Snapseed comes to Android, goes free for iOS

Nik Software, the developers of the popular iOS photo editing app Snapseed, yesterday released a version for Android devices. The developers have also pulled the price tag off the iOS version. Both versions of the app are now available for free; the iOS version initially had a price tag of $4.99.

Snapseed is compatible with Android devices running version Ice Cream Sandwich or later. The size of the download is 24 MB and the app will run on both tablets and smartphones. To download the app for your Android device, click here.

Now for free on Google's Play Store

As far as the iOS version is concerned, the app is now free and has a new icon. A major new feature is the built-in Google+ sharing functionality. Nik Software has also added a new Retrolux filter, which uses film styles, combined with a range of different scratches, textures and light leaks to create a retro look for photos. There is also an updated Frames filter that includes a range of new photographic frames. A user can also colourise frame edges to match the look of their image or switch to square mode with a single tap. To download Snapseed for iOS, click here.

The description of the app on Play Store states, “Snapseed is the only photo app you’ll want to use every day. It makes any photograph extraordinary with a fun, high-quality photo experience right at your fingertips. Anyone can enhance, transform, and share their photos with ease using incredibly advanced features from the leader in digital photography software. Built-in Google+ capabilities make it even more powerful to share your images with your friends and family.”

Google recently acquired Nik Software, and like most Google takeovers, the general impression was that the photo editing app would be sent into oblivion and paved into a broader Google app. However, Google is helping build the app in a move to expand its user base.

Google snapped up Snapseed as part of its efforts to compete against Facebook's online social network. Snapseed is the centrepiece of Google's acquisition of Nik Software, which developed the service's photo-editing technology.

The deal gives Google a popular service that competes against Facebook's Instagram, which is widely used to touch up and share photos taken on smartphones and tablets. Facebook bought Instagram for $715 million in a deal earlier this year.

Google did not disclose the terms of the acquisition. Snapseed could be used to increase the hits on Google+. Although the social network has grown rapidly since its debut, it is still experimenting with different features aimed at getting web surfers to check-in more frequently.

Nik Software stated in October that it had recorded more than 9 million people using the Snapseed app for the iPhone and iPad. Apple, the maker of the iPhone and the iPad, named Snapseed its 'Application of the Year' in 2011.