Apple adds section in iTunes dedicated to selfie apps: sign of the times

Apple prioritizes “selfie” apps

Unless you have been under a rock, you know all about “selfies.” Oxford Dictionaries crowned it the word of the year in 2013. But, just in case you missed it, a selfie is defined as, “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one take with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.” While the trend seems a little ridiculous, it continues to gain popularity. Now the Apple Store has joined in appreciating the trend.

Apple has dedicated a section in the App Store to “selfie” apps. Although it is reported to be a temporary section of the App Store, under the category: “Sharing Selfies.” Now, you can find a dozen apps featured, most are free, for the sole purpose of getting a better shot, without the pain of hyper-extending your arm to achieve selfie perfection.

Apple’s first attempt to feature selfie apps is great before all the low-reviewed apps take over the marketplace. The featured apps include: Picr, Frontback, Everyday, Snapchat, Samba, Close-up Daily, Shots, Selfie cam, SnapDash, Front Flash*, Facetune*, and 1 Second Everyday* (asterisked items cost, all others are free).

A sign of the times

There are numerous photo apps that are made specifically for taking face pictures, but the ones featured have been tested and positively reviewed; such as Front Flash, which illuminates the photo using front-facing camera in low light. Picr creates time-lapse videos of a group of pictures. The selfie sharing section also has apps that do more than just take pictures. Frontback requires your phone to have both a front and back camera, but a picture can be created by merging a picture from the front and back on one image. Snapchat allows users to import the contacts they know who also use the app and then send pictures, videos, or doodles to friends.

Apple is often looked to as a pioneer of technology and for them to embrace the selfie, perhaps there is some merit in the trend. If you haven’t already, give one of the twelve featured apps a look and see if it gives you improved selfies.