Mobile printing now has a new meaning. HP has announced the Sprocket, a portable printer for the smartphone generation that produces 2"x3" photos with a peel-and-stick back. The printer probably won"t fit comfortably in your pocket at a depth of .83 inches, although it does weigh under half a pound, which should make it easy to carry around for use on the go.
The device uses Bluetooth to connect to the required HP Sprocket companion app available on either Android or iOS devices. With the app, photographers can use photos they have taken or those from social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to create a physical copy. Users can also add any number of effects to their photos, including borders, text and emojis before they print.
In an HP blog post, Sarah Murray, managing editor at HP newsroom, wrote, "HP envisions the new device finding popularity with teenagers and millennials who are drawn to fun, stylish gadgets that might be a hit at social events." The post continues to say that "fun-seekers might be taking selfies or looking at social media posts that they would like to print out, share and take home with them."
The Sprocket printer notably does not use traditional ink. Instead, the device relies on HP ZINK Photo Paper, which has all the color required for printing already embedded. HP claims that this method creates "smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant" prints.
This product announcement comes after HP recently made a large investment in the consumer and enterprise printing market. Earlier in September, the company agreed to purchase Samsung"s printer business in a deal worth $1.05 billion.
The $129 Sprocket is currently available to purchase and comes in either a rose gold-accented white model or a black and grey color option. The device comes with 10 free sheets of the required printing paper, while the 20-count replacement packs will cost an additional $10.