What was once a quirky iPhone app is now being developed into real life technology. I’m talking about Instagram. The app that makes it easy for you to take professional (and a little hipster) looking photos for free at the touch of your iPhone button.
Now if you are saying “wait… What’s Instagram?”
- You must be living under a rock
- But I’ll forgive if you READ UP. and then continue here.
Since the launch of Instagram, it has skyrocketed in popularity. “It [has gone] from zero to forty million users, in a mere 1.5 years time,” and only continues to reach a larger audience. The growth has been so explosive that developers have decided to take it off the little screen and into real life.
Now I’m not joking, but this video is:
While we can all sit and snicker at the idea of Instagram Snap, an Italian designer Antonio De Rosa thinks this is no laughing matter. He sees real potential in this technology and is in the process of creating a “real life Instagram” called Socialmatic.
(Picture from here)
(and here)
Socialmatic ? Explain More…
It may look a little strange, but see it in all its glory for yourself:
The large version of the app allows you to take filtered photos, share them immediately with friends, and then hit the print button for a physical version of the image. Your image prints out with a QR code, so anyone who receives it can scan and follow you on Instagram. Some say it is an all-too-obvious cross between a Polaroid and an iPhone 4, but is that combination ridiculous or genius?
De Rosa, What Were You Thinking?
Well, I can tell you exactly what he was thinking
“Socialmatic, make your photo cool as you want and share it directly on Facebook trough the powerful InstaOs. If you want, you can print it directly on Instagram Paper Sheets, thanks to the internal printer. Every Instagram printed photo reports on front side your Instagram nickname and a QR code, to be followed by another Instagrammer, simply pointing his/her Socialmatic on your printed QR Code”
He’s Got the Idea, But Needs a Little Help Along the Way
De Rosa has started a campaign on Indiegogo to raise $50,000 for the Socialmatic. If he reaches his goal, his idea will be put into action. The campaign runs until June 1st. You can contribute on Indiegogo if you have faith in his creation. If the goal is reached, De Rosa is promising a “massive discount” for whoever previously contributed. If the funds are not sufficient to bring Instagram to life, everyone who donated will be fully refunded.
What’s The Vote?
Some people say
But other’s think it’s completley unnecessary, and wonder if anyone would actually buy this creation?
Jury’s Out
Do you think Instagram should make the jump from the small screen to the real world?
