Instagram arrives on Windows Phone today, lacks some major features

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Instagram is finally arriving on Windows Phone, filling a gaping hole in Microsoft's mobile OS ecosystem.

The app became available at 11 a.m. PST/7 p.m. GMT/6 a.m November 21 in Australia in the Windows Phone Store.

The Instagram app is a welcome if not overdue addition to the platform, one users have been clamoring for as iOS and Android owners have snapped and filtered to their Hudson hearts' content. Nokia too put the vice on Instagram, perpetually deflecting that an app would come to its Lumia line, eventually.

That day is indeed upon Windows Phone owners, however the Instagram app they're about to enjoy is still very much a work in progress. To stress the point, it's called Instagram BETA in the Windows Phone Store.

According to the Facebook-owned company, it wanted to get the app out on WP as quickly as possible, and therefore only endowed it with core Instagram features to start. More features and functions will arrive with future updates, the company assured.

Instagram is only be available on Windows Phone 8, meaning owners of non-upgraded phones are out of luck.

Lacks video capture, more

Let's start with what the app does have.

In the vein of WP, Instagram Live Tiles will refresh with new Start screen info, and the app supports fast resume.

As you can see from the image to the left, all the photo effects you need to Instagram-ify your snaps.

Windows Phone users will also find their feed intact and the ability to search for users and hashtags.

As for what's missing, the app doesn't have video capture or upload, meaning 3-15 second clips aren't going to populate Windows Phone feeds anytime soon.

Photo tagging is also MIA, so the people in your pics will remain un-identified for now. Users won't be able to view maps using geotags either.

Finally, the app supposedly doesn't support in-app image capture, however we're testing that right now and will provide an update if it does in fact work.

Despite the missing features, Instagram's arrival is a huge score for Windows Phone. The platform has suffered from a lack of apps, particularly a major one like Instagram.

A few third-party clients tried to fill the void, but with Instagram now an official houseguest, sunnier Windows Phone skies should be ahead.

• What are the best Windows Phone apps? We've got the complete list.