CES: Polaroid makes social comeback

Polaroid has come back from the instant photo dead with an instant-sharing camera, in partnership with Socialmatic.

Polaroid has announced an agreement with Socialmatic to produce the Polaroid Socialmatic instant camera in 2014.

A blend of the old and new schools, the Polaroid Socialmatic camera combines the nostalgic appeal of vintage Polaroid instant cameras with the modern convenience of being able to instantly connect and share via major social media networks.

The camera, with a built-in Android interface and Wi-Fi connectivity, went on display in the Polaroid Booth at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show today.

“We are very excited about the partnership with Socialmatic and the pending launch of this remarkable camera,”” said Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid.

“”Polaroid was the original social network: allowing people to instantly capture, print and share life’s moments in a way that had never been possible before. This relationship with Socialmatic allows Polaroid to come full circle and once again allow people to capture and share images in ways that are only possible with a Polaroid camera in their hands.‚””

The Polaroid Socialmatic camera has a standard square shape and vintage design, but consumers will have the choice of using the 14 megapixel front camera or 2 megapixel rear camera to capture and immediately post images. If Wi-Fi isn’t immediately available, the camera will pair with smartphones via Bluetooth.

For a touch of old school, users can also select, print and share images instantly on ZINK Paper featuring ink-free Zero Ink Printing technology. Prior to printing, images can be touched up, edited, and consumers can add clip art, icons, or text to any image prior to printing or posting. When ready, the user just presses print and the Socialmatic camera prints a 2 X 3 inch full-color sticker-backed ZINK photo in under a minute.

The camera features a 4.5‚”” touchscreen LCD display and an LED flash. Consumers will be able to save their images to a Micro SD card or to the camera’s 4GB of internal storage.

C&A Licensing, an authorized Polaroid Licensee, will produce and distribute the camera. Additional specifications, including pricing will be available in the coming months.

* For more information, please visit www.polaroid.com/socialmatic

– Gadget.co.za

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