Today owners of the iPhone, had something new from Instagram. Layout is the popular photo sharing service's take on the collage, allowing you to group together a bunch of your favorite images and share them with your friends and the wider world on your favorite sharing service. And it came a day over one full year since the last update to the Instagram app for Windows Phone.
While that's a pretty bad state of affairs, it's at least one we can do something about.
The Instagram app for Windows Phone was announced on stage at Nokia World in late 2013. I remember it well, I was sat in the audience in Abu Dhabi with Daniel Rubino and Sam Sabri. And it was huge news. All those frustrations folks have with Snapchat today, that was Instagram in 2013. When it launched, the CEO of Instagram had this to say:
"Our ultimate goal is to bring Instagram to everyone who wants to use it…We're looking forward to watching the Windows Phone community use Instagram to capture and share beautiful moments in the coming weeks."
And then all work stopped on March 22, 2014. Not all that long after the announcement, considering Nokia World 2013 took place in October.
So the Instagram app for Windows Phone seems to have been left to wither and die. But I did say that we can do something about it.
Use 6Tag. It was probably the best Instagram app at the time the official client launched, and it's probably the best still to this day. Especially when you consider it has some features, like Re-gram, that even the official apps on iOS and Android don't have. It sucks that Instagram (and or Facebook, its owners) seem to have abandoned us. But at least the Windows Phone developer community has something even better to fall back on.
Update: Clarified that this new app is in fact for iPhone only. Sorry folks.
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Instagram launches new app for iPhone else after a year of abandonment on Windows Phone
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Rudy huyn deserves some respect huve that man a medal
Only on Windows Phone do you get people talking about the announcement of an abandonware version of Instagram like it's the Apollo moon landing.
Stop crying like a baby... We have the best OS in the market! I say that because I am still using my iPhone 6 and my Sony XPeria 3. The main problem is MS: They are giving a shit to WP...
Believe me: WP is much better than iOS and Android!!
6tag developers! thnx a lot for your amazing app
No issues here. 6tag does the job. Lots of bleating about a non issue here. We have access and it works. I do not care about instagram as a company after all. Too much drama about nothing thanks to Rudy.
Good to see the trolls frequenting WP forums lol.
I own a 930 which I received free through work(I work in telecommunications) and whilst I adore it I simply cannot use as a daily phone to due small issues which should not exist. With that said I enjoy Windows devices a lot, I enjoy my 360, XBone, and my several Windows PC's. A case example of my frustration for something that just simply shouldn't be so is the, facebook app. 1) Receive notification of comment 2) Click on Toast to go to, facebook post 3) Read post and want to now view the, facebook Newsfeed 4) ?? No home button and the back button takes me back to previous app(or home screen) 5) Hit home button to return home 6) hit,facebook tile to view newsfeed.
Is this a minor bug? Absolutely 100%. Could I go on living my life with this bug? Absolutely 100%. As a consumer should I have to deal with crap like this when on my previous (insert iOS/Android) I didn't? No. With that all said and done, I went back to my iPhone.
I am on the Dev preview and keep my 930 charged and watch the updates come, hopefully Windows Phone 10 fixes this but as of now, there is a level of polish not being shown to Windows Phone and I believe Microsoft needs to drive developers to create identical apps all the exosystems and not just there preferred though that is a near impossible task.
The person who announced with Instagram is not so good right now.
The app on WP is still better, so I don't care...
I never use the official one. 6tag on one phone and Pictastic on the other. They work great and are regularly updated.
An iPhone-only app and from the app-maker who has no love for Windows Phone (I'm talking to you Instagram). How the hell this story make it to Windows Central?
PS: I don't have it on my Nexus 7 either.
I will say again because I like the butthurt reaction: An iSheep app nobody really needs. I don't have it on my Lumia 930, I don't have it on my iPhone 5. I don't see the point of dealing with 5 different social platforms.
I just uninstall Instagram beta. I'm sticking to 6tag.
Oh well.. They are depending on Market Share to develop the products.
