After Instagram Breakup, Twitter Adds Photo Editing and Filters

The thing that I think is lost here is the core of Instagram. Systrom has stated repeatedly that the filters aren't the secret sauce of Instagram. It's the speed of upload, distribution model (able to send to several networks simultaneously), and user interface. I don't think simply adding filters is going to do much for Twitter. Think Facebook Camera (which I believe has filters as well). When you say filtered pictures, no one thinks of Facebook Camera, even though it has filters built in. Not really sure what Twitter's trying to accomplish with this one.

In order to use the filters, one will have to use the Twitter app, and not 3rd party apps. I always found part of the incentive to use Instagram is the social network. I wonder if Twitter use will go up for some with the ability to alter the filters directly in the app. Regardless, this move is a defensive move that puts Twitter on par with the abilities of Instagram. It makes Twitter, not a leader, but a follower. Will Twitter take ideas from other social networks, when it feels threatened?

Color me surprised that instagram gets to build a web property that is outside of the Facebook ecosystem. I didn't expect their mobile app to go anywhere but actually staffing to build their own web presence is a bit of a surprise.<p>What does Facebook end up getting out of having instagram in it's own ecosystem?

I really hope Twitter can capture the popular appeal with this.<p>Because at the moment, the person on the street only knows Facebook and Instagram as their social networking.<p>Which isn't very social, when you think about it.

Nice use of AT&#38;T Park as a product example. Not sure if that was the intention but if you have been to the park you know it.