It's been quite a week for iOS shutterbugs, with the launch of Stream Nation and an all-new Shutterfly for iPad 2.0, but there's one more new service vying for your attention that aims to become a better Photo Stream.
A new photo and video management service called Loom started rolling out this week after an extended private beta period, with 5GB of free storage for all users and a universal iOS app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
"Loom is a place for all your photos and videos," the company explains. "One library, seamlessly organized and accessible from anywhere, with endless space to add. Hassle-free, so you can get back to what’s important."
At its core, Loom is another cloud-based version of Apple's Photo Stream, although the service allows uploading of videos as well as photos — something that the iPhone currently can't do, but that's coming with iOS 7 this fall.
Rather than being limited to 1,000 images like Photo Stream, Loom offers 5GB of storage free, with paid options that include 50GB for $39.99 per year ($3.99 per month) or 250GB for $99.99 per year ($9.99 per month).
Loom also includes an OS X application for uploading images from the Mac, which are stored in full resolution and downsized as necessary for viewing on mobile devices.
While that all sounds great, Loom does come with one unfortunate downside at the moment: It's only available by reservation, which means users could have to wait in line for awhile as the service rolls out.
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