Instagram is a wondrous media sharing platform, and even if you aren’t keen on the social sharing scene- you can do some pretty spectacular things with your images thanks to the various artistic filters that the app offers. Of course, there are more photo editing apps on the market if you just want to make your pictures look better, but Instagram is just quick and convenient.

The biggest problem with Instagram is that it is a mobile only platform. Despite being acquired by Facebook, there is still no browser or computer based support. The only way to access your Instagram content and feed is to sign in using a mobile app.

There are ways to browse Instagram on a computer, but you will not be able to use every feature that the service offers. If you’d like use Instagram on your computer, feel free to check out our article on just that: “Give Your Mobile a Break, Here is How to Browse Instagram on Your Computer.” Keep in mind, you will still need the mobile app to sign up for an account and upload your own content to the service.

Design to Matter (D2M) aims to change how you see Instagram by developing the Instacube, and they need your help to make it!

Kickstart the D2M Instacube!

D2M has started a Kickstarter campaign to help support the development of the Instacube. The Instacube is essentially a digital photo frame with integrated Wi-Fi, designed to connect exclusively with the Instagram service and display corresponding content.

As of the time of this writing, the campaign has raised $255,000 of its $250,000 pledge goal with 27 days left to go. That means that the project will be successfully funded come the end of the pledge period. Instacube is going to happen, but the amount of extra features included depends on how much additional funding the campaign generates.

What is the Instacube?

Great, the project is funded; that’s all fine and dandy, but what exactly is the Instacube?

As we have already mentioned, the Instacube is essentially a digital photo frame that will connect and display Instagram feeds and content, but it is more than just that.

The Instacube will include the Android OS (no word on the version), and while its primary application will be constricted to software that is compatible with Instagram, D2M has outlined their plans to offer an open-source platform. That means, eventually the Instacube will include a growing community of developers that will further enhance what it can do from a software perspective.

The Instacube will be powered by an unnamed ARM processor, 256MB of installed RAM, 4GB of internal storage and of course integrated Wi-Fi b/g/n support. The display is a 6.5” LCD touchscreen with a 600 x 600 maximum resolution.

The Instacube will also include an integrated Lithium Ion battery (rechargeable) so that you can take the frame with you wherever you go.

What Can the Instacube Do?

The Instacube will link to your Instagram account, prompting you to login upon startup, and will then present your community feed. You can also display a custom Instagram feed by using hashtags. For instance, if you wanted to show off private vacation photos you could list them all under the hashtag #YOURNAMEVacaPhotos, and then display them via the Instacube.

You can also hide images you don’t want to display by simply swiping them off the screen using the touchscreen interface.

Prepurchase the Instacube by Backing D2M Through Kickstarter

The first 1,000 backers will receive the Instacube for $99, and then the price will increase to $150. The first 1,000 can also buy two units for $199, or a limited edition “Vintage Spring” model for $249.

If all goes according to plan, and seeing as the Instacube is now guaranteed funding, the first units will ship in March, 2013.

Want to know why you should get the Instacube? Here, is the best reason D2M could give:

“We think any current Instagram user will love our Instacube as a fun, new way to enjoy Instagram photos in the home, office or anywhere you’ve got a wireless connection, but it’s not just for consumers.  We believe that if you’re a business owner, then Instacube can also be a powerful and innovative way to communicate and interact with your customers.  Imagine the brand building possibilities as your customers use your company’s product or service and post their experiences to the Instacubes in your stores.”