Instagram for Android opens for pre-registration

Instagram is coming to Android, and it's not far off. The photo filter app now has a pre-registration page up, Engadget reports. So leave your details and you'll be the first to know when it's available.

There's still no word on when that'll be but expect it to be soon.

The app has been hugely popular on iOS, with over 27 million registered users. Along with Hipstamatic, it's responsible for the current craze of photos combining new age fun with a vintage feel. Just snap your picture, apply the filter of your choice, and then it's simple to post it online to share with friends.

The app also counts Snoop Dogg among its fans.

It's even more exciting, since company co-founder Kevin Systrom called the Android version "better than our iPhone app" at music and tech show SXSW recently. Exactly how isn't clear, but I'm guessing the boys and girls at Burbn, Inc. have found a way to optimise Google's operating system. Either that or they've just tweaked the app's design.

Maybe it takes advantage of some of Ice Cream Sandwich's features. That would be great news for those lucky enough to have ICS on their device, and not so great for the vast majority of us.

Until now the service has been free of adverts, though that could change very soon. Systrom recently noted: "Obviously, we didn't start a business to not make money… Our focus is now on growing the network. You really need to build up the network, or no advertisers care."

I'd say 27 million registered users counts as building up the network.

Will you be leaving your email address? Or do you have another camera app of choice? And how do you think the Android version can improve on the iOS? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or on our Facebook page.