Instagram has finally spared some thought for Windows phone users, as it has pushed out much-awaited features for smartphones running on the platform.
The new update supports features like Boomerang, hands-free mode in Instagram Stories, and night mode in the camera app.
The update takes the app version for Windows 10 Mobile from 10.707.48352 to 10.738.64166. Windows 10 Mobile users will be elated to finally receive the much sought-after features on their phone, but there is a twist in the tale.
Apparently, the Instagram update for the platform has been rolled out only for a few users.
According to a report from Windows Central, the update was received only on an HP Elite X3 running on Windows 10 Mobile non-Insider production.
Various other Windows and Insider production configurations like the Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, Coship Moly X1, and Alcatel Idol 4s were checked to see if the handsets have received an update of the app, but they have not.
It is possible that the updates are being rolled out in batches and soon enough all the devices running on Windows 10 Mobile would receive the latest features. It is also possible that the update rollout was an accident, which is why only a few smartphones received it.
Whatever the reason may be, Instagram is making half-hearted attempts to satisfy Windows users. Why? The same features have been available for iOS and Android Instagram apps for quite a while now.
Instagram Boomerang
A much-loved and widely used feature on Instagram, Boomerang was launched in 2015 for iOS and Android as a separate app by Instagram. The feature created short video loops that are fun to create and see.
"With looping videos and Hyperlapse, you experiment with motion in new and exciting ways," states Instagram in its official Boomerang blog.
Initially, users needed to download the Boomerang app to use the feature. Later Instagram incorporated Boomerang in Instagram stories for a smoother experience.
Night Mode In Insta Camera
The Night mode enables the app camera to gauge the low lighting and capture quality pictures in low-light conditions.
Hands-Free Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories has been accused of copying Snapchat in many ways. Instagram Stories lets the user capture pictures and videos of their day and makes these appear in a slideshow format. The pictures and videos posted on Instagram Stories disappear from the user's feed after 24 hours, much like Snapchat.
The hands-free feature was an essential one and has been requested by users for a long time. Basically, the feature lets the user record a video without having to long press on the button, which was necessary earlier to record a video.
Check out a short video of the Boomerang feature on Instagram.
