Punch Camera prints hole-filled papers

Designer Matty Martin's Punch Camera has a built-in printer, but it doesn't use ink to print photographs. Instead, the device punches holes of different sizes on a piece of paper to "print" the captured image.

Inside the Punch Camera are rows of puncturing mechanisms. After a picture is taken and sent to print, the shooter will first convert the image to halftone and then align the punchers and choose the appropriate hole size for each area. Once done, users will just have to slot a piece of paper into the snapper and press down to create the picture.
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HP mulling over merging printer and PC business units

Hewlett-Packard is considering a reorganization that would see the company's printer unit combined with its personal computer business, according to a Wall Street Journal report Tuesday.

The plans, which are contingent on CEO Mark Hurd's final approval, would put both units under the leadership of Todd Bradley, the chief of the company's PC group, according to the report, which cited people close to the situation.

HP representatives declined to comment on the report, saying they don't comment on rumor or speculation.
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Epson delivers portable photo printer with digital frame

In Japan, it's a tradition to send out postcards for New Year on January 1, and most families like to make their own to send out to friends and relatives. Epson Japan probably saw a potential in this market and introduced the Colorio Me E-800 postcard printer.

However, this portable gadget comes with a nice 7-inch LCD which doubles as a digital photo frame when it is not churning out greeting cards. Another interesting feature of the E-800 is that it is bundled a remote control as well as a wireless keyboard. This can be used for typing out customized messages on pictures. The inkbox has an onboard card reader which accepts commonly used media such as Memory Stick and SD/SDHC. Users can also transfer images to the E-800 from their mobile phones via the optional Bluetooth adapter.

The E-800 is currently available only in Japan and is retailing for about US$600. Epson Singapore told CNET Asia the company has intentions to bring a similar product soon to Asia, though it may not be able to create customized postcards like the E-800 and will probably print photographs only. Pricing-wise, consumers can expect it to be more affordable than the E-800. Check back soon for more updates.

HP launches HP TouchSmart Printer App Store

HP just opened up its new Printer Application Studio to coincide with the release of the HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web slated for the end of this month. The site will offer visitors the chance to browse apps that extend the usability of the Web-connected printer, all available as free downloads directly to the device.

In a similar fashion to Apple's iPhone App store, HP's version can also be accessed using the "Get More" button on the large 4.33-inch touch screen. I had a chance to preview the store in a live demo with HP and the layout is very simple, with small icons and a place to submit user ratings, reviews, and suggestions for future applications. The marketplace is already populated with several applications from HP's partner companies. Some examples include:

Snapfish: View, edit (lightly), and print your snapshot photos

Google Maps: Print maps and directions

Fandango: Buy and print movie tickets

DreamWorks Animation: Print coloring pages and movie-themed games for the kids

Weathernews Inc: Print up-to-date weather information

Web Sudoku: Print out puzzles and games

HP also has the last piece of the puzzle in the form of the HP Software Developers Kit that will eventually give consumers and developers the tools to create their own Apps for submission to the App Studio. In the meantime, HP will continue to update the store with new apps throughout the year.

Via Crave CNET

Epson Stylus Pro 3880 gets Vivid magenta, tackles metamerism issue

Epson is replacing its Stylus Pro 3800 medium format (17 x 22-inch) printer with the 3880, rolling its latest set of technologies down the product line from the Stylus Pro 4880, as well as introducing a new version of its screening architecture.

The 3880 is getting the 8-color UltraChrome K3 Vivid Magenta ink set that's already been incorporated in most of Epson's other pro graphics printers, plus the same ink-repellent coating on the printhead to minimize nozzle blockages. With this model, Epson introduces Accuphoto HD2, an update to its screening technology with look-up tables co-developed with RIT; the new LUTs go a step beyond choosing the appropriate color for any given dot to selecting the appropriate color with the lowest metameric index (i.e., the least likely to change appearance under different lighting conditions).
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