A Smartphone Case Printer with AR Technology - Prynt

As defined by Wikipedia, “Augmented Reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer generated sensory input such as sound, video…etc.” Now, there is a pocket-sized printer available that packs this AR technology into it, resulting in instantly printed photos that can be viewed as videos. Meet the Prynt!

Very much like the LifePrint app and printer combo we’ve written about before, the Prynt Pocket lets you include a video file to your photo such that when it is viewed using the Prynt app, image recognition technology recalls the video file attached to the photo and plays it back – hence the AR component.

This means that when you view your printed photograph through the Prynt app, it comes to life – turning from a plain photo into a video. Super cool.

Unlike LifePrint which uses Bluetooth technology to print, Prynt lets you plug your phone directly into the device making it a “smartphone case” that prints pictures instantly. Because it doesn’t use Bluetooth or Wifi technology to create the printed photo, your phone when plugged in is turned into an old school polaroid camera.

Prynt is compatible with the following iPhones: SE, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5s, 5 and also with the Samsung Galaxy S5. The Prynt app is available for both iOS and Android. The Prynt Pocket’s ultra portable body adjusts around your phone to let you snap a pic and print on the go with a battery life of about 30 prints. The printer comes with a micro-USB cable to recharge the device’s battery.

Like most of the other pint-sized portable photo printers currently on the market, Prynt uses ZINK® sticker paper which produces full colour prints without the use of ink cartridges, ribbons or toner. The photos print such that they are dry to the touch and are protected with a polymer overcoat that supplies a water resistant and tear resistant print for long term image durability.

Prynt launched a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter on January 27, 2015 and within 33 minutes reached their initial goal of $50,000. In total, through the support of backers they received over 1.5 million dollars and are set to release the newest model in their lineup the Prynt Pocket.

For those who want to purchase a Prynt portable printer of their own, you can do so via Amazon or Best Buy. Happy Printing!