6tag, the unofficial Instagram client for Windows Phone, has now far exceeded the official app on iOS and Android
What better way to start the weekend than with a huge update for 6tag, the popular Instagram client for Windows Phone? Version 2.0 went live in the Store this morning and we have all the details for you.
At this point, 6tag is no longer playing catch up to the official Instagram app found on iOS and Android, it’s surpassing it. That’s especially the case with version 2.0 as it adds features that are not found in the official offering, making the app even more special. Here’s what’s new...
6tag v2.0 changelog
- Create collage with a lot of customization
- Blur your pictures using your finger
- Posts can be displayed in full screen
- New color theme: full dark color
- Save your pictures on your phone in high quality when you post (up to 2048x2048)
- Upload pictures using the new Instagram and better picture quality (640x640 instead of 612x612)
That’s a whole lot of new features. The full dark color makes everything black on the device, resulting in a highly contrastive look that many of you will enjoy. The previous dark theme is now a hybrid dark-light and the original light theme is of course still there.
The ability to blur photos with your finger and create collages (both demonstrated in our hands on video, above), is truly unique and nullifies the need for external apps to 6tag. That should make creating new Instagram posts a lot more enjoyable and more importantly, allow Windows Phone users to have an advantage over the iPhone and Android devices.
The other features, including saving HQ photos from your posts and slightly higher resolution images, are just icing on the cake.
Over all, 6tag keeps getting better and better with each update. It’s more powerful now than the official app and we imagine that will keep happening with further updates.
Update: For those having crashing issues using the collage feature, Rudy explains:
"Windows Phone closes app when it uses too much memory, an improved collage feature has been submitted two hours ago using 10 times less memory"
So expect a minor bug fix update in the coming days to fix that.
Grab 6tag, version 2.0, here in the Store for free. Windows Phone 8 only.
Reader comments
6tag Instagram client gets new blur and collage tools, ultra dark theme and more in v2.0
A WP7.X version is still very welcome ;) even if it would be an app with only the basic features.
Here is another way to exit the app. Double tap the Home icon.
6Tag crashes and closes out on my Lumina 822 whenever I try to create a colloage. WT?
Thats great! The best instagram client including official ones. I don't like the 6tag icon either. It the only amateurish element of 6tag.
P.S: Is Gary Daniel ok? He's been MIA.
Lovely app, gorgeous design, fast, fluid... the best. But please, change the Icon :(
Daniel, perhaps this has surpassed the official apps in terms of photo features, but the fact that it is incapable of uploading previously filmed video means it's still not completely up to par. I understand this is an issue with Windows Phone APIs, but nevertheless, 6tag is unforunately stil behind with regards to video.
This app hands down is the BEST app out there, for any platform. just amazing!
OK, but...
I want to upload my photo and be at the instagram stream with hashtags but the photo its still blocking... so there is no fun :( Is it possible to make it on for windows client :(?
Now we don't need the official instagram app !!!
Awesome!!!..... I believe Rudy's an alien from planet 6tag....!!!
any update on the 7.8, rudy? please respond... an ETA will do, no rush though. just like to know when we are going to expect it. :)
It just gets better and better. Windows phone gets more and more desirable...
And fixet video upload :-)
Not a huge user of insta, but bought this app a few days back to support such a sterling effort. Thanks Rudy
I cant get the blur effect to work, it works in editing but when uploaded its not in the photo. Anyone else notice this?
Thanks Rudy, great job!!!!
Its amazing how fresh this app is! Makes using instagram a real joy on windows phone! Great stuff Rudy :D
Dark theme
I could love a Facebook App made from Rudy, I for sure will pay for it the priece he put.
Thank You Rudy!, We all love you because you are making a new escenario in Windows phone, I hope developers to take steps from you and make better and better apps for this excellent system.
@ this rate I don't see my self downloading the official instagram app..that's if the they think about building one.
Greatness
the new ulta dark theme is mighty fiiiiiiiine looking !!!
hope if this one comes to Windows 8 & Windows RT, it will be a very good move, and really looking forward if microsoft merge the windows phone & Windows RT into one platform like the IOS, at least we can take advantages of some of windows phone apps like this one in our surface RT.
Yeah, if he could go ahead and design every major app that we are missing on WP, that would be great. Dude makes some quality apps.
Couldn't have put it better! His apps work so well and look great to!
Rudy,give us a great Facebook app plz.
I love 6tag a lot and loved it how it was in the first version. Rudy is kickass. I get adding features is needed, but I feel like it's getting a lot more buggy. Some examples:
1. Counts keep getting worse. First version worked fine. Counts were always off by 3. If I got a comment or mention it'd say "3". Now they stick and wont go away.
2. The enhance feature worked great in the first version. After the 2nd (or maybe 3rd) update it's almost worthless. It doesn't look anything like iOS' and it always makes the pictures look awful. I have to use another app to enhance now.
