GIF almost anywhere with Giphy’s new keyboard and sticker maker
We all love GIFs, but not every app supports them. Fortunately, the new Giphy keyboard brings GIFs to any iOS app that supports multimedia by just using the keyboard. The update also comes with a new tool for iPhone X and later for creating animated stickers with the device's camera, transparent background and all.
Snapchat facial recognition could soon power a new portrait mode, code suggests
Digging into Snapchat's code suggests a handful of upcoming camera features, including a portrait mode. The feature appears to use facial recognition A.I. to blur the background. The code also suggests a camera interface with a burst mode and compositional grid, if the features see a public launch.
Photography News: Startup redesigns tripod heads ‘inside out’ for more flexibility
Well, this doesn't look like the ball heads that we've seen before. Instead of designing a tripod ball head with a small cutout, the Colorado Tripod Company created a ball head with most of the ball exposed, allowing for more possible angles. The odd design and more in this week's photography news.
What do yodeling and Kylie Jenner have in common? YouTube’s top 2018 videos
In a true nod to the variety found on YouTube, the platform's top 10 list of videos from 2018 range from celebrities to sports, from perfectly tossing a picture frame on the wall to a kid yodeling in aisle 12 at Walmart. Here are YouTube's most trending videos from 2018, along with trends in live video.
This band owns Twitter, according to list of top accounts and tweets for 2018
What was the biggest buzz on Twitter in 2018? Twitter's 2018 Year in Review highlights the biggest tweets, accounts, and hashtags on the network, topped by pop group BTS. The most-tweeted celebrities, movies, TV shows, athletes, politicians, and more in Twitter's 2018 trends.
This event topped Facebook’s biggest moments of the year — again
As the year comes to a close, Facebook is looking back on what users discussed most over the last year in the Facebook 2018 Year In Review. For two years in a row, International Women's Day topped the list. The March for Our Lives as well as elections in the U.S. and Brazil topped the list of issues.
Ride the rails and share your stories with Amtrak’s new social media residency
Amtrak is looking for travel fans with a knack for telling stories on social media. The new Amtrak social media residency program wants amateur travelers to share photos, video, and written content from aboard long-distance trips for the new #AmtrakTakeMeThere campaign. Applications are now open online.
Full-frame mirrorless cameras just made their Hollywood debut with this thriller
The Possession of Hannah Grace isn't just a thriller -- it's also the first Hollywood feature film to be shot completely with a full-frame mirrorless camera. The film was shot with several Sony a7S II bodies and Hawk 65 anamorphic lenses. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie was made.
You can now share saved Facebook posts with a Pinterest-like collection tool
Facebook collections can now be shared with friends -- if you also want to allow them to contribute to the list, anyways. Facebook is rolling out an update that allows users to add a contributor to their collections, or lists of saved Facebook posts. The contributor can see the existing posts and add their own.
Lens Rentals zooms in on the most popular cameras of the year
As 2018 comes to a close, Lens Rentals is taking a look at most popular cameras of the year, based on rental data. While Sony and Panasonic saw more rentals than the previous year, Canon is still the most-rented brand on the platform. The data also takes a look at the Canon EOS R and Nikon Z7.
Members can share the same Story with Facebook’s new Group Stories
Facebook Group members can now view and share Group Stories. Unlike the Stories for an individual user, the new tool lets members contribute to the same Group Story. The tool launches globally today with new options for emoji reactions to the Story and tools for administrators to manage Group Stories.
Tumblr bans nudity to create ‘a safe place for creative expression’
Tumblr will soon no longer allow images with adult content. Beginning on December 17, Tumblr will ban images containing nudity, with a few exceptions. The firm says the change is one that's designed to help more creators feel comfortable sharing on the platform, but says the change won't happen overnight.
