly take portraits of yourself or friends that you'll want to share". 'Focus' is the portrait mode available on more and more phones these days. In case you've never heard about portrait mode, it lets you take pictures that keep your subject sharp with a blurred background.

Instagram 'Focus' feature will appear next to 'Superzoom' in the app. Tap once to take a selfie or press and hold to capture a video. Focus also works with the back-facing camera. I've tested 'Focus' on my OnePlus 5T and my first impression is that it looks weird. I took a selfie and my ears were also blurred. This thing needs some more work. The portrait mode on my OnePlus is way better - at least it doesn't treat my ears as being part of the background.

'Focus' is available in Instagram version 39.0 for Android, but on select Android devices. Instagram did not say which one. If you do not see Focus mode yet, make sure you download the latest version of the app in Google Play Store.

Source: Instagram

Instagram is testing a 'New Posts' button on Android that gives users control on their feed. New posts will automatically appear at the top.

Hey Instagram, you're not Apple. Take a minute to digest this fact. The other fact you need to take in is that users are always right and no matter how long it takes, in the end, you have no choice but to bend to users' will - which you call feedback. These changes you made will make users happy and that means more money for you.

In an update that is rolling out today, Instagram is giving users more control over their feeds. Instead of having the feed refresh automatically and take you to the top, Instagram is testing a "New Posts" button that lets users choose when to refresh their feed and go to the latest post at the top of the feed. The social network "...hope this makes browsing Instagram much more enjoyable." We hope so too Instagram.

In addition, and based on users feedback, the new version will make new posts appear first in users' feed. Instagram says, "that with changes, your feed will feel more fresh, and you won't miss the moments you care about."

Thanks a bunch Instagram for these most welcome updates. If you're an Instagram user, grab the update in Google Play Store to take back control of your feed.

Instagram for Android let users send live videos in Direct.

Instagram has been on a roll issuing updates this year that proved to be popular with users and today, they’re adding a new feature that makes it easier to invite friends to watch your live videos or invite friends to watch a live video you’re watching. How this works? Keep reading, it’s dead simple.

When you go live, tap the Direct icon at the bottom of the screen to send your video to friends. They will see the live video in their Direct Inbox. However, if they don’t to see it live, they’ll get a message saying the video has ended. Instagram also gives users the option to disable the option to send their live videos in Stories settings. Viewers also can send live videos they’re watching in Direct messages using the same Direct icon at the bottom of the screen.

This update is part of Instagram version 26 for Android in Google Play. I do not see it yet in the Store, but it should not be long or in time for you to share your festive videos.

Source: Instagram

Instagram makes it easier to follow users and accounts with hashtags.

Instagram just made it easier to follow whatever you like on Android, Apple devices and the web. As usual there’s nothing for Windows 10 PCs. What’s a PC anyway? But I digress. As of today, Instagram users on the aforementioned platform will be able to follow whatever they like thanks to hashtags.

According to Instagram, millions of users share photos, videos and tag them every day. With the update rolling out today, users will be able to tap on a hashtag to follow other Instagram users, similar to following a friend. Users can search for a topic of interest or tap a hashtag in a post and they will see related posts. Users will then see a follow button on their screens that they can tap to follow the topic or the account with the ability to unfollow later.

Instagram is also making it easier to find hashtags from other users’ account and Instagram says that “hashtags you follow respect your privacy settings.” Setting the hashtags to private will only be visible to your followers.

Instagram said that the update has started rolling out today. It may not be available to you today, but do check out on Google PlayStore as from now on.

Instagram releases two new tools: Stories Highlights and Stories Archive for Android.

Instagram has been on an update roll lately and today they are introducing two new tools for their users. The first is Stories Highlights. If you’re a serious Instagram user, you know that Instagram Stories are available for 24 hours only. That changes with today’s update. “Now you can more fully express your identity by grouping stories you’ve shared into highlights and featuring them on your profile.” These highlights will appear in a new section on your profile.

To create new Highlights, tap the “New” circle on the left and you will be able to choose stories from your archive. You will even be able to choose a cover and give it a name. Instagram says that your “highlight will appear as a circle on your profile that plays as a stand-alone story when someone taps it.” As I said above, Instagram has removed the 24 hours limit your highlights appear in your profile. However, you have the option to edit or remove them simply by tapping and holding on them.