Third party apps are great, but they are not the solution, only a workaround. It's only a matter of time when Instagram will, once again, close their APIs on developers like Rudy and all the others. That's why I'm annoyed by "just use 6tag" comments. Yeah, use 6tag! Please, use it, it's great and it works but THAT IS NOT THE SOLUTION. Instagram/Facebook are big jerks, right down the alley with Google. They all forget how they started. As if Google had one hunder thousand billion users at the very beginning. Or Instagram, for that matter. They all tend to forget their beginnings. And it's not about not having the user base. Look at Wunderlist (first thing that came to my mind)! They support all three platforms, release new features and bugfixes almost simultaneosly! And Wunderlist's team is much smaller than Instagram's, not to mention their finances! How come they find Windows Phone worth the trouble? Honestly, how many people use Instagram, and how many use Wunderlist, for example? And they still find it profitable or at least manageable. It's never about the finances or worthiness, it's all rivalry and greed. :(
No it is not for iPhone only..it will be launched for android in several months....
I visit less and less. I've Turned off alerts and live tiles. Why because we complain not to complain and we still complain..ha just wanted to post because I just logged back in to wCentral after a hard reset. So I'm really not complaining just glad I don't visit as much because of all the complaining. So I'm not going to complain about complaining.. Right bye, fk it
In windows app store only dev. Like Rudy are getting richer, Microsoft must do fuckin something bout dat
In what century WP store is releasing the original app for Instagram not the f Beta version?
Duh!!!! Will keep using 6tag and will keep clicking every add I see on it to make Rudy Hyun richer. Hahaha #Retaliation #SupportForRudy
Who cares we have phototastic collage.... Duck off instagram
Is not about phototastic collage or not. Is about why companies are not giving a damn for Windows Phone. Instagram already ducked off long before you say so.
Instagram has abandoned Windows. Its time they should better get back to work.
Fuck you Instagram & a big thanks to the dev Rudy Huyn
Continue on your triumph. We have Rudy Huyn.
This is depressing and not helping in any way
DONT WORRY BE HAPPY!!:)
It's 2015!!!..come on Microsoft...instagram,facebook apps...sucks!
Ppl still use this???
that's sad
U must be slow, if u feel like this then why don't u just leave our community and never come back? Numbers make sense, millions of people use windows phones not hundreds, millions, and it shouldn't cost that much to maintain one app, other companies do many apps just fine without the huge user base insta has, hell look at Netflix they make an app for almost every single piece of electronic out there no matter how many users. That's good business, giving your user base a way to connect to their service no matter what device or platform u use. Doing what these companies are doing is lazy, dochebagish, and not good business.
Agreed.
Oh please. Not every company works like Netflix. For a start, I don't see Apple iTune or any Google official apps working on Windows Phone, even though almost all MS services are available on iOS and Android. Every company has their unique culture. Lazy, dochebagish, and not good business?? That's your opinion only. But to Instagram, why waste resources on Windows Phone when they can polish up their iOS and Android versions, making the bigger user bases happy instead?
These bastards will suffer with windows 10.
you can say that again
Well i read most of the comments and I must say as regular instagram user and owner of a Lumia 1020 and an iPhone 5S - That 6tag is way better than the official iOS version, you can regram and save pictures that you like (it's ridiculous that the official client of a picture based service doesn't do that). And speaking of the LAYOUT app it just sucks, it's basically a very basic collage app, even 6tag is better at it. Period. All hail Rudy Huynh
Windows phone so so so so underrated. Windows phone is not appreciated like all the other platforms.
This^^
That feature for iPhone users is really good.. I m sure Rudy will work on that feature ;)
From the beginning it seems instagram creators were really not happy about launching an app for Windows phone. So.... Instagram, GFY! You have anxious users and you only spit on them
Really 6tag is the best!
Oh, and a HUGE Thank You to Rudy for creating 6tag! :)
Well I don't use instagram. So I don't care.
The biggest issue from my perspective is that MS is not marketing the platform like they should. Look up the YouTube videos for the original iPhone and ask yourself - does it showcase not only the phone, but how to use it? Yes. This ad was the first in a series that all aired heavily during the first two years, and is why so many consumers said it felt 'easy'. Now, look up past Zune ads - almost no showing of the UI or what it was capable of. Next, try the Windows 7 and WP7 commercials - never really showed using it. The 1st & 2nd gen Surface commercials? Again, didn't really showcase what they could do. The Surface Pro 3 commercials are somewhat better than the dancing picnic table video, and I hope that's a sign of learning - showcase the OS/Device and what it can do, not some disconnected mess. And even then, MS is not driving most of the WP commercials. They have left that up to the carriers, but they are incentivized more to promote iOS devices, so unless there's a 'bonus' incentive that nets them more than what Apple pays during any given time period, they don't care to market it beyond a basic web ad in a rotator. And as a result, market growth is stagnant at best except in those areas where it is advertised. Like I said, we may need to take it upon ourselves (the community) to put something together and blast it out there worldwide for the next few months. As consumer interest grows, developer interest will follow because it means more dollars they are missing out on if they don't get on board.
