Call me old fashioned, but there’s something about printed photos that’s way cooler than posting them on the internet. The problem is, it’s usually a long-winded process, where you have to upload your photos to a computer that’s connected to a printer, or use an online service that will mail them to you, or bring a USB drive to a photo printing shop (if you can even find one).
With KiiPix, from TOMY, you can instantly print any photo from your smartphone—and yes, it’s really that easy.
KiiPix is a portable picture printer with no batteries or cords. It comes in jet black, cherry blossom pink, or sky blue, and will fit on any desk—it’s small enough to hold in both hands. It requires FUJIFILM Instax mini film (sold separately), which has a thick white border that gives the photos a fun retro feel to them.
It’s recommended for kids ages 13 and up, and is simple to use, even for people who aren’t that great at tech stuff. First add the film to the bottom of the KiiPix. There’s a counter that shows how many photos are left, and you can always add more film whenever you run out. Then, select the photo you want to print from your smartphone.
Because you’re printing photos off your phone, you can make edits (like fixing red eye) or add filters (using Snapchat, Instagram, or other apps) as you wish before printing, which you can’t do with a regular instant camera. You can literally print anything from the digital world.
Open the KiiPix by lifting the lid up, select which photo you want to print from your smartphone, and place the phone on top screen-side down. Push the shutter button on the KiiPix, and turn the dial. The picture rolls out right then and there. It seriously takes about 2 minutes.
Essentially the printer is taking a picture of your phone screen so make sure the brightness on your phone is all the way up to get the best quality print.
The printed photos are about the size of a credit card (3.4 in. x 2.1 in.), and are great for scrapbooking, or to decorate bedrooms and office spaces, or to carry around inside a wallet. The KiiPix printer itself is lightweight, sleek looking, and takes up very little space so it’s easy to store, or take on-the-go. It will fit easily into a backpack or handbag. Insta-fabulous!
