Color, a revolutionary new iPhone and Android application from Bill Nguyen, the creator of the Lala music service, is poised to change the way you view mobile photo sharing and social networking.
The free app, which is set to hit the Apple App Store and Android Market tomorrow, lets people in close proximity to one another gain real-time access to photos, video, and text messages, simultaneously, from multiple smartphones. Color aims to make photo sharing easy by eliminating the need for multi-step signups, and emailing or uploading images and videos.
Color is powered by Multi-lens, a patent-pending technology that identifies other smartphones through the use of proximity algorithms. Every photo, video, or text message captured by each Color-enabled smartphone (it works cross-platform on both Android and iOS handsets) is instantly shared with surrounding phones also running Color. This lets users see and keep all photos taken during a specific moment (such as a party or sporting event), and eliminates storage capacity concerns as the images are stored in the cloud.
I had a chance to sample Color two weeks ago. Photos and video are easily searchable as the thumbnail images are grouped based on the time it was taken; you can scroll through days, weeks, or months on touchscreen-enabled phones. Tapping a thumbnail image serves up not just the photo, but contextual information, letting you see what was involved, who saw it, and whatever conversations it sparked.
Naturally, privacy is a concern when it comes to the public sharing of images. Color maintains a strict public use policy to ensure that everything shared is appropriate for all ages. Its creators expect that users will use real-life etiquette and accountability for all their photographed actions as they will be immediately shared by others. Any violation of decency can result in permanent suspension of service for a specific handset (the software is tied to a cell phone's user ID).
"Color is the most advanced and intuitive way to share with your iPhone and other smart phones," said Bill Nguyen, Color's CEO. "We are happiest when we experience life together. Not alone and days later online. By creating Color, we made it possible to instantly capture, experience and share life with those around you without rigid Web concepts like 'friending.' We believe real social interactions are dynamic and evolve with time."
Color will be available tomorrow via the Apple App Store and the Android Market in the U.S., parts of Europe, and Asia. Color supports iPhone 3GS and 4 on both GSM and CDMA networks, and 4th generation iPod touch.