As part of its attempt to expand its reach beyond its own hardware and software products, HTC is releasing its Zoe app for the whole world to see and use. But more than just a fancy way to stitch up photos together into a memorable video reel, HTC is pushing Zoe to become something much more: a social networking platform for sharing such reels, but with a spin on "collaborative editing".
The premise of HTC Zoe is quite simple. You select a few photos from your gallery, pick out a theme that determines the visual effects and filters used for the video clip, and in case you're not satisfied with the music that comes with the theme, pick out your own tune. You have the option to mix and match different parts and shuffle, but not manually reorder, photos. You then tap on the small icon on the upper right corner of the screen to push your brand new Zoe clip to your own feed.
But Zoe's highlight, it's selling feature, and probably a point of confusion is in it is unique "Remixes". In theory, you will be able to take someone else's Zoe, mix in your own clips and sounds, and push them back up on the network for others to do the same. Be warned, though, that, naturally, others will also have the ability to remix Zoe's that you posted as well. This results in a rather unique flavor of collaboration, less like editing a single document and more like building a never-ending train of montages.
The app itself is quite straightforward though it can be easy to get lost in it sometimes. It is like a mix of Facebook and Twitter, HTC style. You have a Zoe Feed where you see your Zoe's and other people's Zoe's, a Discover section for finding other people and their Zoe's, as well as pages for community members you follow and those who follow you. Most of your time, however, will most likely be spent making Zoe's. Here you have a dedicate screen all for weaving your next masterpiece, with sections like Themes and Music just a swipe away. The app brings over the Sense 6 aesthetic from HTC to whatever device you're on, a visual language that matches Google's own Material Design to some extent.
As for device compatibility, HTC is starting out small, which isn't surprising for its first foray outside of its comfort zone. For the initial beta, devices running Android 4.4 are theoretically supported, but the official list is limited to a few, particularly those running HTC's own Sense 6 UI, the Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S 4, and Galaxy Note 3, the LG G2 and G Pro 2, and the Nexus 5. Of course, HTC plans to expand that roster quickly, though the Android 4.4 requirement will likely stand throughout.
The biggest question about HTC Zoe is "why?", or rather "what for?". Imagine attending a concert or a family gathering, with everyone and anyone bringing their own camera or smartphone and getting their own unique angle of those memorable moments. Imagine being able to stitch them up together, with each clip reflecting not just the photographer's unique vantage point but also their personalities. There are indeed many video clip sharing social networks today and the list just keeps on growing. Zoe, however, brings a fresh new concept to the table, focusing on an even deeper community dynamic than most social networks can give you. HTC envisions Zoe to be not just a photo or video sharing service but also a literal "zoetrope", a real "life turning" experience for people whose memories and lives get shared.