I started writing Flickr Flow in December 2011 to scratch my own itch. At the time, there were a few apps on the iOS App Store for browsing the Explore section of Flickr, but they seemed crowded with extraneous UI elements and bloated with excessive features.

Version 1.0 of Flickr Flow was approved in April 2012. It was released for iPad and iPhone, and allowed users to browse through and favourite pictures sourced from the Interesting Photos collection on Flickr.

Since the first release, updates improved performance and UI design, and also added new features. The first update added background syncing and slideshow mode. Further updates added image caching and offline mode, a feedback system, support for retina screens, and a French localisation.

Version 2.0 of the app released an in-app purchase which expanded the app to become a fully featured photo browsing app by allowing users to create custom sources from specific users, tags, and groups. Signed-in users could also create sources containing their favourite pictures and pictures from their contacts.

Version 3.0 made many UX improvements and greatly improved performance by rewriting the backbone of the app, including sync, caching, and the sidebar view. It also added infinite scrolling to download more photos as the user scrolls towards the end of the image sidebar, providing a continuous stream of photos.

Flickr Flow was discontinued in October 2013 when I reached a particularly busy period in life.

iTunes Description

Flickr Flow is a simple way to explore the vibrant and interesting photos available on Flickr. Browse photos in an uncluttered interface which highlights the beauty of the photos, and favourite the ones you love.

• Start a slideshow by tapping the play button at the top right
• Tap the star button to favourite a photo (requires Flickr account)
• View sharp high-resolution images on the iPhone and iPad retina display
• Pinch a photo to reveal its webpage and comments
• Browse photos of your own choice: keep up to date with your contacts’ photos, play slideshows of your favourites, or view photos from a specific user, tag, or group (available via in-app purchase)