Photography News: Tiffen launches portable LED, COOPH designs heated photo vest
In this week's photography news, Tiffen launches their first LED in the portable, robust Lowel light line. Instagram gains more accessibility features for the visually impaired. Shutterstock launches high-end video Selects. And this odd photo vest has a built-in heater controlled via smartphone.
Instagram’s new Close Friends List lets you decide who should see your Story
Have a story to share, but don't want to send it to everyone? Instagram now has a close friends list that will allow users to share stories with only the users included on that list. Friends will see a green icon inside the story if included on that list, however. The update is rolling out today.
Capture One 12 launches ‘near-instantaneous’ masking tool in new interface
Capture One 12 is here -- and includes new tools as well as an interface update. The latest version adds and enhances masking tools, including a new luminosity mask. The interface also gets a refresh designed to be easier on the eyes and Fujifilm Film Simulation compatibility.
Like them or not, YouTube Stories just expanded to more channels
YouTube Stories are exiting testing. Beginning today, November 29, the feature will be available to channels with more than 10,000 subscribers. The launch comes with a comment tool and updates based on feedback. YouTube Stories can be recorded from the YouTube app and will stick around for seven days.
What are the biggest color trends in photography? Study suggests these bold hues
What are the hottest colors in photography? The Shutterstock 2019 Color Trends report highlights three bold hues, as well as the most popular colors in a number of different countries. Here's what Shutterstock data has to say about the colors that are most likely to get downloads in 2019.
DJI’s tiny Osmo Pocket puts smooth gimbal stabilization in the palm of your hand
Meet the DJI Osmo Pocket, DJI's smallest gimbal camera yet. The handheld device captures 4K/60 fps video with some of the same tracking modes found in DJI's drones, all in a device that weighs less than 5 ounces. Accessories like a waterproof case and mount could expand the camera's possibilities.
Facebook’s local news tool just went live in 400 cities, alerts could be next
Facebook now has a section dedicated to local news in more than 400 cities. Called Today In, the feature aggregates news as well as events, school announcements, and group discussions. Facebook is also launching tests for a new Local Alert feature designed for government Pages and first responders.
Code suggests Facebook is working on a comment keyword mute tool
Reverse engineering the Facebook app has uncovered a potential feature that would allow users to mute specific keywords on comments. The feature hasn't yet been confirmed but could be an option Facebook is testing for personal profiles, according to what one reverse engineer found.
Remove photo bombs and patch holes with Photoshop’s new Content-Aware Fill
Photoshop's newest A.I-powered tool helps remove objects or fill in gaps for a distraction-free photo in the new Adobe Photoshop CC 2019. Tucked away in a menu, this powerful tool makes removing an object much simpler. Here's how to remove an object in Photoshop using the new Content-Aware Fill.
To capture nature’s insanity, this storm chaser built his own 16K camera rig
Sure, 16K cinema cameras don't exist -- but that doesn't mean you can't make your own. Storm chaser and producer Martin Lisius recently captured a 16K time-lapse film, compiling sequences of stunning supercell storms. Here's how he designed a custom rig and shot and edited the film in 16K.
Photography News: Olloclip’s latest bring front and rear lenses to new iPhones
In this week's photography news, see Olloclip's latest accessory for the newest iPhones, find out just how many lenses Nikon has now manufactured, and which Tamron lenses gained compatibility with the Nikon Z system. You can also dig into the latest updates from Google Photos and VSCO.
DJI’s Ronin-S just got more capable with slew of new accessories
Need a longer battery life for the DJI Ronin-S, or perhaps a built-in screen or GPS? DJI has got you covered with a handful of new accessories for the company's one-hand gimbal. The accessories expand the mounting options, expand battery life, allow follow focus with manual lenses, and more.
Facebook removes one-click comment test after users call the tool ‘dystopian’
A faster way to comment on posts sounds innocent enough, but when a Facebook test of the feature appeared on a story about a shooting, users weren't happy. The tool attempted to suggest one-click comments. Facebook has now disabled the test for a comment tool after the algorithms suggested auto comments on sensitive topics.
