Imagine you’re walking with your Android phone in your pocket, and each time you reach for it, a different animation appears on your screen. Maybe it’s a GIF of Mario jumping or a surfer riding a wave.
This is GIF-LOCK, a new application from developer and founder of POPS messaging Nir Ofir. The free Android app allows users to set a GIF as their lock screen and change it with a shake of the phone.
“I was looking for ways to make a new personalization experience for smartphones,” Ofir told the Daily Dot. “Since GIFs are such a great way to be entertained and to make I went to this direction. The app is pretty simple now and the experience is random but the plan is to make GIF-LOCK as a way to surprise our users with new fun information every time they unlock their smartphone screen and discover content through GIFs. Like stumbleupon for your lock screen.”
Ofir launched the app last week and has since collected hundreds of downloads. Using the applications Tumblr page, users can upload their own GIFs and send them to their phone where they are used as a lock screen.
Like many other longtime Internet users, Ofir has welcomed the resurgence of the GIF with open arms.
“I started my way on the Internet in the days of Geocities, teaching myself HTML and designing web sites back then involved hours of creating GIF animation for making my web site more ‘beautiful,'” Ofir said. ” It was fun way to express myself. and was actually the spark that led to launching my career as a tech entrepreneur.”
GIF-LOCK is only available on Android devices because “Apple is very protective” of its software.
Check out the default GIFs provided by GIF-LOCK.
All images via GIF-LOCK