Xiaomi has introduced an upgraded version of its Mijia Pocket Photo Printer, named the 1S, which incorporates several new features aimed at enhancing personalization and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
The Mijia Pocket Photo Printer 1S has been launched on JD.com and other Chinese e-commerce platforms with a pre-sale price of 399 yuan (approximately $60 USD). It will be more widely available starting from July 19th.
Enhanced Customization Options
The primary function remains unchanged: it's a portable printer for producing physical photos from your smartphone. The 1S, however, now offers an array of customization features accessible through the Mi Home app. Users can select from various built-in border styles for their prints, add personalized avatars, and even attach signature watermarks.
The printer is equipped with eight different filters, allowing users to modify the overall aesthetic of their photos prior to printing. A significant change in the 1S is the shift from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth connectivity. This update allows multiple users to connect to the printer at the same time, fostering a more communal printing experience.
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
The 1S goes beyond static prints by incorporating augmented reality (AR) to enrich photo memories. The “AR video photo” feature allows users to link videos or audio clips to their photos via the Mi Home app. By scanning the photo within the app, these images come to life, enabling users to relive their moments with both sight and sound. Videos can be up to 15 seconds in length, while audio recordings can be as long as 60 seconds.
ZINK Zero-Ink Printing Technology
The Mijia Pocket Photo Printer 1S uses ZINK zero-ink printing technology, which means it relies on special ZINK photo paper embedded with color crystals. The printer heats these crystals to create the image, removing the need for ink cartridges. While the printer itself is reasonably priced, the refills are somewhat costly. A 50-sheet pack of ZINK paper is priced at 99 yuan (around $15 USD), equating to a per-sheet cost of approximately 2 yuan (USD 0.30).