I wouldn't pronounce it dead yet by any means. I will continue to promote the platform where I can. I wish these naysayers would put some effort into doing the same. So, maybe we can get Daniel, Sam, and the rest to spread the word to get people to tweet, post, etc., something they love about WP, keep it alive for the next 90 days and see if it has an impact? (I know, "Keep dreamin!", but I have to try :) ). I think once they see interest on social media, Instagram, Tinder, mabe even Chase, BofA,and similar will reconsider and bring apps back to the platform and maybe others get their apps updated, too.
6tag already has collage function
why WP is ignored everywhere? :(
It sucks, I wish we had the official answer
Third party apps are fine....until the owners decide to pull the public APIs, and make it proprietary, like Snapchat.
I'm hurt :'(
Its hasn't been released for android yet.. Only iPhone and android is coming in a few weeks
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
Instagram dev head weight y they cant better app for WP Microsoft gave full API access to dev .telegram, moliplayer and many apps can achieve lot of things y not instagram ;/
I think Microsoft should make windows phone be open source and let devs mess with it and make unoficial apps
WP and open source? You want a laggy device?
Dude, open source != laggy. Android 5 is so smooth now. Also, open source doesn't mean every tom, dick and harry can mess up the OS anywhere they like.
Feel like I was duped into clicking on this article, w/e enjoy the ad revenue
Owning devices from all three platforms, I can day WP isn't lacking any more than iOS and Android are in their own ways. It's the perpetuation of anything Microsoft makes is crap by people who have the most influence. Time and time again I see people say they don't like Windows Phone when they haven't even tried it or are thinking its Windows Mobile. I have often others places where iOS and Android have their own failings and WP succeeds but they have been trained that if it is Microsoft it is bad. Apps are the main problem but that is because developers got burned by Microsoft years ago like they are getting burned by Apple and Google now. Microsoft needs go get over that but tech people, my colleagues I work with, need to actually use the products they criticize so they do so properly and with full knowledge.
Well said. I've used all 3 platforms, and each does have it's benefits vs it's limitations. No one is better than the other except in what fits an individual's needs.
Three things I wish we could see:
1: How about a survey of what apps are wanted - do this to showcase interest in the missing apps to put the numbers out there for developers to see how many users they are missing.
2: How about some community driven tutorials on how to develop for WP? AppStudio to VIsualStudio, databases, communications, various APIs to talk to hardware, etc.
3: And the one I most want to see - a grass-roots, community driven marketing campaign worldwide. There has to be tons of people who are good at making videos and such to showcase features we can share on social media to drive up interest.
I Know it's asking a lot and probably a huge pipe dream, but I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't want to see it be successful. I think if we all can do something to get it over that 10% marketshare hurdle, things may start to change.
I will keep wishing and doing what I can though.
Not because they have not try Windows Phone, but because tiles itself already is a big turn off for most of them. Those messy and flipping chessboard looking squares and rectangles already making them scare. Let alone asking them to try. Yes, the OS is great indeed, but apps are such a letdown. Apps are so much polished on iOS / Android. Just the Internet Explorer itself is already bad as compared to Google Chrome. So many times pages rendered so badly on IE wile Chrome is so good, just like on the desktop. Chrome has already implemented pulldown to refresh pages, and what improvements do we have for IE on phone so far?? NOTHING! Wait for Spartan you say? By then, Chrome will be leaps and bounds ahead once more.
Rant mode acivated.....
But no. I don't want to use 6tag. Not that 6tag is bad, but I prefer official apps! Besides Whatsapp and Facebook messenger, I see lots of official apps are not even coming nor updated for Windows phone, even till this date! What's going on?? Also, I keep seeing newer updates happening now and then for Facebook, Whatsapp, Messenger, Instragram, etc on Android while we are so quiet over here at the windows phone camp. Don't tell me because the Android versions are filled with bugs hence with the constant updates. Well, are WP versions perfect? No. Is because till date, devs are still not giving a damn about Windows Phone. Look at the "official" Facebook app. When is the last update from MS again? Unniversal apps will save the day you say? Fat hope! Look at the Facebook app on Windows 8.1. It has not been updating as well! Do you still really think Universal apps will help the platform? Face it. Devs cannot be committed to so many different platforms. iOS and Android alone have already drive them nuts. Now we expect them to create another WP versions of their apps??! Future of WP is just so no looking good....
