The new iPhone 6s and 6sPlus are not significantly different from their predecessors, but they do have a few new noteworthy features – especially live photos, which appear similar to a still picture until you press down and notice it plays a short “video.” The live photo is actually a series of still pictures that were taken in quick succession and is a feature only the new 6s and 6s Plus could do …until now.
There are now several new apps that allow iPhones (even down to the 4/4s) the same live photo capabilities as the latest versions. Our quick app guide will make having an older iPhone a bit easier to use this new feature.
Live pictures cam and gif maker – The live pictures cam and gif maker app is just what it sounds like – a way to capture live photos and create your very own GIFs. One standout feature is that it allows you to convert live photos into GIFs if you wish to.
Live photos can be taken in a choice of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8 second bursts at 15 or 25 frame rates. GIFs also have a few options: you may opt for continuous looping and save it to your camera roll or it gives you the capability to share via social media. The app has a free version or one for $1.99 with unlimited sharing.
Live Maker – Live Maker is an app that allows the user to capture live photos with an iPhone 6, 5/s, and 4s. A noteworthy feature for this free app is the availability selection of either free or purchasable live pictures in lieu of creating your own.
ImgPlay Pro – Image Play Pro is an excellent app that brings a world of creativity to the user. As live photos are essentially GIFs, this app allows you to create your own GIFs and live photos from videos and still photos if you have the capability.
It has many significant features that allow you to fully customize GIFs or videos and share them across social media platforms. You can control frame rate, frame rate direction (forward and reverse), and looping. You’ll need the iOS 8 or later and can purchase Image Play Pro for just $0.99.
Boomerang – Instagram has a new app available for the iPhone that allows users to create their own GIFs by shooting a burst of ten photos which is then used to create your own “video.” What’s intriguing about this app is that it eschews a lot of different customization options for simplicity. You simply click a button and Boomerang takes care of the rest. You can choose to share with your followers on Facebook and Instagram right from the app. Boomerang is free and no account is needed; all you’ll need is the iOS 7.0 or better.
These apps are great for getting the most out of your older iPhone without having to dish out hundreds of dollars to get the new 6s or 6s Plus, and most of them have a free version or a paid one for under $2, which is significantly less expensive.
By Aaron LaBarbera
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