Instagram will now also let you automatically save stories to your archive. “From there, you can easily switch between your Posts Archive and your new Stories Archive.” The most recent stories will appear at the bottom and tap on any of them to watch and share as a post or “add it to a highlight on your profile.” Before you worry, only you can see your archived stories and you can turn that off at any time in your profile settings.

Instagram is releasing this update to Android and iOS. Sorry for Windows users, as usual there’s nothing for you. Download and update Instagram for Android in Google Play Store.

Source: Instagram

Instagram update lets you remix photos and control photos & videos replays.

Today Instagram is releasing an update that will let you ‘remix’ pictures you received via direct message from your friends. In simple terms, you will be able to edit, resize, move, draw and add stickers to the picture. And there is more to it.

Once you receive the picture via direct message, tap and hold the camera in the message to snap a picture to add to your reply. The original picture will also be included in the reply, thus giving you the ability to edit both using the methods mentioned above.

In addition to ‘Remix’, Instagram also now lets you control replays. You decide whether your friends can view your messages once with “One View” or several times with “Allow Replay”. Instagram says that “photos and videos sent with “Allow Replay” loop automatically and your friends can tap and hold to pause.”

Both features are available starting today in Instagram version 24 which is available for download in Google Play Store.

Source: Instagram

Join a friend's live video on Instagram with the new 'Request' button.

Instagram for Android has been updated today with a new feature that lets users join live videos of their friends. Instagram added a new ‘Request’ button in the comments section. So, when watching a friend’s video, simply tap the request button. The broadcaster will see the request and choose to accept or reject it. The broadcaster will see a ‘View’ button to accept or reject a friend’s request. Should the broadcaster accept the request, the screen will split in half “so you can hang out live with your friend.” The video host can also “remove a guest and add someone else at any time.”

This update is rolling out starting today in Google PlayStore. Just be patient if you do not see it yet.

Source: Instagram

Instagram let users add 24 hours old photos and videos to their stories.

Starting today, Instagram is gradually rolling out a much requested update to its Android app that will let users pick photos and videos from their devices to add to their stories no matter when they were taken. Prior to this update, Instagram allowed using photos and videos taken within the last 24 hours to create stories.

Instagram will also add a sticker to photos and videos more than 24 hours old. But rest assured, those can be easily removed, rotated and resized.

As stated above, this is a gradual update, so you may not see it right away on your device. Check it out on Google Play Store.

Source: Instagram

View Instagram Stories in mobile web browsers.

Instagram Stories lets you "share all the moments of your day, not just the ones you want to keep on your profile." Basically, you're sharing multiple photos and videos in a slideshow format and they will disappear after 24 hours. Up until today, Stories were only visible through the Instagram app on mobile devices. Well no more.

According to Instagram, 250 million users use Stories every day. Instagram will, in the coming weeks, make Stories available to users who use Instagram on the web. Stories is indeed coming to mobile web browsers. Another thing. Stories will be available for viewing only in mobile browsers. But Instagram said in a blog post that users will be able to post Stories from mobile web in coming months.

Until then, point your favorite mobile browser to instagram.com to view Stories when they become available. Otherwise, use Instagram for Android in Google Play Store.

Source: Instagram

Comment threads are coming to Instagram soon.

Today Instagram announced a new feature that is not yet readily available but will be deployed in the coming weeks on Android and iOS. The new feature is something that should have been into the app since its inception, but no. So today, Instagram has announced that they will soon bring threads to conversations; real threads like the ones that will group together a conversation by slightly increasing the indent to the right. Instagram says comment threads "help you keep track of conversations and make it easy to respond to a specific thread. This update will make your feed an even better place to share interests, get inspired and connect with others." 

It's about time.

Instagram made the announcement on the company blog and you can read the full post here. Download Instagram in Google Play Store.

Instagram on Android to get offline mode soon.

Instagram will be launching a new feature soon that will allow its users to access their content without an internet connection. Currently, Instagram requires an active data connection to work properly. Without one, the app is just useless. That will change soon as Instagram is set to introduce offline mode for its Android app.

