Xiaomi launches new affordable photo printer with direct wireless connectivity

Xiaomi has introduced a new affordable photo printer in China, and it's currently available to purchase through its crowdfunding platform called Youpin. It's essentially an upgraded model over the Mijia Desktop Photo Printer 1S, bringing over key hardware improvements and efficient printing.

Among the improvements, one of the notable ones found in the new Desktop Photo Printer 2 is support for a 4-color dye sublimation printer. Xiaomi has basically added a black K layer, and this change should result in sharper and finer details across the print. It should also result in better ink efficiency as the shadows and other dark elements are handled by the dedicated black channel.

The new Desktop Photo Printer 2 brings an upgrade in terms of wireless connectivity as well. To look back, the 1S required WiFi connectivity, while the new model has Bluetooth 5.2, meaning that it can make a direct connection to the source. As Xiaomi highlights, it can connect to phones, tablets, laptops, and more.

It's also possible for the printer to be connected to multiple devices at the same time. Other than that, there are templates that users can choose from, different printing modes, and support for square, 4-inch, and 6-inch printing sheets.

Speaking of which, Xiaomi touts that with the 4-inch sheet, the printing cost can be as low as CNY 0.99 per sheet. That translates to around $0.15 per print. As for the photo printer, it's currently available on Youpin at CNY 699, about $103. The company didn't share details on the global launch and availability yet (Kodak Dock Plus curr. $95.49 on Amazon).