3. Generally, everytime a new feature is released there's some bug with my perferred theme, Polaroid. Example, last version it was missing a way to pin your feed to the start screen.
I'd really love it to just slow down a bit, get some polish, and fix some long standing bugs. :)
P.S. Rudy, if you're reading this, the "full-screen" feature should say "display IN full screen" not "on full-screen". Also, at least in US english, the feature isn't full screen, it's full width. Full screen means the "full", covering up everything, screen
Cheers!
My live tile never works anymore. I have uninstalled, reinstalled, disabled other background tasks. Anyone have any ideas?
Now we don't need instagram.....
how do i clear notifications properly. Everytime i get 1 new notification it says i have 3..but i know i don't have 3.
I have been dealing with this exact issue before the 2.0 update. I'm never one to complain or make any suggestions (Which I agree is not helpful for the developer), but please fix this. All else is perfect as far as my needs go.
On polaroid theme, notifications don't seem to go away! I click on the news, with 1. I go off it. It still says 1. I go on it again...nothing new. It worked fine before I updated to 6tag 2.0. Please fix :(
Rear camera still doesn't work for me. Another HTC 8XT 'Missing Library' issue like Oggl is having? I've had to swtich to Instance for a couple releases now. Hope Rudy is able to figure it out.
That guys is the Kobe Bryant of WP developer. Work hard and makes nice app with better feature than the original. How often one can say that. Rudy for President...lol.
If he made a goodreads app and stumbleupon I wouldn't be missing anything. Maybe g+, which I actually kind of enjoy.
So there is not going to be a WP7 version now? This is a major let down as my friend shes been waiting ages for this. Maybe instance can help her out
Try #2instawithmassivelove for WP7.
I use my Sprint HTC 8XT.
Does anybody else have rear camera NOT WORKING with this app? The front camera works and shows up in the app. I try switching to the back camera, and it only comes up black. This app used to work before, in previous versions. I tried the camera within 6sec and other lens apps with no problem. Furthermore, within 6tag, if I switch to a video, the camera launches... but just not in picture taking mode. Anybody?? =/
Rudy, bro..thanks for fightn' the good fight.
Oh god!completely blown away.Its THE best app on WP right now!!!
Rudy, absolutely fantastic work!!!!!!!
I just have one small request.....lockscreen/wallpaper integration : )
*walks backwards out of the room while continuously bowing*
I just had to sign in simply to LMAO at your comment. Made me laugh; Made my day! Your "action" sentence is hilarious for some awkwardly unknown reason! :-D
If you open the menu from your feed and tap pin to start, it will pin a 6tag tile to start that is labeled as Instagram. Nice little backdoor feature to make this look like an official app.
shhhhh that's supposed to be a secret!
That's AWESOME!
Too much crashes after the update :( but I do appreciate his work.
Its the new collage feature, it is still in beta according to Rudy. He has submitted a new version to the store already to bring down the memory usage when using the collage. just hang tight lol :)
Rudy is amazing!
This is Great only down side is you have to use the Modern Design Theme
I love Polaroid in application design. Gets rid of the menu bar on top.
I'm sure he is working on it, but the collage feature crashes out everytime I try it... Looking through his twitter feed, it seems it is only in beta at the moment. But, so nice that all these features are included within 6tag and other platforms it is found across multiple apps. My wife is getting jealous of 6tag right now... And she is on Android...
Omg. This is awesomely awesome update! Really love the dark theme and full size option! I wonder about 2 things, why no dark theme on polaroid? And why can't we flip front-to-back like always when using the full size option? Looking forward for more awesomr update, many thanks Rudy!
The application need some Arabic translation correction : the auto play is translated into -سيارات- instead of -تشغيل تلقائي-
Rudy, you are AMAZING. The new dark theme is very sexy, and the fact that Facebook works again is a lifesaver. Can't wait to see what else you have in store for all of us!
UR DOING APP FOR iOS & ANDROID, BUT NOT FOR 7.8..??! -.-"
sense
It's easier to steal his code on 7.X
Oh, ok.. then it is understandable :/ Maybe I should just buy a new phone..
Try #2instawithmassivelove for WP7
I'm even tired of asking and pleading for this app on WP7.8. Whatever mehn!!
Just a quick question, does anyone else find that when they double tap the home icon in the modern theme the app crashes to the start rather take you back to the top of the feed? If it is a bug sorry to have found it :(
due to a gdr2/gdr3 change, already fixed in 2.0.1
I was wondering where the dark theme was, but it's only with the tabbed theme, not the Polaroid one. (Which is minimalistic and I prefer it much more.) Also, the app doesn't have the swipe gesture to get to options behind a photo anymore! :(
Still one of the best apps on Windows Phone, though.
Yea the swipe features were great I wonder what happened but I would love the dark theme on Polaroid theme!!
It does have the swipe feature if you click on the post and then swipe.
The swipe feature is still here and working. You have to go to settings, choose the polaroid theme, and uncheck the "full screen" box.
