Leica Fotografie International (LFI) recently released version 2.0.1 of their app for iOS devices. The app can be downloaded in iTunes in either English or German. We spoke with David Rojkowski, News Editor at LFI in Hamburg, to learn what users can expect from the update.
Q: A 2.0.1 version of the LFI app was just recently released. What sort of devices is the app compatible with?
A: The LFI app was designed for iPhone (3GS-5), iPad (iOS 5 or later) and iPod touch (3rd-5th generation) users. We’re currently working on an Android version, which will be released probably later this year.
Q: Can you tell us some of the major changes or improvements that come with this new version?
A: With the introduction of version 2.0.1, there is now one universal app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. iPhone and iPod touch users will no longer be limited to the Gallery, but are now also able to access LFI News. This is the major modification. But we’ve also improved some things in terms of display, downloads and usability, like the increased speed in opening pages.
Q: Are there any differences between the content on an iPad vs. an iPhone or iPod?
A: There is actually no difference between the content on an iPad or an iPhone. The ability to download issues of the LFI magazine, however, remains exclusive to the iPad – because of the big display and space excellent pictures need. In the Magazine section you can purchase digital versions of LFI issues published since 2004, and browse the entire range of available editions for specific topics.
Q: What kind of content can people expect to find with the LFI app?
A: All users are able to access the LFI News and Gallery sections. The Gallery is the most popular section – divided into several categories (architecture, beauty, sensual art, urban life, etc.) and including the “Mastershots” (M, X, Compact, Digilux), a selection of pictures by users, chosen by the LFI team. Selections of Leica made images from the Gallery appear regularly in the print issues of LFI, in the Readers’ Gallery or sometimes even in the Project segment. The LFI News section is an expansion of the News section in the print issue, and new for iPhone users. It features daily updates on the latest exhibitions in Europe, America and Asia, photography projects and technical innovations. This expansion will also be a part of the upcoming update of our website.
Q: What sort of audience would be interested in downloading the app? Who do you hope to appeal to?
A: The LFI app is designed for all Leica photographers and Leica fans. The app appeals to users who want to visit the Gallery, see the latest pictures taken by other Leica photographers and get inspired. iPad users can read the magazine on their iPad, and download the current issues before the publication of the print version.
Q: How much does the app cost or is it free? Where can people go to download it?
A: The app is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store. If you want to download the LFI magazine within the app and read it on your iPad, you can purchase single digital versions, which is an in-app purchase. Back issues are available from € 0,89. Subscribers of the print issue get the digital version cheaper. All text is available in both English and German. Besides that, the new LFI app 2.0.1 replaces the old LFI app (1.2.3) for iPhones. Users of the old version should update to LFI 2.0.1, since there will be no further updates to the old version.
Q: What inspired the app?
A: There are a lot of people who want to show their pictures or get inspired by seeing what other people do; and, of course, to see how other people use their camera. For example, a M9 user can see how other M9 photographers use the same camera with the same or other lenses. The LFI app gives you the opportunity to show, see and get inspired. Thousands of users visit the LFI Gallery every day.
Q: How do you see the relationship of the app to the magazine?
A: The app is a kind of supplement or, for some users, an alternative to the print version of LFI.
Q: If someone is interested in submitting work for the gallery, what advice do you have to offer?
A: You can submit your pictures for the gallery after registration on our website. From among all pictures, we choose the “Mastershots”, which also appear in the app.
What advice do I have to offer, to be featured in “Mastershots”? Well, trust your intuition, or think, before you shoot!
– Leica Internet Team
Make sure to checkout LFI’s website and download the app in the iTunes App Store to stay up-to-date with the latest news.
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