Xiaomi has introduced an upgraded version of its Mijia Pocket Photo Printer, known as the 1S, focusing on enhanced personalization and augmented reality (AR) capabilities.
Available today on JD.com and other Chinese platforms for a pre-sale price of 399 yuan (approximately $60 USD), with wider availability beginning July 19th, the Mijia Pocket Photo Printer 1S builds upon its predecessor’s success as a portable printer that transforms smartphone photos into physical prints.
While retaining its core functionality, the 1S model offers expanded customization through the Mi Home app. Users now have access to various built-in border styles, the ability to add custom avatars, and include signature watermarks on their prints. Additionally, eight different filters allow for adjusting the appearance of photos before printing.
A significant update is the shift from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth connectivity, enabling multiple users to connect simultaneously, enhancing the social printing experience.
Embracing augmented reality, the 1S introduces the “AR video photo” feature within the Mi Home app. This innovative function allows users to associate videos or audio clips with their printed photos. When scanned via the app, these photos come to life with accompanying video clips (up to 15 seconds) or audio recordings (up to 60 seconds), enhancing the reminiscence of captured moments.
The Mijia Pocket Photo Printer 1S utilizes ZINK zero-ink printing technology, where color crystals embedded in ZINK photo paper are heated to produce images without the need for ink cartridges. While the printer itself is priced affordably, the cost of refills should be noted, with a 50-sheet pack of ZINK paper priced at 99 yuan (about USD 15), translating to approximately 2 yuan (USD 0.30) per sheet.
