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Hyperlapse From Instagram (for iPhone)

 & Michael Muchmore Contributor

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Hyperlapse produces silky smooth iPhone time-lapse videos in a super-simple interface. - Hyperlapse From Instagram (for iPhone)
4.0 Excellent

The Bottom Line

Hyperlapse produces silky smooth iPhone time-lapse videos in a super-simple interface.

Pros & Cons

    • Nifty time-lapse effect.
    • Good video stabilization.
    • Simple interface.
    • Can't apply effect to existing video.
    • Only shares directly to Instagram or Facebook.

There seems to be a bottomless well of photo and video effects that can form the basis of a whole app: filters, HDR, slo-mo, tilt-shift, and collages, just to name a few. The time-lapse video shot in motion—aka hyperlapse—is now having its day in the sun, spurred by the popularity of fast-moving GoPro videos. Instagram is getting in on the action with a just-launched iPhone app named Hyperlapse (free). The app makes creating hyperlapse videos simpler than ever, or you can just use it as a video stabilizer (without time-lapse effect) if you prefer. Hyperlapse is currently only available for iOS, and it's designed for both iPhone and iPad. I took the new app out for a spin on my iPhone 5S and, though it does only one thing, it's impressive and fun to use.

Shooting With Hyperlapse

Getting started with Hyperlapse and figuring out its interface is about as simple as can be: You don't even have to sign in or create an account to get going. On first run, you see a short slideshow that helps you get started. On subsequent launches all you see is the camera view, with a circular shooting button.

Hyperlapse From Instagram

Final Thoughts

Hyperlapse produces silky smooth iPhone time-lapse videos in a super-simple interface. - Hyperlapse From Instagram (for iPhone)

Hyperlapse From Instagram (for iPhone)

4.0 Excellent

Hyperlapse produces silky smooth iPhone time-lapse videos in a super-simple interface.

About Our Expert

Michael Muchmore

Michael Muchmore

Contributor

My Experience

I've been testing PC and mobile software for more than 20 years, focusing on photo and video editing, operating systems, and web browsers. Prior to my current role, I covered software and apps for ExtremeTech and headed up PCMag’s enterprise software team. I’ve attended trade shows for Microsoft, Google, and Apple and written about all of them and their products.

I still get a kick out of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine, the Windows 7 review, and I’ve witnessed every Microsoft misstep and win, up to the latest Windows 11.

I’m an avid bird photographer and traveler—I’ve been to 40 countries, many with great birds! Because I’m also a classical music fan and former performer, I’ve reviewed streaming services that emphasize classical music.

Technology I Use

For everyday work, I use a good-old Dell tower with 16GB of RAM, a 12th-gen Intel Core i7 processor, and an Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti GPU that runs on Windows 11. I pair it with a 4K Lenovo ThinkVision P27u-10 monitor and a Logitech MX Vertical mouse. For offsite work, I use a 2024 Microsoft Surface Laptop with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. Camera-wise, I moved to mirrorless from a Canon EOS 80D with a Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens. I now have a Canon EOS R7 with a 100-400mm lens, but I miss my DSLR for several reasons.

In order of usage, the software I turn to most frequently is the Edge web browser, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, Firefox, Brave, and WhatsApp. I use the Windows Phone link app to see everything on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phone, which has excellent telephoto capability.

For fitness monitoring, I have a Fitbit Charge 6 and use an Anker Smart Scale P1. I’m also a streaming fan, so I subscribe to both Amazon Music Unlimited (especially for its Dolby Atmos content) and Qobuz (for its high-res sound quality and classical catalog). I recently added a Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE, which sounds surprisingly good given its low price. To holler commands instead of using a remote control, I have the Amazon Fire TV Cube in the living room, which lets me verbally tell the TV what I want to watch. It hooks up to an LG B4 OLED TV. I have a Sonos One speaker in my kitchen that also ties in with Alexa, as does the Echo Dot 2 With Clock in my bedroom. For serious listening, I have B&W 601 speakers plugged into a Conrad-Johnson Sonographe amp and preamp, with a Cambridge Audio AXN10 streamer as source. For reading, I also have a Nook GlowLight 3.

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