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Toy manufacturer Tomy has announced the KiiPix, a battery-free smartphone printer that’s remarkably similar to the one Holga has been promoting through its Kickstarter campaign. The biggest difference between the two is that you can get the KiiPix today, rather than having to wait for a Kickstarter.
The KiiPix is designed very much like the Holga version, other than the pull-up bellows, and uses the same principles for copying the screen of your smartphone onto Fujifilm Instax Mini instant film.
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To make a print, users are encouraged to turn up the brightness of their screen and place the smartphone face down on a frame supported by a fold-out stand. The shutter is tripped using a nearly identical side-lever mechanism as the Holga Printer, and a winding crank draws the film from the cassette through the exit slot to trigger development.
The only thing the KiipIx needs to print photos is a steady supply of Instax film. It collapses down to 135x55x175mm/5.3×2.1×6.88in to stow away easily in a bag for carrying around. The printer has been available since August, and retails for$ 40/£39. It comes in a range of colors depending on your region. For more information see the Tomy website.
PRINT PICTURES ANYTIME, ANYWHERE WITH KIIPIX
KiiPix from TOMY is the new and innovative smartphone printer that instantly prints your favourite photos straight from your smartphone to create lasting memories.
Unlike many instant cameras or photo-printing devices, KiiPix does not require batteries, an app or Wi-Fi to use; simply open up the device, place your smartphone on top, press the button and rotate the dial to print out your photo. KiiPix’s compact design means it’s easily portable so you are ready to print photos anytime, anywhere. It comes in three colours: cherry blossom, sky blue and jet black and at an affordable price point of £39.99 is guaranteed to appeal to the masses.
As the revival of retro inspired products becomes more prominent in both the fashion and technology industries, Kiipix is tipped to be the must-have lifestyle product for millennials, students and young women in 2018. From fashion, to gaming systems, to food, consumer trends show that nostalgic brands are resonating with millennials as they embrace old favourites.
There has been a huge surge in the popularity of instant photography in the last number of years as consumers turn to analogue camera equipment and discover the joy of print photography in this digital age. KiiPix combines both the new and the old, as users can capture and modify photos on their smartphones before instantly printing, retro style.
Kiipix will be supported with a strong digital and social media campaign, as well as being present at experiential consumer events; influencer marketing will also be central to the product launch.
KiiPix – SRP: £39.99
The innovative KiiPix device is light and compact, and collapses into a peggable closed box making it easily portable measuring at 135 mm x 55 mm x 175 mm. KiiPix comes in three colours, cherry blossom, sky blue and jet black. Available in August 2018. Suitable for 10 years plus.
All TOMY toys are cleverly designed to develop children’s core skills whilst they play. Manufactured to the highest standards, this collection of reliable toys continues to be a family favourite, building on the heritage and core values, which parents associate with TOMY. For more information on TOMY please visit www.tomy.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/tomy.toy.uk or follow us on @TomyToysUK.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)