Pixlr-o-matic, now the most expensive FREE app in the App Store

Pixlr-o-matic the free retro photo app from Autodesk was recently updated, and with that update came some additional in-app purchase options. Whilst free apps with optional paid for in-app purchase add-ons is nothing new, what sets Pixlr-o-matic apart from the rest, is the total costs of all the extras. Unlike most apps that bundle their extras, Autodesk have opted to charge £0.69/$0.99/€0.79 for each effect pack, so for example under "Light Effects" you have things like Light Leaks and Smoke, and under "Frames" you have Grunge and Film. In total there are 16, yes that's right, 16 add-on packs, at £0.69/$0.99/€0.79 each; so if you bought all 16 packs, then Pixlr-o-matic would cost you a whopping £11.04/$15.84/€12.64, making what was a very good app, the most expensive, FREE photo app in the App Store!!

Create that Retro look for Free, with Pixlr-o-matic

"Turn your photos into cool retro looking images – editing is as easy as one, two, three" - Autodesk Inc.

Pixlr-o-matic is a new'ish, easy to use app, retro effect photo app from Autodesk Inc*, that lets you take or load a photo on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, and then apply any of the 25 predefined film effects, 30 light effects, or 31 frames, through a simple interface, and then save at full resolution, and all for free.

Pixlr-o-matic full feature set includes:

• Color filters help you adjust the mood - amplify the tone, cool it down, or add surreal shades.
• Lighting effects add drama, sparkle, or a grunge look.
• Finish off your photo process with the right frame – pick a border style that fits you.
• No camera required! Select a photo from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and start applying effects. If your device has a camera, you can also snap a new picture from within the app.
• Share your new vintage image directly with your friends through Facebook or imm.io.
• Save high resolution images back to your Photo Library

So what do I think of Pixlr-o-matic?

In short this is a very capable app from a well known and established software developer, that can produce some good looking retro photos, with frames and light leaks, and amazingly, it does all this for free.

Above: An example of what can be produced with Pixlr-o-matic, using an existing photo, one of the retro film effects, a light leak and dirty frame.

App Store Link: Pixlr-o-matic; Price: FREE

*Autodesk Inc. is the same company behind the worlds leading 3D design software, AutoCAD.