The company still isn't saying when the long-awaited Android Instagram app will actually become available. But now, at least those eager to try out the free app can take some sort of action that brings them closer to Instagram.
But what's the big deal with Instagram, anyway? Why's this so-far Apple-only app so heavily anticipated for the Android platform, even when there's a plethora of Instagram alternatives already available? In my experience, it's just plain fun. It's almost like a game to try to create artistic photographs in this tiny medium, only available on one platform, in one size, and in one aspect ratio. There's a huge horde of users already embracing Instagram, far exceeding the critical mass that would mark it as a social extravaganza. And it's so easy and seamless to share with Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.
Technically, Instagram is not exactly groundbreaking. Its filters are not as expansive nor capable as you can get in other apps, but Instagram levels the playing field for everyone, functioning as a great equalizer for photographers spanning the spectrum from top professional to the rankest of amateurs.