FLIP Review

FLIP is arguably one of the simplest photo transformation apps out there. Anyone with a basic grasp of how to use an iOS device should be able to do things with this app, even if its aim is quite restrictive.

As the name suggests, it's all about flipping. Users simply choose a photo from their camera roll or photo stream before flipping it around. It's possible to flip up or down as well as sideways, creating a different kind of effect each time. Essentially, the photo turns into a kind of grid based collage and it's an effect that can look quite stunning when using the right kind of photo.

It does also mean that sometimes images can look a little messy, but I found landscapes in particular thrive upon this kind of process. The more flips added, the more the photo looks like a kind of mosaic which is often pretty attractive.

There are sharing features for major social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. More originally, it's also possible to order and print out a photo book of up to 20 completed creations, although this is only available in the US and Canada.

No other features are included here, so it's not even possible to crop or adjust an image in any way, nor add any filters, but FLIP completes its basic task well. It's very intuitive to use, plus quick to accomplish things, although those keen to use many tens of flips might find their flipping finger aching after a while. Fortunately, once the effect has been created once, users can simply browse through the rest of the album to apply the effect.

FLIP might only offer one useful tool, but it's one that is worth bearing in mind while manipulating images, especially for those considering ordering photo books.