Users will be able to view previously downloaded content in their feeds, leave comments, unfollow people and like friends' post. Instagram will sync any offline activity back to its servers once the user connects to the Internet again. 

Surely such a feature should attract more users in developing countries where data connection can be unreliable in some areas or help users with limited data to access Instagram at any time. Instagram did not announce a release date, but according to a Techcrunch report, "more will come in the following months."

Source: techcrunch

Instagram on Android will now translate your follower's bios and feed posts.

The last time I blogged about Instagram goes back to October 2015. It's not that I deliberately ignore it, but Instagram rarely publishes a detailed change log when they post an update to the store. Today is one of the rare occasions when they do so. Even f it's a minor update, it is worth mentioning, especially if you have among your followers friends or unknowns that speak foreign languages. 

In my opinion it is a feature you expect to see in any modern apps, but not all apps are equal. Thankfully, and finally Instagram chose to bring some modernity after recently redesigning their app icon. In this update, Instagram added the ability to translate profile bios and feed posts written in different languages. They invite you to "see translation" without giving any details about support languages.

Check out the update in Google Play Store.

Instagram adds private post sharing as messages.

Depending on your geographic location, some of you may have received this update already. But for those who, like me, are in the same timezone, you may want to check the latest update to the popular Instagram which adds a nice feature to Instagram Direct. The latter lets you send photos privately to your friends and delete the photos a la Snapchat. Let's see what is new in Instagram version 7.9.2.

As I said above, the new feature that will pique your interest, is the ability to share posts from your timeline as messages, which makes it very convenient to say establish a discussion with your friends on particular topics. Instagram added an arrow under each post and a simple tap will pull up the messaging interface for you to add the recipients. In case some of you maybe wondering, this does not replace a regram. The latter lets you share a post for all to see on your timeline whereas sharing post as messages is private.

This update also include the following features:

• Send photos, videos and text messages back and forth to keep conversations going.
• Name group conversations so they're easy to find.

Head over to Google Play Sore to download the update.

Instagram releases a redesigned Explore tab in the US, improved search for everyone else.

Instagram is currently rolling out a major update for Android intended for its US audience. The update has two parts, with the first part about "a redesigned Explore tab in the US with major updates."

Here's what is new for our American friends:

• Trending tags and places: Dynamically updated content gives you a real-time look at what's happening nearby - and all over the world.
• Curated collections: Explore a rotating selection of people and places hand-picked by Instagram.
• Places search: Search by location to explore an exotic vacation destination and more.

 The second part of the update is about an improved search for everyone else globally which will allow for search by location and the ability to "search all posts across username, name, hashtag or location.

No matter what is your location, Instagram has something for you in this update. Follow the link to Google Play store to download it.

Instagram for Android gets major face lift and performance boost.

Instagram, the recently-acquired-by-Facebook popular photo sharing platform, got an important update today. The app design finally does away with the iOS look-alike design and gets modern and more holo like. While the icons alignment do not change, the redesign and font changes make it cleaner, faster and more responsive. The latter improvement is a treat for low end or budget devices. 

The update is up for grab on the Play Store.

Instagram launches Instagram Direct to privately send photo, videos and text messages.

Instagram Direct was announced in mid-December last year and has finally found its way to my Android devices a month later. Indeed the update showed up in Google Play today on both my Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 (2013). So, what is Instagram Direct? 

With the growing popularity and competition from apps such as SnapChat and WhatsApp, the introduction of private sharing was the next logical step for Instagram, even if these competing apps are no threat yet to Instagram; or maybe they are. The Direct feature introduces a new way to send photos, messages and videos directly to one or up to 15 followers directly. 

How that works? Simple. Once you're done editing your masterpiece and instead of using the same steps to post, tap Direct and choose the people you want to send the picture to. It's as simple as that. No you just cannot instantiate a chat session with your followers. To set Direct in motion it all starts with a photo and you will see the avatar of your online friends light up.

Now check the updates on your Android device and start privately sharing your photos, videos while chatting with your followers. If the update hasn't appeared on your phone/tablet yet, go to Google Play directly to get it.