Rant mode ends.....
Bredrin... The Truth! Has been Spoken! Have u seen how fluid 5.0 is? WP 10 I fear has already lost
Same here, but I'm using it until we get that... Hopefully
Screw Instagram. I've tried it (abandoned app and 6tag) and it sucks. The web version sucks too. I'd rather share photos on twitter or facebook.
Come on WP central, you need to correct this headline as well as article immediately. It is completely wrong that this is available for everyone else, and the tone of the article changes completely once you know it's iOS only, for the next few months at least. I expect this site to be factually correct.
The mission should be to create a service that everyone else wants, but Windows Phone would be the premier platform, while the other platforms would be supported, but with "also ran"or "feature X coming soon" status.
We got official instagram only to shut us up. Clearly neither instagram nor Microsoft care if get an update or whether we use it or not.
This is why I think Microsoft should think in a Plan B in case Windows Phone fails and continue with something similar than Nokia X, a Android experience without Google services, similar than Amazon Fire OS and Amazon Appstore which is Google free.
Just my 2 cents.
No, they should stay the course.
I agree with you. Besides, the Amazon Fire Phone was probably the biggest failure in the history of smartphones so far.
I don't think an Android experience without the Google Play store etc. would be worth doing at all - It won't be the android that people have come to expect and will still be considered "different" and not pushed in stores etc.
At least count yourself lucky your not on Firefox OS lol, although the idea of the web platform for apps is romantic and would be nice, I'm pretty sure it has worse app support than Windows.
When I first saw the title for the article I thought it said Instagram launched an app for us...
Wasn't there a condition that all apps need to be updated and maintain once a year? MS should removed Instagram beta from the store. Tons of people will complain but what's the point of a bad app. I do use it but I use 6tag as well. Quality = user satisfaction.
Just like FB, the experience is horrible. I ususally open it to check notification for less then a min each time. I'm sure will reach a point where I delete it for good.
I see a lot of people saying the Facebook app on WP is poor compared to the iOS and Android versions, but what exactly doesn't it do?
I'm a VERY light Facebook user (Prefer Twitter personally) and it lets me see notifications, post messages, add friends etc, I don't really see what is missing, and performance seems normal etc.
Being a light user, maybe I don't see the massive list of missing features / problems, and I'm not saying you're wrong but nobody ever lists the specific problems when I ask, and I'm interested to know, am I just blind to what I am missing out on?
Isnt instgram for taking pictures of your junk? Or was that something else?
No, that's InstaWang. Easy mistake to make though.
Ahhh... Thanks. Lol
Rudy Huyn is a boon for WP Users!!
Sorry re gram was added on the iOS And Android versions. It's just not called regram and it's under the share button. That's no longer a special windows phone feature.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
For what it's worth, this 'Layout' app is currently iOS only although they say they will release for Android in the coming months.
http://blog.instagram.com/post/114416360957/layout-from-instagram
This doesn't change the overall situation for WP, of course, but still wanted to correct the article. There is a CNN article that incorrectly states it is available for all 3 platforms (including WP). Maybe they will release one for Windows 10 (wishful thinking).
Cheap Lumia phones are top-sellers on Amazon and many online retailers, I don't get how all these units are not moving marketshare up to the point that Microsoft can go to these companies and say "Look, we can take care of full-development of your app for our platform, support and all, just let us do it." Why is it so hard for Nadella to personally call Zuckerberg, whoever is in charge of Snapchat, and whoever leads app development at BofA/Chase and ask for Rudy to run development of their apps? Microsoft can provide support and any other needed logistics. Am I assuming too much to think that they haven't already tried such?
6Tag is much much better looking than Instagram... my Android friends are jealous. So, not bothered at all... :-)
I think that us users, yes I'm one of the guilty ones, have to shoulder some of the blame for this situation as we effectively abandoned the official and so called "inferior" app in favour of 6tag. What do you think that says to the developers of the official app?
They should try to make it better than 6tag?
That's exactly it though, if we as users don't use the official apps that we do have then where's the incentive for the developers to develop the official app further.
