Google has just launched their new Photovine iOS app (Free, App Store Link) in anticipation of publicly launching their new Photovine service. Currently, the app is only useful if you have a Photovine account, which are currently only available by invitation.
Personally, I find it extremely curious that the iPhone was the first platform to get an app for this new, exclusive, invite-only service. Why not the Nexus S? The Android platform does not yet have an app for Photovine at all – is this Google offering a subtle nod in Apple’s direction? But enough about that – what is Photovine?
Photovine is a new social image sharing service that serves as Google’s response to Flickr, Shutterfly, and other similar services, but provides a unique social spin on the idea that I haven’t seen elsewhere. As the official excerpt reads, “Photovine is a fun way to learn more about your friends, meet new people and share your world like never before”. Google explains:
A vine is like a constantly growing family of photos connected through a common caption created by you, your friends, and people all over the world. Some examples of vines could be: “What Weekends Are Made Of”, “Secret Stuffed Animal”, “Party People”, or, “Love of My Life”. As people add photos to vines, they tell their own stories about the moments, images, and ideas that define our lives in a way that’s social, creative, and fun.
You can request an invitation by visiting the Photovine website, and preference is given on a “first come, first served” basis, so you’d be best advised to get a jump on it. If you’re fortunate enough to already have an invite (could you spare one for me please?), you can get the official app from iTunes (Free, App Store Link).