Kodak’s ideas for the print business at photokina

In response to a question from INTERNATIONAL CONTACT, Kodak Europe’s boss Philip Cullimore emphasized that the announcement of the planned sale of the photo business was not hindering Kodak’s current activities in any way. “We recently announced our intention to sell our personalized imaging businesses. It’s important to remember that we are not discontinuing these businesses and as such there will be no impact on the European channels,” said Cullimore. “We continue to manage these businesses as well as current products, services and software updates and will do so until the transition to new ownership.”

At photokina, Kodak will focus on the networking of the various devices and platforms, making this possible with new solutions that utilize the innumerable photos from smartphones and the numerous snapshots on Internet platforms such as Facebook for the print business at retail. Customers can now design picture products at home with the Create@Home software or use the new My Kodak Mobile app on their smartphones and tablets to creatte and order photo products that can be collected on the same day from a photo retailer of their choice. Also new is the My Kodak Moments Facebook app, which enables Facebook photo albums to be converted in the space of a few seconds into a virtual photo book, share it with friends and naturally also order printed copies that are produced in store by the Kodak printing systems.

With extensive networking functions and intuitive interface, the new Kodak G4XL photo kiosk takes photo retailers to the connected print business. The large 16:9 monitor with a latest-generation, touch-sensitive screen makes the design of personalized photo products directly in the store particularly easy and convenient. With the modular Apex dry lab, the new Kodak 305 photo printer and other peripheral devices, Kodak enables photo retailers to offer immediately available photo books and greetings cards “to go”, and thus achieve high added value.

In addition, Kodak will unveil at photokina new professional papers and software for professional photo labs, and will also showcase new developments for centralized imaging service providers. The Kodak Nexpress Photo Platform digital printing system has been developed for high-quality photo books and other print products and, with special applications, offers the possibility to produce high added value premium products. Using the fifth printing unit, gold, mother-of-pearl and neon print effects can also be produced. “We are delighted to be at photokina to demonstrate our market-leading products and services in all areas of photo printing – from consumer and retail to professional and commercial applications”, said Cullimore. “Kodak has been instrumental in transforming the photo market, and the exciting solutions we are showcasing this year reflect our continued focus on meeting consumer needs.”