Windows Phone is a fucking JOKE. I could not be more happy to have left the platform after 2 years and return to Android.
Wow, you came on here just to post your hate for WP. Good for you, the exit is to your left!!!!
It's a ranting article isn't it? So he posted his rants. Nothing wrong.
Lmao! :D
Yup thanks for your post. We really needed. Wow and it was so well worded too.
Did you have to yell?
That's nice.
I stick android phones in your moms butt :D
SHOTS FIRED
CNN Money article says it will be available for Windows Phone:
http://money.cnn.com/2015/03/23/technology/instagram-layout-app/index.html?sr=twmoney032315instagram0730story
6 tag is far better than the actual instagram app. Not even close. Thanks Rudy!
So say we all.
Long live Rudy Huyn!
Windows 10, please help us. We pray. Make it the OS that will succeed in mobile, desktop and tablet. Make it where it needs to be.
Kinda sad #2instawithlove was killed off
This is a sad state of affairs. This "solution" is by no means perfect. MSFT had better have a universal app up their sleeves. At least bb10 can side load. Ridiculous.
Well, I also have to put the blame on Microsoft. They said that developers have to update their app... They only update it once and just said fuck it. Well, if Microsoft was serious like apple does with their app store then we wouldn't have this problem.
Honestly instagram is dead to us, without 6tag it would mean millions of users would be unable to get instagram services, smh
Good article and well written, it seems the norm now to develops apps for iphone and android and leave windows behind, come out a few months later or a year and state due to high demand from our community were are developing an app for windows, like we don't have better apps out their than the originals
Insta.... Who?
Though, maybe instagram will fix the problem... I mean, like if you gave a farmer a peanut you cant expect them to have a field in a day (or weeks or months or years...)
Soon
Instagram, another iSheep application nobody really needs.
Lol okay take your pills. Millions use it daily and calling them isheep or stupid is such a ridiculous and immature reaction.
I said "nobody really needs", not " nobody uses". And I don't understand your butthurt reaction to my statement about an app. It seems you can make a better use of those pills ;).
Rudy, we love you. But instagram, go f*** yourself.
Dear Rudy, please add lockscreen support to 6tag! http://forums.windowscentral.com/windows-phone-apps/257430-my-wishlist-6...
I used 6tag from day one Instagram official app is shit. Shame on them for having a third party app that makes there's embarrassing. Wake up Instagram not everybody is an Iphone Sheep
The BETA tag is only still there so they can use an excuse to say why the app is half-ass. Their Windows development team is probably gone and never coming back. I wouldn't be surprised if the app goes unlisted when/before Windows 10 is released.
I really do enjoy using 6tag but I prefer the push notifications of the official app. If 6tag (somehow) gets push notifications, I'll never go back to the official app.
What notifications are you not getting? Everytime I post a pic I get them from people who like my pics.. Unless you're talking about something else.
Fuck Nastygram!
by just looking at how fast microsoft developed windows phone and windows phone native apps the past 4 years i can't blame any company for not supporting windows phone..... i feel sad but optimistic about windows 10
The official Instagram app for windows phone a real shame for the ecosystem! But not only this, also other "official" apps like Linkedin suck..... that's so sad
This is true
That's true, Windows Phone is like the ugly duck, big mobile developer companies don't like it and don't make updates for their apps.
But this is not Microsoft's fault, it's Google's fault since they copied iOS and big players like Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and Lenovo have flood the market with cheap devices giving Microsoft a poor chance of success.
The article is like stand up comedy better yet Comedy Central. No problem just use third party or better yet Web App. #SlowlyDying
Well, there's no surprise :).
The fact that they didin't pull the app out, unlike pinterest, makes be hope/think that someday we'll se an updated version of it.
Sadly, not with a priority :).
The instagram app shows me crappy little square images of food. What's there to update
There is a CNN article (site won't let me include the link in my comment) that claims that layout was also released for Windows Phone. While they are clearly wrong I guess it's a good thing that someone is assuming that apps are being released for Windows Phone alongside iOS and Android, shows that people at least know we exist now.
It is not out for Android for another few months. iOS only.
I just deleted my Official Instagram app and official Twitter/Vine apps because I was tired of these half way made apps by these @#$% heads they call companies, I will still use 6Tag over the official as long as they have every function even if the official catches up with other OS for them playing us like that... SnapChat f'd up, I'm done with them even if they come back. And whoever else wanna leave Windows Phone or screw us backwards lol..
