Instagram adds Video Imports, Automatic Straightening

Instagram for iOS has been updated
with a pair of significant new
features. First, the app supports
importing videos from iOS's camera
roll. Previously users would need to
record a video to share with the
service, but now they'll be able to
choose any existing video in the
camera roll -- even if it was shot
using other apps.
This update also introduces an
Automatic Straightening tool. If your
photo is crooked on a horizontal line
simply tap the Automatic
Straightening tool button and the
photo will be straightened. Tapping
the tool also brings up the
straightening slider, which allows the
user to manually correct for a
desired level.
Interested users can read more about
the update on Instagram's blog.
Instagram for iOS is a free
download.

GEAK Shows Eye and Mars: Smartphones for Photographers

Chinese Electronics Manufacturer
GEAK brings photography to
smartphones.
Every time a new smartphone gets
launched, a photographer (or two)
somewhere always has something to
say about the quality (or lack thereof)
of the images. At least they appear to
have an ally, as the company, GEAK,
has now released a duo of
smartphones with both casual and
avid photographers in mind.
The duo is comprised of the 5-inch
"Eye" and the 5.8-inch "Mars," which
both incorporate a 13 megapixel
backside illuminated rear camera. The
Eye also features an 8 megapixel
forward camera (for astounding
selfies), while the Mars brings it
down to a mere 2 megapixels. Both
handsets come with 16 GB of internal
storage and HSPA+ data capabilities,
but the Eye features a 720p IPS
display with a quad-core Mediatek
MT6589 and 1 GB of RAM, while the
larger Mars comes with a Full HD
1080p display and a Snapdragon 600
with 2 GB of RAM.
The prices differ between the two
products, but only a little, as the Eye
sells for $326 and the Mars for $490,
both off contract. While the phones are
still only being sold in China beginning
June 25, 2013