Time alerts put the brakes on Facebook consumption, are rolling out now
Just how much time do you spend scrolling through the Facebook feed? Facebook will now tell you. The new features also include daily alerts that tell users when they've spent too much time on the social networks and an option to temporarily snooze notifications. The tools are rolling out now after an August announcement.
Instagram purges fake followers, likes, and comments generated from other apps
Instagram looking a little more authentic? You can thank machine learning. A new tool is helping Instagram spot followers, likes and comments generated from third-party apps. Those fake interactions are now being removed, and users that shared information with those apps should reset their passwords.
Alpha Female: Sony awards five women grants to support artisan diversity
Women can face several challenges to launching a photography career -- Sony's latest initiative aims to help propel women in the industry forward. Sony recently announced the winners of the Alpha Female program, awarding five women grants, new gear, and a mentorship with another female photographer.
Photography news: Best spot for fall photos, new firmware from Fuji and Nikon
Where's the best spot to take fall photos? Michigan, according to social media and a Nikon contest. The results and more in this week's photography news, including significant firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T3, X-H1 and GFX 50S, and a new tool for Final Cut Pro X users.
Build a wish list and shop videos with Instagram’s latest shopping update
Eyeing a product on Instagram? Now there are more ways to shop from the social network. Instagram just rolled out options to save products in a collection. Users can also now shop from videos and can soon visit a redesigned brand Shop page containing all the shared products from the company.
Edit portraits with A.I. and adjust focus in the new ON1 Photo RAW 2019 editor
ON1 Photo RAW 2019 now has a dedicated tab for portraits that recognizes faces to help with retouching. The update also brings a new focus stacking tool, enhancements to layers, improvements to local adjustments, and updates to the user interface. A new A.I.-powered local adjustment tool is also coming.
Golf ball-sized Lume Cube Air is a pocketable LED for photos and video
Off-camera lighting for smartphones and GoPros just got even smaller. Meet the Lume Cube Air, a smaller portable LED light designed for photos and videos. Weighing about two ounces and about the size a golf ball, the smaller LED light also brings a budget-friendly choice for mobile lighting accessories.
Pinterest brings followed content front and center with full-width Pin format
Want to see Pinterest recommendations, or just Pins from followed users? Now Pinners can choose with a Pinterest Following feed update.
Flickr just expanded Pro tools — but free users may have to delete some photos
If you have more than 1,000 photos on a free Flickr account, you might want to start determining which ones to delete now. Flickr announced several changes following an acquisition by SmugMug earlier this year, including more tools for Pro users, but limiting free account users to 1,000 images or videos.
Olloclip’s latest smartphone lenses appease the budget-minded and pixel peepers
Olloclip just launched both its cheapest lens yet and its most advanced -- and no, they're not the same lens. The Olloclip Pro lenses offer the highest image quality yet from the company, while the new Intro series starts at $20 for a two-in-one lens combo or $40 with the clip attachment.
Photography News: This budget brand is developing a 4G mirrorless camera
Here's some photography news we weren't expecting: Yongnuo, a budget brand known for lenses and flashes, is developing a smart mirrorless camera. Meanwhile, an experimental photographer just shot an image that won't be ready until 3018, and IGTV is getting new Instagram integration via Stories.
Dine and dash(board): Make a Yelp reservation from your car’s control panel
Already in the car, but can't decide where to eat? Yelp Reservations can now be added to some dashboard touchscreens. Yelp Reservations searches for restaurants within 25 miles of the vehicle's location. The app launched in the Buick Marketplace today and is expected to arrive in the GM Marketplace as well.
LensRentals tore apart a Nikon Z7 and a Canon EOS R to look at their guts
We know what the new Canon and Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras look like and perform like -- but what's on the inside? LensRentals recently tore apart both cameras to inspect the camera's durability, weather-sealing, and the parts most likely to need repairs. Here's what the company found.