Lets be real people. Most people are stupid. Stupid people go with crowds. Crowds are distracted by shiny objects. Apple and google have the shiny object strategy on lock down. Until Microsoft dumbs enough things down to where a 2 year old apparently can look like a genius, and some douche wearing flip flops calls it cool, nothing is going to happen in this space. Everyone that I have moved to windows phone says the same thing, "I can't believe I used an iphone/android for so long" why do they say that? Because the phone itself does things that are leaps and bounds ahead of the shiny objects. So unless you become a shiny object, getting the stupid crowd is going to be a non-starter. But when people actually use a windows phone and realize that there is more to what you do everyday that windows phone just knocks out the park that ios and android are still horrible at, they tend to not care about the dumb shit like Instagram. And 6tag does fill the gap. But I always say support those that support you. Our biggest problem is americans in large are too stupid to follow instructions like that. And since wp is a small player that doesn't make any real noise, other than to bitch to microsoft all the time, we end up getting no where.
This right hear is 100.. % real! ^^ exactly!
Nice rant but won't help. Microsoft sending in the big troops of Win10 to save us all. Fingers crossed for winning a battle!
Agreed, WP is a fantastic OS at this point, and the phones are great. It's just a tough sell, both to people who are used to apps, and to developers because of that. Not to mention to resellers, who are not interested in carrying them (for whatever reason).
I've honestly never met anyone with a Windows Phone that was happy with it. Not trying to prove you wrong or make a point. Just stating a fact. They always return it, after realizing it is far behind in many areas. And also complaining about it loudly to anyone who will listen.
My guess is that MS probably wanted to do the same thing that they did with the FB app and FB said no. MS doesn't need to remake every app that other companies have made just give us the ability to use the official app. I appreciate the devs that try to fill the void for the official apps we are missing and am grateful for all their efforts.
This^^ same here.
I love my Lumia 1520 and I love Windows Phone but its getting hard to hold on. My upgrade is in June and if there is no flagship or signs of life, I will have to jump ship. Until then, I am a dedicated fan boy that hopes MS gets it together.
Really starting to feel this way myself as well and I've been using WP since before WP7.
Just tell me where does mark live.
I'm going to kill him!
Uninstalled instagram a few weeks back.
I like 6tag. It's great!
Seems to me that Apple and Google are paying off the the developers to try and kill our love for WP. If the most popular apps are not available then maybe users will jump ship. Personally don't care and love my WP. Not leaving anytime soon.
L I K E W I S E !
I get that some people will be sad not to have this, but there's nothing to stop you creating your Collage in one of many other apps and then uploading it to Instagram, maybe I'm missing something and it does much more than this?
Whenever I use instagram on my 1020 I pretty much always upload a photo I took in the normal camera app anyway, rather than going into instagram specifically, I get a better quality photo that way anyway.
I wouldn't call 6tag "somethg we can do about it." I don't use Instagram, no use to, but I know people have their wants with apps, and this is one. Third-party offerings can fill gaps, and even top first-party offerings in UI and whatever, but there aren't enough examples of third-party solutions to problems. 6tag can fill in for Instagram, except in the realm of public perception. No matter how good 6tag performs and looks, it won't change the fact that people will say, "Instagram doesn't care about Windows Phone." That's not terrible on its own, but thrown next to the mass exodus of banking apps and the continued omission of Google apps and Snapchat (plus the blocking and banning of the third-party solutions and their users), it all still paints a disappointing, frustrating picture for current and potential users.
Windows 10 offers a glimmer of hope becuase of the universal nature of apps, but it's really hard to say if it will meaningfully make things better. Will developers look at the added user base of PC, tablet, and Xbox users and make an app, or will they see Xbox One as a pointless platform and just point the PC and tablet users to the browser, while still refusing to make applications for Windows 10? We'll see, but I have my doubts for sure.
All true. I could add more but why bother? Waiting game is on................
I love 6tag but I hate ads and I can't buy the app ( don't have visa or master card ) :3
Use Bing get free gift cards buy apps. Have been doing this forever, have never paid for Skype credits or any paid apps
pick up a prepaid debit card from walmart load $20 on it and BAM you have a VISA or MasterCard or Amex
The funny thing about this Layout app (second app for users to download, which is funny in itself) is that I think I always preferred 6tag from day one because it had a collage feature more nimble than other apps, Instagram related or not. I'm sure Layout is nicer, but I'm perfectly happy with the third party app with everything built in.
