If there is a type of phone that makes the phone fun again, it would be a vertical folding phone aka flip phone. This is especially true in recent years when Chinese handset makers started getting into the game. Chinese brands have proposed using it like the good’ol DV camcorder and introduced snazzy purse-style cases, and now, Xiaomi wants to turn it into a Polaroid-like instant camera with an official accessory.
Along with the reveal of the brand’s first flip phone, the Mix Flip, Xiaomi also revealed a super cool accessory known as Xiaomi Mix Flip Instant Photo Printer Set. Xiaomi Mix Flip Instant Photo Printer Set is composed of two parts: the second-generation pocket printer Mijia 1S, and an “interconnected wallet”. The latter is essentially a dock for the pocket printer that also has a holder for the new Mix Fold. The dock is complete with a removable shoulder strap that makes the set even more instant camera-like.
To turn a Mix Fold into an instant print camera, all you have to do is insert the 1S photo printer into the “wallet” and slide the Mix Fold into the outside phone holder. The devices seamlessly connect via Type-C connectors. Once both devices are plugged into the “interconnected wallet”, the phone automatically detects the “instant photo” functionality. At this point, you can fire up the camera app and choose the “instant photo” function to snap a photo and print it right there and then.
The printer uses Zink inkless technology to print. In addition, it can realize so-called video photos. For this function, you will need to use the 1S pocket printer’s app. In the app choose the video photo print function, select a video you want to turn into a photo, and then select a cover photo.
Also using the printer app, you can choose to scan a video photo, and viola! the video will start to playback on the photo you are holding. It will playback even if you are moving the physical photo around in front of the camera.
The Xiaomi Mix Flip Instant Photo Printer Set is designed for Mix Flip only, unfortunately. Not all hopes are lost because the 1S is available to buy separately (in China, of course) and will work with other brands of Android and also iPhone. The pocket printer sells for 399 yuan [CH] and the Xiaomi Mix Flip Instant Photo Printer Set goes for 499 yuan [CH]. It was a sell-out when it was announced. At the time of this post, it is waiting to be restocked.
Images: Xiaomi [CH].
