Apple today announced a new feature for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus called "Live Photos," allowing users to use the new 3D Touch feature on the iPhone to see quick, GIF-like movements in photos they have taken. The Live Photos feature is reminiscent of the fantastical moving photos featured in the Harry Potter movie, allowing users to see short bits of animation in their images.
Apple emphasized that Live Photos are not video, they're photos taken with all of the same high-quality camera capabilities brought to the new generation of iPhone, but they include an extra 1.5 seconds of footage at the beginning and the end of the photo to enable the mini animations. These animations are displayed when force pressing on a photo and when scrolling through photos in the Camera Roll.
According to Apple, Live Photos will be able to be viewed on the entire line-up of the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch line. Users will even be able to use the new feature to set up Live Photos as a lock screen on iPhone, and even use the feature to make custom motion wallpapers for the Apple Watch. With a Live Photo as an Apple Watch face, it'll animate each time you raise your wrist to look at the time.
Top Rated Comments
I think the main benefit is that there is no change to my workflow (not an external app) so all it is is a value add. I look forward to giving it a try!