Yeah, there doesn't seem to be anything particularly exciting in Layout that we can't get on WP. I think it's more the general attitude.
We should also point out that Layout isn't available on Android yet either, it's said to come in a few months. Goes with the origins of Instagram, it was iOS only for the longest time.
Using 6tag is not the answer to fixing instagram on windows.
For many of us existing users, it absolutely is. Marketing and sales wise, no.
All in all, this was an article to promote 6tag?
It's a response to something I've seen constantly the past 24 hours on social media. People talking about the fact it's been a full year since an Instagram update.
It sucks. But we've got better solutions than whining. One of those is to use an app created by someone who gives a damn.
Well put! I didn't even realise it's been a year already. Interestingly, today I was just showing this guy (who happens to prefer WP over Android and iOS) the advantages of 6tag over the official Instagram. I wonder if things will change after Windows 10?
I appreciate that, but please correct the article to note that Layout is NOT available for Android as it claims.
Posting this here too so people will notice it and not feel AS left out. :)
Can we just delist Instagram from Windows phone store?
I would not be surprised if they are just holding back for W10
Stop dreaming buddy: Windows 10 won't change anything about lack of app support. The only devs will take advantage of these things are the devs that already support Windows and Windows Phone.
Stop dreaming.. Lol.
Yeah. What does Instagram care if people can use the app on Windows 10 on a computer? Instagram is an app specifically designed for mobile use, PC marketshare is irrelevant, and they already have access through the web browser.
Maybe Windows 10 for Phones will provide some functionality that Instagram wants/needs, but if the thinking it that the universal apps thing and PC marketshare is a factor, that's just dreaming.
Ummm...aren't you the one always trying to get apps for the Brazil WP Store?
By your thinking "The only devs will take advantage of these things are the devs that already support (edit:) the Brazil WP Store and Windows Phone."
Don't poo-poo on someone else whose glass is half-full re: Windows 10. You're putting yourself out there hoping for improvement on a different front, and kudos for that, but, you know, glass houses and all that...
Isn't that the truth its still up to the devs especially if they dont use 1st party tools(double meaning)
I highly doubt that is the case.
#6tag is he best so far.
What surprises me the most is that its the "free" popular apps that are not available on the windows store. Underline free
Love 6tag but it's not working that great after the recent updates. Tired of some photos loading a blank screen. Hope his planned universal app update later this year is better.
Check your internet connection.
My connection is good. Happens on LTE or Wi-Fi. One out of ten pics never load unless I scroll up and down or refresh the app. This never happened before all the updates in recent weeks. Maybe I'll reinstall it.
Works fine for me...
Really like 6tag, use it 50 times a day! But I wish I could use the real one... :'(
Exactly my sentiments too. Its sucks using 3rd party apps. Ones hand is not the same as the real thing of you know what I mean
LOL
Why does it suck using a 3rd party app if it lets you to do all the things you want it to?
Would you wear a shoe that is better than a Nike, but with a backwards Nike Swoosh❓❓❓ ... Lol. Think about it.
Why does it matter if it's Nike? If the shoe is better, then why wouldn't you wear it?
In terms of third party apps, the only reason Instagram and other name brand apps could be categorized as "better" is due to receiving updates the faster. I've learn REALLY quickly that some third party apps are at least equally as good, if not better. Third-party app creators tend to listen to their users more and have more room to explore functionalities their users request. They also tend to get bug-fixes out quicker than original apps.
If that isn't better, than I don't know what is.
It just does... People want original.. People want official... That's just the way it is, whether it's always logical, or never logical.. This is just the way it is... It's called uninformed consumerism, or just plain stubbornness, but brand name is brand name...
.......
Now, my comment about Nike is obviously a joke, and I have many different pairs of shoes, because I have the option to do so... That's the issue with WP.. No option.. People aren't against using 3P apps, but they also want the option of using the original.. Nothing wrong with that....
...........
Lets also be honest about one thing here.. iDroid has a lot of popular apps, not just the obvious ones, but ones a WP users wouldn't know about.... 3P apps are SOMETIMES a better experience that the official app, but that's not always the case.. With WP this only might apply to some typically popular apps like FB, Tinder, Instagram, or the former Snapchat app... But, that's not enough to make 3P apps the awnswer for WP's app gap.... Not anywhere near enough.
