Lately, we’ve had some products come out, from both crowdfunding projects and even from major brands, that allow us to print pictures from our smartphones or tablets. But what if what you want to print is not a picture and you wouldn’t want to waste ink and photo paper on a list or a receipt or a few words? droPrinter may be the solution to this problem, as it calls itself the “world’s first smart-phone-printer”.
Basically, what sets apart this printer, which is currently trying to raise funding on Kickstarter, is that it can print anything from your smartphone on to the thermal paper that runs through it. As long as it can be seen on your smartphone screen, it says it can print it, be it a series of messages, a piece of advice you want to give a friend, a grocery list that you want to give to your roommate, or yes, even a picture. Connecting it to your smartphone is also supposedly pretty easy. Turn it on, do the one-step connection to your gadget, and you can start printing.
If you need to tweak a few things, you can do so in the user-friendly and simple app. You can even generate QR codes and print them, using the app as well. Unlike most of the insta and mobile printers that are now in the market, this is relatively cheaper in the long run because it uses thermal paper. However, as with most things printed on thermal paper, it won’t last forever, and it may not even look that pretty.
The campaign has actually reached its target goal of $15,000, and there are still 22 days to go for you to become a backer. You can pledge as low as $50, which is a huge difference from the estimated retail price of $99. You’d have to wait a little longer though, as shipping is expected by March of next year.
SOURCE: Kickstarter
This is a crowdfunded project, and as such may not deliver what its creators initially promise. Most crowdfunding sites, like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, have policies about what happens to your money if the project fails to deliver on its goals, but choosing to back a project is inevitably a risk. Android Community’s reporting on crowdfunded projects should in no way be seen as an endorsement, unless specifically stated, and we recommend closely examining the terms and conditions to understand your individual rights as a backer before making a pledge.
Gah, thermal paper!