Pixlr-o-matic

Summary

The dawn and subsequent reign of Facebook has spawned a number of alternative social networks, Instagram being one of the newer stars on the horizon. Oh, and in case you haven't heard, Facebook took over Instagram, which is why my guess is that most of you will definitely be familiar with the photo sharing slash network platform and app. The merge made a lot of Instagram yay-sayers actually turn their backs on the service, due to a conflict with data policies and protection.

There are a lot of photo aficionados out there who quite simply don't want to sign the rights to their pics over to third, fourth and fifth parties, and therefore prefer not to use an app that belongs to Facebook. This is precisely the reason we've decided to share a few Instagram alternatives with you. Pixlr-o-matics is one of them. Read on for more.

Test device: LG Optimus Black
Android version: 2.3.4
Root: No
Modifications: No

Pixlr-o-matics is about 6,9 MB and can be moved to the SD card. It requires only three permissions and they strike me as perfectly kosher.

You can add fun retro effects to your photos in a snap and transform your photos into cool looking vintage images. Editing is as easy as one, two, three with Pixlr-o-
Pixlr-o-matic is similar to Instagram in the sense that it can be used to apply a plethora of filters, effects and frames to your photos. There are 25 filters in total, many of them of the vintage / lomo variety. Additional effects, filters and frames can be downloaded.

Once you've selected if you'd like to shoot a new picture or edit an already existing one, you will be automatically be redirected to the editing modes section. Choose which filters, effects or frames you'd like to add to your image by scrolling through the available options and taking your pick.

Another alternative is to allow effects to be randomly added to a photo. Keep hitting the button for more combos, until an image that you're satisfied with is generated. You can share you results via imm.io, Facebook, email or Twitter.

As mentioned, there are more effects, etc. that can be downloaded. To do so, simply go to the shop and select a data package.

Bottom line:

Pixlr-o-matic can hold its own against Instagram. There are lots of filters and effects to play around with, the quality of which is nothing to sneeze at! A great photo app, we recommend it!

Pixlr-o-matics is easy to use. The scrollbar makes for great browsing of different effects, filters and frames, as well as switching from one to the other. Great design and controls.

Pixlr-o-matics runs smoothly and didn't crash while we were testing it. Filters are added in real time, allowing users to get a great preview of the end result.

Pixlr-o-matics is available for free from the App Center. It features ad banners.