Three different but equally interesting photography related products from Polaroid which have caused a lot of interest at the CES 2011 are the GL30 Instant Digital Camera, GL20 Camera Glasses and GL10 Instant Mobile Printer. They both belong to the company’s Grey Label, which is a link up with their “creative director” Lady Gaga.
The firm claim that the instant printer matches the quality of a photo lab by using the second generation thermal technology from ZINK Zero Ink. This amazing system uses heat to convert ordinary looking photos into your snaps without ink. This means that you don’t need to use toners or cartridges in it, or ribbons of course.
The GL30 camera combines a camera, digital read out and an instant printing facility in one package. The Polaroid people state that it has been designed to look like the company’s classic camera. However, it also includes a highly modern, no ink instant printing solution.
If you are looking to “merge fashion with photography” then the Lady Gaga inspired GL20 Camera Glasses could be right for you. They let you take instant pictures or upload snaps using the glasses’ built in camera. The LCD screens / lenses can then be used to view the photos and to show them to others.
The digital camera and glasses will be on sale later on in 2011 although the price is not yet known. As for the mobile printer, it will cost $150 in the US from this May onwards although the price of the paper isn’t clear yet. Here is a video from Lady Gaga speaking about her involvement with Polaroid.
In summary, the camera sees Polaroid move back into the instant photo market, which has got to be a good thing. The instant printer is slick and stylish and should be a success. When it comes to the glasses there is room for a bit more scepticism about their chances of success, but they could be a surprise hit. Would you want to wear them?
