Meta Review
iPhone App
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Meta Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on August 14th, 2012
Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar :: VERY FLAWED
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Meta offers plenty of photo filters to add but its lack of common and useful features makes it frustrating.

Developer: Fung Kwok Pan
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

iPhone Integration Rating: starstarblankstarblankstarblankstar
User Interface Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar
Re-use Value Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarhalfstarblankstarblankstar


When first loading up Meta, some peculiar omissions stand out. It's a photo filtering app, the likes of which we've all seen numerous times before. Unusually however, there's no way of adding filters to photos already on the camera roll which leads to some hefty editing restrictions.

Due to this, photos can only be taken from within Meta. While there's a basic camera facility in there, it's far from as comprehensive as a dedicated camera app. Succumb to this method and it's simple enough, it just feels immediately restrictive. Images have filters added to them during the photo taking process rather than in post production. At first, it's handy while lining up a shot to flick through the 22 filters and find the best one for the job. It's not very convenient for those taking an action shot though, such as of children or animals.

The filters available are a mixed bunch. While some struggle to remain legible such as Leak, others like Sketch are very attractive. Technological themed filters are common here with CRT and Pixels leading the pack. In the right situation, they look great and there are just enough to make it worth the asking price, if everything else had gone to plan.

The problem lies in the inability to edit much. Once an image has been taken and the filter applied, there's no way of going back and changing things around. The inability to add filters to past photos is similarly infuriating. Both are baffling omissions for any photography app, to the point that I've found myself repeatedly checking that I'm not going mad and that it's not hidden somewhere in the options. It's not, unfortunately, which limits Meta's appeal hugely.

While Meta might offer a few good filters, its implementation and integration with iOS seriously lets it down. The inability to edit post production really is a pivotal problem and one that Meta struggles to get past.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Meta - Contemporary Photo Filters screenshot 1 Meta - Contemporary Photo Filters screenshot 2 Meta - Contemporary Photo Filters screenshot 3 Meta - Contemporary Photo Filters screenshot 4 Meta - Contemporary Photo Filters screenshot 5
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