Thanks for that. I was wondering what I was doing wrong.
I do kinda miss the Polaroid that you could flip like vine, future option maybe?
the collage doesnt work..... :(
Collage is on beta and has some memory usage problem in the current version, it's a know bug detected after the app submission and already fixed in 2.0.1, submitted 2 hours ago, sorry about that guys ;)
We can live with that Rudy!!!You don't have to be sorry at all.
Apology not accepted!!
j/k ;)
THIS.IS.INSANE! Great job dude!
Yes!! Facebook works again!
Still want to be able to post from instagram to my musician/band page on Facebook. This is where it is behind ios/Android!
check the settings button next to facebook checkbox in settings ;)
I do see the settings button, but only my timeline is listed!
I just re-linked my account and it works now! :)
Rudy is dope! #NuffSaid
doing what he loves full time! Rudy must be having so much fun
This needs to get out to the other media blogs! Amazing
What if they decide to block the app in retaliation? Jealousy might kick in.
Damn man, you killing them lol. You should hold a class for the Instagram Devs
Rudy are you all going to put this app on Windows 8/RT??
Great update. But whenever I make a collage and hit post the app crashes. I'm running a 920 with GDR3
Windows Phone closes app when it uses too much memory, an improved collage feature has been submitted two hours ago using 10 times less memory
you are superfast!! lol Great Work! :)
Rudy when using ultra dark theme and doing a search the results come up in all black making it hard to see. Love the app tho; Keep up the great work!!!
also fixed in the already submitted update :)
Thank you! You're apps are awesome. Thanks for addressing the issue fast and responding. Much appreciated.
nice :)
It's such a great app, paid immediately after using it for a while. Wish you had built the Facebook app... Even the Microsoft beta one is far behind those on iOS and Android in terms of fluidity and features...
It seems to be crashing when I am doing a collage :( But once again great App update Rudy!! :D Running the full dark theme looks amazing on my 928!!
unbelievable work rudy congrats :)
i guess now android and ios are losing for not having 6tag ahah
Thank you! Such a great app for us.
Eminem....Rap God
Rudy.........Code God
Nokia........Hardware God
+920 I say make Rudy official WP developer give him FB, Twitter and the infamous YouTube.
Lol
How do I get the black theme??
Watch the video?
buy it :3 (?)
So.....sexy
That looks really impressive!
Lemme get this straight... This really is just one guy building a better app than a whole company? I know they have to deal with more servers and other things but still...
wp7.x version promised?
I think ever since the other Instagrams apps were copied he's been hesitant to make a WP7 version because it's easier to steal code.
He said on Twitter that the WP7 version is done, but it seems as he's not going to release it because of that whole fiasco.
It is very very easy to pirate apps, steal code on WP7, And with 6tag being so popular i am sure people will pirate the app, post xaps on the internet and steal the code for rival or new apps.
I think it's so funny that I still see blogs all over the net talking about not having Instagram on WP8 etc, well we have had and now have THE best Instagram app for any mobile phone.
Incredible.
By the way, if you grab the arrows in collage, you can actually manualy adjust the size of the squares and triangles ;D
I'm now just waiting for the fix to it (the App is crashing when adding the filters in the collage option) and hoping that the Dark Theme reaches Polaroid version too, 'cause I liked the Polaroid layout better.
Totally agree, I faced the same problem when I tried to used the collage, during the composition of the collage I cannot see the different picture
Rudy kicks ass and 6tag rocks
The ultra dark theme sounds great. I was surprised the initial dark theme was nothing more than a dark bar on the top. Way to go!
At this point, the guys over at Instagram should be really ashamed of themselves.
And they should hire Rudy.
If they do, 6tag will be immediately delisted from app store.
Or it will be renamed to 6tag by instagram
...or even Instagram (itself)!
Rudy is a rock star within the Windows Phone dev community, if he just worked for Instagram or some other big company, he'd just be another employee among the other hundreds or thousands that work there. His talents would also go to waste seeing how he's able to do so much in such a short span of time.
Agreed
This is a very welcomed update. The ultra-dark theme is worth it alone.
Yeah.. Specially for those of us who have AMOLED screens because it will save battery a bit more
it would be ideal if the blue bar at the bottom is dark too!!!!!!!
Rudy! Rudy! Rudy! You are "The Man!"
+10000000
And the update also fixedmy hastag problem :D
that's probably the most important update
now if he can only get this awesome app to Windows 8! Wonder if this is the project Rudy is working on with MS?
I wish he had the ability to make a snapchat client for us...
still waiting on this too^^^^
Last I heard, GDR3 adds support for apps like SnapChat to disable screenshots, until then I doubt we will see anything like it...
Who's Rudy? Is he one of the 700 dwarfs from Snow White?
Haven't you seen the movie Rudy?? Is the short college football player.
RUDY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!
Who's with me?!!
Plus it works. Pics now fill more of the screen so I don't have to squint.