My immediate reaction to Polaroid's new Zip photoprinter was "why?".
It's a mobile printer that prints 2" x 3" images. It's charged via a micro USB cable and prints roughly 25 images per charge.
The printer can link to android or iPhones via Bluetooth/NFC.
So basically, it's a device that turns your phone into a Polaroid camera with a single, 25 image, film pack. All for only $129.99
Oh, and you have to use Polaroid's paper which costs $14.99 for 30 sheets.
Okay, so I'm being a bit facetious.
The "printer" doesn't actual print. It actually activates ink embedded in the specialized paper. Plus, the printer will presumably draw power from the cable if the cable is plugged into a wall outlet instead of using the battery, allowing the device to print more than 25 images as long as a wall outlet is available. (It should also be able to use external portable batteries.)
This does strikes me as a very niche product. I don't see that many people being interested in a portable printer capable of only printing 25 images before it has to be recharged. It does appear to be a better option than the current alternatives, though.
You can purchase instant film cameras and film. The cheapest option for film seems to by Fuji's instant film at $8.99 for a 10 pack. That's $27 for 30 photos versus $14.99 when using Polaroid's new printer. Saving $12 per 30 images means the printer will pay for itself after roughly 300 images when compared to the alternatives.
This might be a product that certain photographers might be interested, with wedding photographers being the most obvious. Guests could obtain copies of photos taken at the wedding or reception while they were still on location. The couple could also personalize any keepsakes given out to guests with images taken during the ceremony.
The same is true for other events.
This does suggest a possible revenue source for event photographers. The photographer could rent the printer and sell the paper needed to print images at the event.
(For those wondering how someone could make money selling the paper. The $14.99 is the retail price. The photographer should be able to purchase it at the wholesale price. The difference is the photographer's profit margin on the paper.)
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