Wallcast is a boon for wallpaper-lovers with its unique feature which allows its user self-refreshing customised wallpapers for the PC, made up of their own own photos. Yes, like most people, I too am a fan of great wallpapers. I begin downloading as soon as I spot one. The only problem for me is that I get bored of any particular wallpaper very quickly so whenever I have time, I go off hunting for more on the internet. This made me a frequent visitor of photo-sharing sites like Flickr and Picasa.
Thanks to Wallcast’s auto-rotating wallpaper collages, I haven’t really felt a need to search for new wallpapers anymore. I like the quality of this app which aims at providing new wallpapers regularly along with making them social.
Wallcast is pure bliss for wallpaper lovers, especially since it’s hassle-free and innovative. The sign up process is very easy. And I simply love the Wallcast UI.
On signing up, I had to follow 3 simple steps. The first one comprised of adding 5 photos and selecting a background, along with a display frequency telling the system how often I wanted the wallpaper to refresh. For a start, at least 5 photos need to be uploaded to configure your first wallpaper using Wallcast.
The next task is to invite friends to add photos to your wallpaper. Just fill in a form with their respective email addresses and send a message to them. You have the option of performing this step at a later time.
The third step is installing the Wallcast application on your PC or Mac. This application keeps your wallpaper running properly, when you’re connected to the web. You will be given a code — write it down or at least copy it to your clipboard. You will need it to acticate the desktop client. Click Download, and install WallCast on your computer. Enter the wallpaper code when prompted.
Once the Wallcast app is installed, your wallpaper will be changed to the newly-made collage. Wallcast provides us with some really interesting backgrounds. For my first wallpaper, I chose one described as Black Leather and I’m quite happy with how it turned out.
The wallpaper refreshes every 15 minutes by default. You can also manually refresh it, and even pause it according to your needs. Multiple displays are also supported making it a loveable web service.
After you’ve created your first wallpaper, you can also try adding photos to it via email by sending them to a personal email address assigned to you or you can upload them directly by logging into the website. With this feature, you’re able to email photos and change someone else’s wallpaper collage instantly.
Real-life scenarios
- Set Wallcast on your grandparent’s computer and have their wallpaper automatically updated new family photos.
- Use Wallcast along paired with motion-trigered remote webcams that automatically email photos.
- Use Wallcast with team members for instant photo updates.
Just use your imagination!
Improvements required
Since Wallcast is still in its beta phase, there are some features which could do with some improvement.
The frame design. The current white border frame does look good but there should be a variety of options.
Also, in its Terms of Service, I found:
“From time to time the Service may provide links that will take you to other, third party websites. These links are provided for your convenience.”
This hints that Wallcast may serve advertisements to its users. It might deter some of us from using the service who would prefer their wallpapers to be ad-free. It hasn’t happened yet, but can happen anytime.
Try Wallcast
Wallcase is impressive and I have asked all my friends to join it. Now, I’d be able to share my photos with them, and vice-versa. From now on, my wallpapers wouldn’t be stale, plus they’d be original and would keep refreshing — all in the name of social photo sharing. Awesome!
My take on Wallcast is that it’s basically an innovative concept which is set to make wallpapers more social — actually a beautiful social digital frame where you and your friends can create beautiful wallpaper collages.
Wallcast is available for Mac and PC. It also has an iOS version for iPhone and iPod touch.
