Two of Google Play's Best Free Photo Editor Applications

There are many Google Play applications out there that are being marketed even sold as Photo Editing Applications but I have to tell you that none have come close to the two Photo Editing Applications that I shall be introducing today.

Smartphones have come a long way as simple smartphones, today one of the most used functionality of a smartphone is to take photographs and share them. Instagram, Streamzoo and many more have offered these particular services but still lack the edge that Photoshop would offer in terms of layers and editing options. Photoshop express also got to launch in the Google Play universe but still doesn't deliver the much needed editing functionalities of its full featured program. Now there are two photo applications that have been released this year that does exactly what a professional photographer would need but yet is so simple to use as if one were using the filters and editing abilities of Instagram. These two programs are Pixlr Express and Snapseed. Both these applications deliver an incredible choice of photo editing options that range from layers to filters and so much more. Both these photo applications are also free to download and use even offline, though Pixlr Express requires you to download some of it's filters first to use otherwise you'd just end up with the default layers.

Pixlr Express:

Pixlr Express is available online via http://pixlr.com/express/ but they also have the application on Google Play that is just a marvel to use. The controls are very intuitive and you can play and experiment with the different layers and filters that are quit numerous to mention.

Here is a quick summary of what they have to offer:
More than 600 effects, overlays, and borders to personalize any image, free!

Pixlr Express is a fun and free photo editor that lets you quickly crop, re-size, and fix any picture, remove red-eye, and whiten teeth. Then choose from more than 600 effects, overlays, and borders to personalize any image—all for free. From the makers of Pixlr-o-matic, Pixlr Express will make you look like a pro, even if you’ve never edited a photo before.

✓ Crop, resize, straighten and rotate images easily.
✓ ‘Auto Fix’ photos for a one-click fix to balance out colors, adjusting for dark photos and poor lighting conditions.
✓ Remove red-eye and whiten teeth with simple tools.
✓ Overlays help you adjust the mood – amplify the tone, cool it down, or add surreal shades.
✓ Lighting effects can add drama, sparkle or a grunge look. Easily adjust the intensity and orientation of each effect.
✓Finish off your photo process with the right border – pick a style that fits you.
✓Look like a pro with cool photo effects like focal blur, denoise and more.
✓Explore color tools to adjust contrast, brighten, or focus on one color with a color splash.
✓Keep track of your favorite effects and overlays with the favorites button.
✓Share your photo directly with your friends through Facebook, Instagram, twitter or any of your favorite sharing apps, or just save it back to your Gallery.
✓No camera required! Select a photo from your gallery and start applying filters. If your device has a camera, you can also snap a new picture from within the app.

Here is a quick preview of what you'll find in the application:

Snapseed

Snapseed also has their desktop version and mobile version as well. Here is the link for their desktop version: http://www.snapseed.com/. Snapseed's Application for Google Play users also offers a wide range of photo editing options that one who is a photo enthusiasts should definitely try out. The controls and how to use the application though may take some time to get used to, but they have thankfully incorporated an initial tutorial upon startup. It also provides a more in-depth editing of photos such as the power to edit just portions of the photo's contrast, brightness and color as opposed to the usual entire photo treatment. It has also won numerous awards as of late for many of its innovative technology in terms of photo editing prowess, luckily enough for us they still provide this application to Android users for free. 

Here is more of what Snapseed offers:

FEATURES:
== Basic Adjustments ==
• Auto Correct - Automatically analyzes your photo and adjusts color and exposure to perfection.
• Selective Adjust - Make precise selections and enhancements to specific areas of your photos in seconds with Nik Software’s revolutionary U Point technology.
• Tune Image - Use Ambience to create depth and vibrancy that uniquely adapts to colors and textures. Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, more.
• Straighten & Rotate - Rotate 90° and/or straighten photos with simple gesture controls.
• Crop - Easily crop images to remove distracting parts of your photo with standard aspect ratios, or a free crop.

== Creative Enhancements ==
• Black & White - Get that classic Black and White look with this darkroom-inspired filter.
• Vintage Films - Make any photo look like a vintage color film photo from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.
• Drama - Add style with a custom effect specifically tailored to your photos, ranging from subtle textures to wildly artistic effects.
• Grunge - Give your photos a totally unique, hip, and dingy look.
• Tilt-Shift - Create a narrow in-focus area designed to simulate depth of field, common in a Miniature Scene look.
• Details - Enhance details with traditional sharpening or the unique Structure control found in the Nik Software professional products.
• Center Focus - Draw attention to the subject of your photo by blurring and adjusting the brightness of the surrounding background.
• Organic Frames - Add stylized borders to photos for the perfect finishing touch.

Here is what Snapseed looks:

Here are a comparative example of a photo that have been edited with Pixlr Express and Snapseed:

Original Photo Taken with Low Light using the HTC One X

Pixlr Express Edited Photo

Snapseed Edited Photo

Personally I would normally jump from one application to another to edit a photograph that I like and try to come out with something that I feel could be framed in my home or office. Here is a sample photo of what one can do with these two applications:

Ultimately, these two applications make a duo powerhouse for all those photo enthusiasts and can even be a way to further enhance those pics you want to share via instagram and streamzoo. Pixlr Express and Snapseed both deliver an endless choice of photo editing possibilities and yet still provides users ease of use making it an easy favorite when it comes to Android Photo Applications. Take the time to explore these two applications and since it is free you've got nothing to loose and yet you have lots of fun photos to gain.

Just a quick reference for compatibility of software with your Android Unit:

Pixlr is Compatible with all Android devices

Snapseed is not compatible with these models:

Samsung Galaxy GT I8150 (Samsung Galaxy Wonder)

Samsung Galaxy GT S5360 (Samsung Galaxy Young)

Till Next Time...

-Metz-