BBC now uses Instagram to disseminate news

BBC is turning to Instagram to disseminate 10-second news clips and they are hoping to get follower feedback from the new project they dubbed as #Instafax. There are so far two Instafax clips mixed in with over 200 posts from the news service’s account.

BBC is following in the footsteps of startup NowThis News and other tech sites who use Instagram videos to help present information in a different way and reach out to people.

Negatives revamps Instagram mobile browsing

Lifehacker likens the new Negatives app to what Webstagram did for Instagram on the Web browser. The app is designed to be a more “beautiful” way to view your Instagram feed. You won’t get the same functionalities you will get from the official Instagram app though. However, the app will show you the people you follow and display their images as a film roll. You can just swipe through the feed or tap on a specific image to see it in full. Yes, you can also see the captions, comments, and hashtags but remember that you can’t comment. It really is an app made for Android and iOS users that just want to marvel at the great (and not so great) shots upload on the photo-sharing service.

"Instagram Direct" announced by Instagram, brings ability to share pictures and videos privately

In an effort to completely own the photosharing market, Instagram today announced a new addition to their very popular photosharing service. Dubbed "Direct", the new feature will enable its users' to send private pictures and videos to up to 15 of their closest friends/followers.

With the forthcoming update, there will now be new icons that give you the option to choose “Followers” or “Direct.” To send a picture or video to an individual, or a group of people, you simply need to select their names, then press send. Taking a cue from BlackBerry’s BBM instant messaging service, Instagram also shows who’s seen your photo, and who’s liked it.

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Instagram to hold mysterious media event on December 12

Tech Crunch has reported that Instagram will be holding a media event in New York City on December 12. Aside from having the words “share a moment with Kevin Systrom and the Instagram team,” the company has been mum about what the event is for.

Speculation is that it involves printing as the invites were sent through physical mail on paper or on some with blocks of wood, which are both allusions to printing business. Perhaps Instagram wants a bite into the market of print services that use Instagram photos on everything from physical prints, canvas, glass and even wood.