Author: Baptiste Brassart

One of the most highly contested categories in our Best apps of 2014 series was best messaging app. Gathering 8 editors to round out our top 5 picks, we looked at criteria including innovation, functionality, design, everyday use, and multi-platform integration. Which one fit this criteria perfectly? Tinder.

Read on to find out why, and check out our other finalists for the best messaging app of 2014.

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Tinder

In 2014, Tinder was everywhere. Launched in 2012, the dating app really took off internationally this year, easily making it the best messaging app of 2014.

There’s more to Tinder than just the hype though. It comes with a sleek design, and is very easy to use; swiping left or right to discard or accept (respectively) a profile has become somewhat of a social phenomenon. Being able to quickly meet people without the usual pressure that dating brings appears to be quite thrilling for single people everywhere.

Looking at all the clones that popped up during the year–none of which have been able to dethrone Tinder– shows just how much the app completely revolutionized the way people see online dating in 2014.

Download Tinder for Android | iOS |Windows Phone (unofficial client)

WhatsApp

WhatsApp was almost impossible to avoid in 2014. Early in the year, it made headlines when it was purchased by Facebook for a whopping $19 billion, literally showing how valuable the messaging app is. It also caused lots of recent drama with its inclusion of read receipts, a new feature that angered many users.

Despite all the drama, it remains the top mobile messaging app in the world, and in an attempt to remain on top, announced a few new features this year including VOIP calls and message encryption for Android devices (coming soon to iOS).

Download WhatsApp for Android | BlackBerry| iPhone | Windows Phone

Telegram

After the purchase of WhatsApp by Facebook, some users were afraid of the safety of their data now under Facebook’s control. As a result, people started looking elsewhere, and Telegram emerged as a serious and secure alternative.

WhatsApp has since revised its service, implementing end to end message encryption, but some people over at Telegram claim that WhatsApp not so subtly uses their ideas for ‘inspiration’ about upcoming features, showing just how innovative Telegram can be.

Fortunately for Telegram, it does have a few additional tricks up its sleeve, notably, its multi-platform availability, especially on desktop.

Download Telegram for Android | iOS | Mac | Windows | Windows Phone |Linux |Web

Facebook Messenger

Hated by some, loved by others; this pretty much sums up Facebook  Messenger’s year. Why all the controversy? This year, Facebook decided to force its mobile users to install a standalone app to use Messenger on mobile, instead of letting them chat through the native Facebook App.

Android users were plagued with privacy concerns, and eventually, Facebook went back on it’s word and started bringing back Messenger in it’s native Android app. It doesn’t say much for Messenger, but it does show just how important the service is to users.

Download Facebook Messenger for Android | BlackBerry | iPhone | Windows 8.1| Windows Phone

Google Hangouts

If we’re only considering the quality and variety of messaging options available in a single app, Google Hangouts probably would have come out on top. It’s arguably one of the best VoIP calling services in the world, thanks to the power of Google’s servers.

In 2014, Google managed to simplify its range of mobile apps and services. Whereas before, there was Google Talk and Google Voice (among others), the majority of these services are now grouped under Hangouts for a very powerful messaging tool.

Download Google Hangouts Android | iOS | Chrome plugin

All about swiping

It looks like the novelty of Tinder, a new way to meet people online, trumped some of the more traditional messaging services we’ve come to know and love. Still, that doesn’t mean that they’ve stopped trying to add new features to entice users.

What can we expect next year? Well, as Tinder’s novelty slowly starts wearing off, expect to see more online dating apps with a bit more depth than a superficial swipe.

Check out the rest of the best apps of the year in our Best apps of 2014 series.

Follow me on Twitter: @bbrassart

While Office for iPad was finally released earlier this year, the free version of the official suite has limited functionality, mainly not letting you edit documents.

If you want to create Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents for free using only your iPad, try these alternatives instead.

CloudOn: for aficionados of online backup

CloudOn is a great office suite for iPad. Its unique feature lies in the fact that before creating text files, spreadsheets, or presentations, you must connect your CloudOn account – created during free registration of the service – with an online storage service. Luckily, CloudOn supports the most popular cloud servics, including Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Once the app’s been properly configured, you can create, edit, and save documents directly from your iPad. The interface, taking huge inspiration from Office 2013, is not designed specifically for touch, but it should still be able to satisfy your needs.

Pros:

– Can connect multiple accounts from cloud storage services

– Very responsive

Cons:

– Interface could be improved

– Can’t save files locally

Quickoffice: for fans of Google

As a product of Google, how does Quickoffice differ from Google Drive? The Quickoffice Suite has been designed primarily for Microsoft Word (DOCX), PowerPoint (PPTX), and Excel (XLS) documents.

Not surprisingly, you have to connect to a Google account to use it. With Quickoffice, you can juggle the backup in the cloud via Google Drive and on your iPad.

Documents created with Quickoffice are automatically compatible with Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. The interface is simple and really pretty, and the app is at the same level as CloudOn when it comes to quality and responsiveness.

