Photo editing and sharing platform VSCO has announced the launch of private messages in an effort to encourage people to interact with each other on its network. As the company describes it, users can "exchange editing tips and tricks, share compelling profiles and published content, and receive creative feedback from peers." Anyone you follow on VSCO can message you. The feature will first roll out to VSCO X paying members and will come to free users in the coming weeks. The feature works like any other messaging service, but is particularly similar to Instagram. Users can forward images they see in their feed by tapping an arrow icon, just like they can on Instagram. A private conversation is then started. It's unclear whether you can have a group message thread, and VSCO doesn't mention the idea on any of its FAQ pages. Messages have become an essential part of Instagram, as demonstrated by the fact that company told The Verge today that it's testing a standalone messaging app. … [Read more...] about VSCO’s new Messages feature competes with Instagram DMs
Some people who screenshot Instagram Stories are getting flagged
Instagram is currently testing a feature that identifies users who take screenshots of public Instagram Stories. Instagram already identifies users that take a screenshot of a photo or video that’s sent as a direct message. This new feature — the latest to be lifted from Snapchat — hasn’t been turned on for all users in order for Instagram to first gauge response. In a statement to TechCrunch, Instagram acknowledged it was testing the feature, which we’ve been able to confirm on at least one Verge staff account. Some users guilty of screenshotting stories have already received pop-up warnings from the app that states rather ominously, “Next time you take a screenshot or screen recording, the person who posted the story will be able to see it.” The Stories feature tells you who has watched your story when you tap on the “seen by” area in the bottom left corner. With this new feature, a circle shutter icon will display next to the … [Read more...] about Some people who screenshot Instagram Stories are getting flagged
Google enables Pixel Visual Core for better Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp photos
Google’s Pixel Visual Core, the hidden image-processing chip inside the Pixel 2 family of phones, is getting activated via a software update today. The Visual Core’s main purpose is to bring the HDR+ image processing that’s emblematic of the Pixel camera — and already enabled in the Pixel 2’s main camera app — to any other app that employs the relevant Google APIs. That means your Instagram photography and Snapchat Stories will get the benefit of major improvements in processing quality and efficiency. Google explains the change thusly: “Pixel Visual Core is built to do heavy-lifting image processing while using less power, which saves battery. That means we’re able to use that additional computing power to improve the quality of your pictures by running the HDR+ algorithm.” Here are a couple of examples of the Pixel Visual Core’s impact in practice: With Pixel Visual Core active on the left, without it on the right. … [Read more...] about Google enables Pixel Visual Core for better Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp photos
Instagram reportedly testing ‘re-sharing’ function in Stories
Instagram has long been the social media platform of choice for professional photographers and talented amateurs alike, as it not only celebrates top quality imagery, it also makes it more difficult to pinch and share other user's content.But what if you don't have anything interesting to share with the world? According to Techcrunch, Instagram is trialling the option to share other user's public posts to your own story, with the ability to overlay stickers or comments as you see fit.Of course, privacy settings will be in place if you don't want others pinching your hard work and it will be as simple as heading to the Settings menu and disabling this option.Previously, users would have to screenshot a post and share it this way, which is likely what encouraged the Instagram technical team to come up with an innovative solution.Sharing directly to stories is likely to appease those who don't want their work 'Regrammed' on other feeds without any sort of credit or acknowledgement, while … [Read more...] about Instagram reportedly testing ‘re-sharing’ function in Stories
Instagram now lets you follow hashtags
The glass facade of the SuperMoon Bakehouse (#newforkcity, #eatingnyc) has a pleasing symmetry to it. Two black rectangles sit on either side of a square, a neon smiley face suspended upside down in the center. Inside, a few small cylinders of pink marble serve as tables, but seating for customers is limited. Most of the shop is dedicated to a massive counter, along which the day’s selection of colorful, decorative pastries are carefully spaced (#foodgasm, #dessertporn). Behind the counter are rows of tightly packed boxes, stacked to shoulder height, and coated in a reflective silver that produces a rainbow sheen (#iridescent, #myunicornlife). The croissants and donuts on offer are quite tasty, but for many customers, that isn’t the main attraction. For the steady stream of tourists and bloggers who stopped in while I was there, the shop is first and foremost a visual treat, offering itself up as a backdrop for user’s to craft a winning Instagram post. The content of … [Read more...] about Instagram now lets you follow hashtags