Get Social with Polaroid Socialmatic Camera
The market is already flooded with plethora of devices that can show more of you on social media sites with just a click of a button. The latest addition to the cluster is Socialmatic Instant Digital Camera from Polaroid. The company has been known for casting a magical spell on camera lovers with their classic Polaroid cameras which displayed images from a blank space. Polaroid aims at achieving similar level of success with their Socialmatic camera, which initially emerged as an idea from ADR Studio in 2012.
Features
Socialmatic is yet another social media-centric gadget from Polaroid, which allows you to instantly connect to various social media apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest etc. and share your favorite pictures. The Android-powered device carries the charm of the classic Polaroid cameras but is equipped with latest features. It flaunts a 14-megapixel front camera and a 2-megapixal rear camera. You can view the images on 4.5 inches wide touchscreen LCD display. The camera also features an integrated Wi-Fi, which allows you to share the pictures on various social media sites within seconds. You can get the camera in two standard colors – black and white. In addition, you will get 4GB of storage and can expand the memory using a microSD card.
Printing System
Socialmatic has a built-in ink-less printing system, which allows you to generate 2×3-inch prints with sticker backings so that you can display your favorite images wherever you want. The printed photos would carry a QR code, which would allow other Socialmatic users to follow the photographer by simply pointing their devices at the code.
But, you need special equipment and supplies to print your pictures, just like with old-school cameras of Polaroid. The camera makes use of heat-activated Zink paper, which can be purchased for around $30 for 80 sheets. The printing system will take less than a minute to print out an image. The best part about printing is that you don’t need to wiggle them like classic-Polaroid photos, unless you want to do it for mere fun. Polaroid has already experimented with all these ideas (remember the Z340 instant-print camera), but the Socialmatic might succeed in getting attention of gadget lovers due to its hipster-vintage-retro design. The Android programming and 4.5-inch touch screen display surely adds to its wide list of innovative features.
Revolutionizing photo sharing experience
Socialmatic makes it easier and less expensive to pose a photo on Instagram than taking a print out. Did we mention that you would find something particularly satisfying about taking Polaroid pics — it allows you to follow the age-old custom of refilling the cartridge and undergo the gratifying experience of viewing and touching your print outs. But remember, Socialmatic doesn’t carry the customary charms of Polaroid and the user is aware how the photo will look like as you can choose the picture you want to print by first viewing it on the 4.5-inch touchscreen. But, Socialmatic allows you best of both worlds- printing and photo sharing!
Expected Launch
Scheduled for a Q1 2014 launch previously, the Socialmatic Android camera is expected to be launched this fall. The company has announced at CES that all paperwork to make this device a reality is now complete. However, there is no update from the company about its pricing.
Conclusion
Would Socialmatic be a hit? It’s too early to predict. If you ignore the anticipated cost of the gadget, it is bound to be famous in at least in real-world social get-togethers. Moreover, the device allows you to store your real-world images in a real-world photo book that can be preserved, touched and felt for years to come.
Though we are yet to test the device, but Polaroid seems to have done a great job in bringing out a product that will bring revolutionary changes the way photo sharing works across various social media platforms. While it carries the class and appeal of a classic Polaroid camera, it also features today’s technology and dons it so beautifully that it is expected to take the photo sharing experience to a whole new level.