Pros:

– Ease of use

– Backup files locally or in the cloud

Cons:

– Must connect with a Google account

OliveOfficeHD: for the impatient

Despite a rather disconcerting opening screen, OliveOfficeHD is a free office suite that lets you create Word, Excel, and PowerPoint document in minutes. Simply click the Office icon to get to work.

From this second screen, almost as desolate as the opening one, you’ll be able to create text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The comparative advantage? Proposed layouts for each type of content, which could save you valuable time. Beware though: OliveOfficeHD offers no online synchronization, and you can’t use it to convert PDF files.

Pros:

– Extremely Practical

– No registration required

Cons:

– Interface unclear

– No cloud synchronization

Productivity on your iPad

The release of Office for iPad marks the beginning of a new era for many professionals using an iPad, and now, you have some free alternatives with a bit more functionality that can help you make the most of your Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents on iPad.

Related articles:

Microsoft Office for iPad: the highs and lows

Office Tip: type faster by replacing one word with another

What is Office 365 and why should you use it?

Original article published in French on Softonic FR.

Follow me on Twitter: @bbrassart

What’s the best photo editing app for Android and iOS? If you had to chose one, which would it be?

Choosing a winner out of the hundreds of photo editing apps available on the App Store and Google Play isn’t easy. When it comes to photos, the end result is important, but the user experience shouldn’t be overlooked.

After rummaging through dozens of apps, I came up with a list of multiplatform solutions to consider:

Instagram: Android | iOS

Snapseed: Android | iOS

VSCO Cam: Android | iOS

Aviary: Android | iOS

Pixlr Express: Android | iOS

These apps will be assessed for four different criteria:

1. Ease of use
2. The number and quality of filters
3. The different editing options
4. Backup capabilities and exporting the final product

Let’s see which of these popular apps will rank as the best photo editing app for iOS and Android.

Easy to use: An important aspect to consider

Instagram

The app is a long way from being a full mobile photography studio. On the main screen, your feed is displayed with pictures of people you follow. Once a photograph is taken or imported, different filters can be applied. To access more editing options, you need to press on the wrench.

Even though the different operations are conveniently linked together, not everything is optimized for editing photos. The interface is consistent, but it rushes the user into quickly posting photos with a filter.

Snapseed

Snapseed pushes the boundaries by offering unconventional touch gestures. In order to manipulate various editing options, you’ll need to use all your fingers. Swipe up or down to select an option, and left or right to increase or decrease the intensity.

VSCO Cam

VSCO Cam is not an easy app to use. It serves as a social network, editing studio, and photo gallery all at the same time. It’s difficult to understand at first, and you’ll need several days to understand what each button does. “Elitist” is the adjective that best describes VSCO Cam, Although navigating through the app’s menus is not necessarily a bad thing as it generally offer quality options.

Aviary

The process of modifying a photograph taken with a smartphone can be split into three stages: taking photos or importing media, editing, and exporting. The Aviary editors seem to have  understood this, because the app has three main screens, one for each stage. The options are presented in a dropdown menu at the bottom of the screen.

Pixlr Express

To avoid overloading the Pixlr Express interface, the developer opted for small rectangular icons, allowing them to offer a full range of features. Unfortunately, I noticed that despite the small size of the buttons, some transparency effects cover the preview of the final product. Overall, Pixlr Express’ interface isn’t bad, although it certainly isn’t one of the app’s strong points either.

Conclusion

Without compromising on the available features, Aviary offers the most user-friendly experience, regardless of your level of expertise.

Aviary’s interface is the easiest to use

Filters: one of the main features

Instagram

Instagram popularized vintage photo filters. After capturing a shot, you can chose from 19 different filters. Black and White, Sepia, or Toaster are a few of the more popular ones, although personally, I’m still waiting for a Polaroid filter. You can adjust the intensity of the filter by double tapping the icon.

Instagram’s filters are varied, customizable, and of good quality. They completely fulfill their purpose, which is to improve the rendering of a photo, regardless of its initial quality.

Snapseed

Snapseed is a photo editing app that’s a bit more specialized. It wasn’t designed for people to just add simple filters. In fact, they aren’t even classified as such.

There are nine effects that can be combined with each other. Vintage, for example, is one of them. Each effect is comprised of several fully customizable options, as opposed to a single adjustable intensity level. With Snapseed, you need to dive into the app a little bit in order to get the best results.

VSCO Cam

The people at VSCO Cam prefer to talk about presets rather than filters. VSCO Cam pays tribute to photography with most of its filters by being inspired by existing film or camera lenses. There are ten default settings available. You can download more, either for free or through in-app purchases.

Once selected, you can adjust the intensity of the filter. VSCO Cam filters are typically more subtle. In some cases, the proposed layers perfectly complement your photo, but you can’t magnify low quality photos with a single preset.

Aviary

This app features 12 very unique filters. All of them can be found in the Effects menu. Some, such as the Dean filter, are particularly pronounced and strongly distort the original shot. They are designed primarily for photos taken with a low-quality cameras.