So you'll never hear me bring up the excuse that WP has some good 3P apps.. No, WP has a few good third party apps.. Lets not fool ourselves here, and downplay the real situation.
Well, for one it's not free, like the official one. It doesn't have vid upload from library. I know that's not Rudy's fault, but it is a major feature that's lacking. Those are just two quick points.
What exactly do you mean❓
I had both the "official" Instagram app and 6Tag...Instagram's half-assed WP offering is nothing more than a waste of storage space when compared to 6Tag.
Why can't we also tweet Instagram to voice our demand for Windows phone updates. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
If instagram doesn't want to update the app they should talk to Rudy and see if he can take over the official app
Just like he did with Dropbox. That would be great.
Nokia built them an app, back then. They wouldn't publish it.
Microsoft built them an app too, back then. They wouldn't publish it either.
Then Nokia managed to put pressure on them and Instagram made an app themselves for Nokia to show at Nokia World. Nokia left WP in April. Instagram stopped the updates shortly before that.
I'm not saying there's a connection between Nokia leaving and Instagram dropping WP support...but I'll be damned if it's not likely.
In the end it's a real shame that it doesn't get support. I use 6tag but the average user buying a WP for the first will notice that this app and others are bad and will return the phone immediately......
It's really sad; because of apps like Instragram, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc. etc. and all of those apps the regular users wants to use in their new smartphone, they also want them to work well, but thanks to this not only app gap, but the update cycles they got in others OS but not in WP, is what makes the regular users to leave for their first Windows Phone and get an Android or iPhone. Not because the OS is bad, but for the apps, and the regular user is not going to look trough the poor designed Store (let's be honest, it have a terrible interface) to see if there are going some other apps that do the same as the oficial apps in other OS (and to see if those apps are free, because if the app requieres an extra-charge because the developer needs to eat, it's going to be really big chances that the regular user is not going to buy the app) ("'C'on!", they say, "the YouTube app in Android or iPhone is free, but in Windows Phone isn't event exist an official app, and some third party apps are not free!!"; they are going to be pissed off because of that).
Sorry, it's not sad; it's really really sad.
It's sad because Windows Phone started out as the best mobile OS for social media, and in less than 5 years, has deteriorated into the worst mobile OS for social media.
Yes, but that's not all. Windows Phone solutions for social media (in theory) are quite good, but these developers doesn't even care about this anymore, or their apps, abandoned time ago, gaining dust and bad reviews by the users in the store
More multimedia then social media kin was more directed towards that market
Not surprised. Instagram official APP Will not be updated even in Windows 10 in my opinion, and if It does, 6tag will be miles ahead that piece of eternal beta crap
Who cares about instagram, is not like you Los a limb or a finger
Millions, on top of millions care... And, they still get to keep their fingers..
You could ask, ' who cares' about any app? Obviously people care, it's one of the most popular apps on each phone platform
Lol, wow. Clueless.
Microsoft cares about instagram as they show the pathetic instagram beta to sell WP
Why aren't the folks here that run this site calling these people on the carpet about this situation?
One would think that if they had contact with the people who are responsible for the app they would do more than just recommend using a different app..... IMHO all that will do is to give them reason to pull it off the store instead of lighting a fire under their butts and updating it as what was promised
Posted from my HTC M8
We'll get in touch with Mark Zuckerberg immediately.
Is that sarcasm or? (one can never be sure with you guys)
100% sarcasm. Sorry, we do not have high contacts at FB or Instagram. Even if we did, would you expect a legit, well thought out response or some PR canned bullshit from such companies (hint: expect the latter).
I look at this like this.. As well known and respected as you are... Why would you expect a canned answer?
Posted from my HTC M8
Sure its funny. I'm sure you aware that 97% of the mobile market also find WP funny. So does mark zuckerburg! So sure we can find the sarcasms in this article but at the end .......is it really good for WP? Maybe they pull instagram and block API for third party? Still funny? Ok what to do about apps not updating or pulling out of WP? Nothing! Ms isn't doing anything about it......why should anyone else? Read a good point on a a comment here. Nadella uses an iPhone why on earth would he care if apps don't update or leave WP? His apps update and and just keep coming just fine! WP feels like an ms garage project .
Sad, but true.
I wonder if MS employees use WP? Hell even Bill Gates.., I highly doubt!
Bill uses 6tag.
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