Flickr recently saw a major update arrive for the iOS app, and now Android users have access to the refresh also. Version 1.5 brings UI improvements.

Users can now swipe between menus and photos, and the UI includes an improved Explore tab, with options to sort groups by location and "interestingness". It looks like a cross between the no-button approach of the Nokia N9 and the Window's Phone's ability to swipe to view apps.

Notifications, profiles, photos, and the upload and Explore tabs are listed individually along with a refresh option (similar to Gmail for iOS, for example). Comments and added users are shown in a timeline, along with the profile picture.

A search icon is in the top right-hand corner. The update to search shows HTML content in comments and photo descriptions.

Android will also ask users what camera app is used for taking photos, as Android prompts users on the type of app to use, with an option to set the default app so the prompt does not appear.

Users who want to get in-depth with Flickr and photo uploading can edit data on photos, including the photos' details. Filters for applying effects are also included, though Instagram's availability on the Android platform probably negates the value of that option. The filters may be an attempt to encourage users to save edited images to Flickr, rather than Facebook-acquired Instagram.

Features missing from the update include the ability to tag friends in photos and search personal and friends' streams. However, Android users will probably welcome the increasing parity with the iOS version of Flickr.

The update seems to introduce mainly basic features, and with competing services like Instagram, users probably see compelling options available. Facebook and Twitter have also negate the value of using a dedicated photo uploading service further for the casual user.

The update for Flickr, and the Flickr app, is available to download now on Google Play. The app currently holds a 3.7 out of 5-star rating on the Android app store.