Fortunately, you’re given the option of adjusting the intensity for all filters. When it comes down to it, only a few of the filters are really useful.

Pixlr Express

In terms of filters, Pixlr Express covers a much wider range than its competitors. It offers over 100 free filters, all with adjustable intensities. How does the app not get overloaded? The filters are downloaded in the form of add-ons. As a result, you get a number of possibilities and some really excellent filters.

Conclusion

It’s very difficult to pick out a clear winner, but it’s important to distinguish between two types of users: beginners who want to customize their photos without too much work, and photophiles that place a lot of importance on photographic composition. The first should opt for Pixlr Express or Instagram, while the latter should try VSCO Cam.

VSCO Cam, Pixlr Express, and Instagram filters, respectively

Editing options: one step to a mobile photo studio

Instagram

Filters have always been the backbone of the app, but Instagram has also added some additional editing options. Brightness now has its own button, and other features are can be found by selecting the wrench icon. This is where you can adjust contrast, saturation, image rotation, and more.

Each option is easy to add and has a real effect on the final photo. Unfortunately, the number of tools available is less than what you’d expect. Some of Instagram’s limitations include not being able to add text or stickers to the picture, and the ability to only create images in square format.

Snapseed

If you prefer not to go into detail when it comes to editing your photos, Snapseed offers automatic enhancement of your photos. Photos can be customized even more using touch gestures.

Even though Snapseed isn’t designed for beginners, the app has plenty of options that cater to amateur and semi-professional photographers. The number of settings and sub-options should be enough to satisfy most people.

VSCO Cam

In VSCO Cam, you can find the most common picture editing options. Exposure, temperature, resizing, contrast, or saturation: the range of features is fairly decent. The Shadow tint option is a particularly cool effect that can be finely tuned to produce excellent results.

Unfortunately, a few basic features are missing from the app. VSCO Cam is the only app that doesn’t offer a blur feature. There’s no option to add text either. It’s simply not enough to compete with the likes of Pixlr Express.

Aviary

Frames, stickers, adding text, creating memes: Aviary is rather full of editing options. Add in an easy-to-use interface and you get a great app for turning mediocre photos into social network posts.  In short, Aviary is a fun app that breaks away from the norms of photography.

Pixlr Express

In terms of editing options, Pixlr Express is top of its class. To start off with, all the standard image editing options are available in the Adjustment tab. Pixlr also allows you to edit your photos using overlays with adjustments like lighting effects. These options can be found under the Overlay tab. To complete the picture, you can add text, stickers, and frames.

Conclusion

Pixlr Express succeeds in offering a variety of options without adding unecessary options. Looking for a well made app that can crop your photos, add text, optimize the format, or even radically alter the original shot? Look no further: Pixlr Express is the one for you.

Pixlr Express offers a string of original editing features

Export: an option that’s overlooked

Instagram

Instagram offers five different export options: its own social network, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr. After applying the changes, in order to save a copy on your device, you are required to post the photograph. It’s a serious limitation compared with the alternatives.

Also missing is the option to change the file size of the final product. Like I said earlier: Instagram is designed to quickly post snapshots.

Snapseed

With Snapseed, you’re able to save, post, and upload your shot wherever you want. Everything can be found under the Export tab in the top right hand corner of the screen. By choosing Open With, you’re able to open the photo and then post it in any compatible apps installed on your phone.

VSCO Cam

Once you’ve saved your changes, go back to your photo grid. Then, select the photo or photos you want to export and press the export icon, the square with an arrow in the top right hand corner.

VSCO Cam doesn’t directly export the photos to your smartphone’s album, so don’t forget to select the Save to Camera Roll option. In terms of online sharing, VSCO Cam offers a number of decent options. Instagram and Facebook are available, but so are Twitter and Google+. Tumblr is the only one that’s missing.

Aviary

Aviary is often better than its competitors. Why? The publisher doesn’t feel the need to add their own social network, and so pictures taken have to be be released on other platforms.

In use, the app has some great little features, like automatic backups after you’ve applied changes. You can share your shots wherever you want; the range of possibilities offered by Aviary is great.

Pixlr Express

Pixlr Express offers a somewhat different approach. When you export the photo, you can adjust the quality of the final file. It’s even possible to manually enter the file size before you save or post it. Although this little feature can be useful for gaining a few extra megabytes of memory, Pixlr Express is held back with only letting you share on Facebook and Twitter. This simply isn’t enough for a top-rated photo app.

Conclusion

With no clear winner, it’s once again a toss-up between Aviary and Pixlr Express.

Resize your photos with Pixlr Express; share them everywhere with Aviary

And our winner is … Pixlr Express!

Pixlr Express provides a good balance between advanced editing options, a suitable interface and good-quality final rendering.

Related Articles

Instagram, the complete guide

What you need to know about syncing photos in iCloud

How to protect private pictures on your phone

Originally written on Softonic FR by Baptiste Brassart.

Follow me on Twitter: @bbrassart