The Kodak Instamatic is coming back in the form of an Android smartphone that will launch at CES 2015 in a couple weeks.
The new Instamatic carries the brand recognitions of the iconic Kodak camera; however, it is a purely digital device that will be targeted toward photo enthusiasts. These product images come from a similar product teased for 2014 (but never released).
I am not overly excited about this products potential due to the fact that the only involvement of Kodak is the licensing of its brand and product names to Bullitt Group, which is manufacturing and distributing the phones/cameras. The biggest credit Bullitt Group has to is name is the CAT brand of ruggedized smartphones, which are beefed up in terms of ruggedness but very underwhelming in terms of real-world use.
The press release touts a rich user experience for users as a result of tailor-made software for image capture, management and sharing. Again, I just don’t see a second-tier company developing a rich user experience that’s better than some of the refined mobile products on the market.
Even the global giant Samsung has a hard time putting all the pieces together for a fantastic, camera-centric smartphone.
As much as I want it to be awesome, my prediction for the Kodak Instamatic is that the retro design will drive it to mediocre sales but the user experience will be underwhelming overall . . . just like every other Kodak-licensed digital product since the company met its demise in the digital imaging world.
I’ll be sure to look at this camera/phone closer at CES in a couple of weeks, but I’m not quite holding my breath for it.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQrK9a1lSe0&w=700]Check out the full press release below.
Kodak and Bullitt Group Partner For New Range of Mobile Devices; Débuts at CES
LONDON, December 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —
Iconic imaging brand Kodak and leading mobile device manufacturer Bullitt Group, have today announced that they will launch a range of Android-powered mobile devices offering best-in-class image management software and features along with great design and UI.
Aimed at – but not exclusively for – consumers who want a high-end experience but aren’t always as comfortable using increasingly complicated mobile devices as they would like to be, the range of smartphones and tablets will come pre-loaded with bespoke image capture, management and sharing features to offer a rich user experience.
In addition, advanced remote management software will be pre-installed, allowing family members and friends to provide help and support if needed.
“Kodak is one of the world’s most recognisable brands. It is trusted by consumers as a marque of quality and innovation,” says Oliver Schulte, CEO Bullitt Mobile. “We’ve taken that heritage and used it to inspire a range of beautifully designed devices that will let users take great pictures and edit, share, store and print them in an instant.”
Unlike other phones aimed at this target audience, the KODAK Mobile Device range will not compromise on design and user experience. With as much focus on design as well as usability, the range will stand out in a market segment that is currently under-served.
Adds Schulte: “Delivering simplicity without compromise, these devices will address a segment of the mobile device market that has been poorly served to date. By giving customers easy access to printing and sharing services while still offering the latest Android OS and features found on high-end smartphones, we will appeal to a large audience of users who value ease of use and stylish design as highly as they value functionality.”
Eileen Murphy, VP Brand Licensing, Kodak is excited to be entering the mobile handset market with the Bullitt Group. “We are impressed with Bullitt Group’s commitment to delivering a portfolio of products that embrace the quality and innovation that our brand is known for around the world.”
The first handset will be launched at CES 2015 on the Kodak stand in South Hall 1, Booth 21818. There will be further product announcements across the second half of 2015 including a 4G handset, a tablet and a connected camera.
The Kodak trademark is used under license by Bullitt Group, Ltd from Kodak.
SOURCE Bullitt Group
[via PetaPixel]
This sounds very interesting, but I have a couple of questions.
Firstly, when does this device actually become available for sale?
Also, does it come with the full implementation of Android, including the accessibility features? This issue is never, never, never mentioned in reviews, but there are many of us with failing sight who still want to take photographs. IOS and most Android devices have this sorted, with speech, magnification and contrast adjustments built in. Are such features available on this new Instamatic?
Where does the flashcube go? Does it take a 110 SD card?
Love it! Best comment I’ve read in quite some time!