Android: Play songs in real time using chords sampled from studio recordings of actual guitarists.
PHOTO EFFECTS MADE EASY 
Best Buy Exclusive
We love Photoshop.
1 of 21
BUT sometimes, we just don’t have the time or energy. Luckily, there are tons of filters and cheats out there that will happily do the heavy lifting for us. Here are some of our favorites. All of ‘em are fast, fun, and more often than not, FREE. So check out these before and after pics and get inspired.
Before: World Traveler
2 of 21
After: 60’s Math Teacher
3 of 21
Want to embarrass friends and co-workers? OldBooth is up to the task. This iPhone app uses fun masks to transport your photos to the era of your choice. You can try the lite version for free, but it’s addictive, so don’t be surprised if you end up upgrading to the full version (it’s $1.99).
Before: Digital Picture
4 of 21
After: Polaroid Picture
5 of 21
Thanks to the Poladroid, you can, yes, shake it like a Polaroid picture. This download works on Mac or PC, and it’s free. It’s easy to use too. All you have to do is drag your photo onto the Polaroid camera and wait… and wait… and wait (yes, it’s just like the real thing). But if you’re impatient, you can, yes, shake it like a Polaroid picture.
Before: Loving Husband & Beautiful Daughter
6 of 21
After: Creepy Zombie & Creepier Daughter
7 of 21
Zombie Me and Age Me are two iPhone apps that do exactly what their titles suggest. They’re both from the same company, and they both have free lite versions, so you can try before you buy. We’re not sure which one’s more disturbing, the zombie or “elderly” five-year-old. Probably the five-year-old.
Before: Travel Photo
8 of 21
After: Travel Cartoon
9 of 21
Want to get funky with your photos? BeFunky offers over a hundred easy photo effects with names like “Pop Art,” “Grunge” and “Line Artopia” (the above photo was made with the “Cartoonizer”). You can try BeFunky for free, but it puts a watermark on the photo. To remove it, you have to put down a little cash and upgrade. Or, you can keep it on and give BeFunky.com a little free advertising.
Before: 2010
10 of 21
After: 1974
11 of 21
CameraBag turns your iPhone into, well, a bag of old cameras. This one isn’t free, but $1.99 does get you a dozen, surprisingly realistic filters. For instance, the “1974” filter (above) lets you relive the Nixon administration. Not a Nixon fan? Well, the Kennedy and Polk administrations are also within your reach. CameraBag is also available for download to you computer (Mac or PC) for $19 bucks.
Before: Android Camera
12 of 21
After: Toy Android Camera
13 of 21
Photo effects. They aren’t just for iPhones anymore. FxCamera lets your Android phone join in the fun. This free app includes a half-dozen filters like ToyCam (above) and Polandroid (Get it?)
Before: Cute kid (plays with LEGO Blocks)
14 of 21
After: Cute kid (made of LEGO Blocks)
15 of 21
If your kids love to LEGO, then LEGO Photo is a must download. This iPhone app transforms any photo into a LEGO masterpiece. Sure, sometimes you’ll have trouble figuring out exactly what that masterpiece is (things can get a little abstract), but hey, did we mention that LEGO Photo is FREE? Plus, there’s no pesky clean up (and no bricks to accidentally step on).
Before: Colorful Cat
16 of 21
After: Look at those eyes!
17 of 21
Got an iPhone? Want to add just a taste of color to your photos? Well, you certainly have options. ColorSplash worked for us. So did ColorCanvas. Got an Android phone? Then check out PicSay Pro. It gets the job done too.
Before: Tokyo
18 of 21
After: Tokyo in Miniature
19 of 21
If you understand tilt-shift photography, you know that you can use it to make a real image look like a miniature. If you don’t understand tilt-shift photography, no worries. You can get a similar result with TiltShiftMaker. This free website is easy to use, and if you’re proud of your result, you can share it with TiltShiftMaker’s Flickr group.
Before: Happy Prairie Dog
20 of 21
After: Depressed Prairie Dog
21 of 21
The Parody Motivator Generator lets you personalize your own, fake motivational poster. You add the photo and the text, then the good folks at Despair, Inc. do the rest. Sure, you could use it to make “positive” posters, but where’s the fun in that?
Related Content
-
Want to enjoy the Internet on your smart TV? Class is about to begin. -
Watch your back, elf. Santa’s got a NEW little helper (the smart phone). -
Cell phones are the new Tickle Me Elmo ... every kid wants one.
Sponsor
ARTISTIC APPS
RockOut
Adobe Photoshop Express
Android/iPad/iPhone:
Improve photos with a variety of one-touch effects. Get artistic by applying filters like soft focus or sketch.
MagicMarker
Android: Try this simple touch-paint program for writing and drawing in neon on a black background, and then share your artwork via email or text.
Magic Piano
iPad: Play timeless pieces on spiral and circular keyboards, or follow beams of light – mastery requires only imagination.
FlipBook
iPhone/iPad: Make your doodles come to life! Get everything you need to start animating – from an eraser to onion skinning for layered drawing.
iKoto
Android: Create the soothing sounds of a harp with this fun take on a traditional Japanese instrument.
Storyteller
iPhone/iPad: Eliminate writer's block with an application designed for generating story and character ideas.
Tattoo Shop
iPhone/iPad: Ever wondered what grandma would look like with a skull on her arm? Now you can find out. Add real-looking tattoos to any photo in your album.
Tuner
Android: Tune any musical instrument (violin, viola, violoncello, bass, guitar, piano, wind instruments) while measuring sound pitch and intensity.
iSyn
iPhone/iPad: Be ready when inspiration strikes with your very own mobile music studio. Features fully programmable synthesizers and a drum machine!
