Prynt Pocket Makes the Instant Print Camera System for iPhone Even Better
First hitting the market in 2016, Prynt brought a fun dose of retro charm to any iPhone. The instant printer attached to a handset, acting as a case, and could print out 2×3-inch prints that could event turn into a sticker.
And the company is back with the second-generation incarnation of the system – the Prynt Pocket.
While the printing system remains the same using no ink technology, the big change is with the printer itself. As the name suggests, the Pocket is much smaller and easier to carry with you.
- The printing process doesn't require any ink and take a little less than 30 seconds for each photo.
- Available in a wide variety of different colors.
- Use the companion app to view a special AR video that can be included with each print.
Getting smaller
Compared to the original Prynt, the Prynt Pocket is much smaller and easier to carry on the go.
Instead of one piece like the Prynt, there are two parts of the Prynt Pocket – the printer itself and the cartridge that holds the special paper. The printer itself is easy to hold. When you’re ready to print, push the button on the rear to slide open the iPhone holder. That will allow any modern iPhone with a Lightning plug to be used. There’s no need for any special adapter. Unfortunately, you will need to remove your iPhone from any case before inserting it in the Pocket.
Prynt Pocket sports a built-in battery that is designed to provide up to 20 prints before needing to be recharged.
The other part of the equation is the holder than can fit up to 10 prints at one time. After loading the paper, the holder is inserted on top of the Pocket. Make sure to line up the arrow on the printer and paper holder. When done printing, you’ll press two buttons on the side of the holder to eject it. All finished images appear on the bottom on the printer.
Printing the photos
The 2x3-inch photos can also be used as stickers.
The special Zink paper requires no ink and just needs a single pass on the Prynt case. Ironically, started out of Polaroid itself, the company’s paper is activated by special thermal technology.
Prynt says that the Zink technology provides long lasting prints that won’t tear or smudge after being printed. And the prints do seem like they will hold up with time.
As a cool bonus, each print can also be turned into a sticker by simply peeling off the adhesive back from each photo. You can snag a 40-pack of paper from Amazon, each print is still $.50 each. So printing out photos for the whole family could quickly turn into a costly affair.
Before you actually print, there are a number of different editing options found in the usual photo app. Anyone connected in the Adobe ecosystem should be glad to know that you can sign in or create an account to sync photo editing supplies to Creative Cloud. There is a boatload of different filters along with the ability to draw on the image, add text, and even create your own meme.
After printing, the photo appears in around 30 seconds and is ready to go. No shaking required.
As for print quality, don’t expect perfection. Lighter areas of photos were usually blown out own and darker parts were difficult to see in the final product. There were also a number of areas with somewhat noticeable streaks and other artifacts. But for me, that’s part of the retro charm of the system.
Augmented reality fun
The fun AR feature adds a video to each print that can be played with the companion app.
Just like the original version, the star of the show is easily the ability to embed a short video in each print. When your iPhone is plugged into the case, pressing the silver power button will both snap a picture and record a short video. You can also add up to a 10-second video from any Photo Library.
Thanks to a hidden QR code printed on each photo, just head to the Scan section of the app. It will automatically read the code and then play the video securely stored in the cloud. As long as you’ve downloaded the app, you can play the video – even if you don’t own the case.
It’s a fun addition that adds an easter egg to each image and is a great way to help remember the moment.
Purchase now
The printer is available in a number of fun colors.
You can purchase the Prynt now for $149.99. Just like with the original, there are three fun colors to select from including gray, black, and mint green.
The comapany does include a 10-pack of paper with each Prynt Pocket which is a nice way for users to help get snapping.
While instant photo printers have jumped back into vogue with the popularity of the Fujifilm Instax Mini, the Prynt Pocket brings the best of both worlds.
Instead of having to lug around another bulky device, the Prynt Pocket is svelte enough to fit anywhere and can be pulled out only when needed. The prints offer a fun memento of a particular event and the additional augmented reality feature brings a cool, modern twist to each Prynt. It’s a great addition to any iPhone photography tool kit.
