The Hipstamatic DSPO iOS app is a social photo app that allows you to share images, but with a neat twist. Let’s be honest, it needs a twist to get noticed in a crowded photo app market.

Hipstamatic DSPO builds on the disposable camera theme that the developers tried first time round. The first version was the Hipstamatic D-series that proved quite popular but ultimately unsuccessful. The Hipstamatic DSPO seeks to change all that.

The app is part chat and part photo app. You can chat with a group of friends in real time and share images. The twist is that those images are on a timer. So you have a set amount of time available to take your image and turn it into something you want to share. Only once the time runs out does your image get shared with the group.

The apps include a range of image editing options, some of which are free while others require an in-app purchase. You can then doodle on the image, add effects, colours and more.

When you first open the Hipstamatic DSPO app, you’re encouraged to set up a cover image and name. You also have to enable iCloud before the app will work. Once done, the app will use your contact information to allow you to build the groups.

Once your group is assembled, you set a timer – between an hour and a year – and publish your link on Twitter to get things going. Then you have that time to take your image, apply any effects you want and prepare the image for sharing. This is a neat idea that would work well with photographers and those interested in building projects or who want to see several perspectives on a single event.

Given the sheer number of photo apps available, I’m not sure how popular Hipstamatic DSPO will be. It’s a good quality app, but just how many people would want or be able to make the most of it remains to be seen.

Jesmond Darmanin is a technology enthusiast who has his own blog at www.itnews.com.mt.