Tap tap tap, the tech company that developed the third-party $3 Camera+, launched a free version of that revolutionary camera app September 10.

Named as "Camera+Free", Petapixel reports that most of the functions available in the paid app will be retained in the new free version. It may have most of the features in the paid app, but it lacks some of the more advanced features, such as the manual shooting controls and "The Lab" editing suit. It will still have the stabilizer, digital zoom, front flash, timers, lightbox, clarity feature, exposure and focus tools, scene modes, and other editing and sharing functions. It will also have the macro shooting settings and 3 free filter packs. To add more advanced features, the users must buy them through in-app purchases. It will let them unlock the full experience of the paid Camera+.

According to Tech Crunch, the original Camera+ that was launched in 2010 gained 14 million users and $18 million in sales. It was designed for Apple iPhone users who seek to have advanced and higher quality cameras on their smartphones. It costs $3 per download, until September 10, when Tap tap tap releases its first ever free version of the third-party camera app.

Tap tap tap seems to want to expand its user base through the new free version of the camera app. 9 to 5 Mac posted the company's statement, "We want to get the app out to as many people as possible. We currently have 14 million users, but we'd love to see more people using and falling in love with our app. We think by offering people a free version, more people who typically don't pay for apps will give it a try. If they like it then they may buy some in-apps or just spread the word about our app. - Camera+ cofounder Lisa Bettany."

This move is very timely as paid apps are becoming less popular these days. More developers offer their products free and earn through in-app purchases. Camera+ Free is available in iTunes App Store.