The Xiao digital camera is a printer/camera mashup

If you like what the Polaroid Pogo can do (print instant pictures via Bluetooth) the Xiao from Tomy will go down a treat. Think of it as the Polaroid Pogo meets a 5 megapixel digital camera - that's two devices in one for practicality and ease of mind for only having to worry about one device instead of two. The two have been fused together to bring you photographic convenience in a nifty and good looking device.

Take a picture, print it out - it's as simple as that. And if you've got pics trapped in the realms of your phone, you can send them over. There's no Bluetooth, instead it used infrared connectivity. But as long as the pictures come out, it doesn't really matter what method is used - providing they come out with haste. According to Tomy the printing time is very quick, and "within 45 seconds" sounds pretty quick to me and will definitely satisfy your impatient side. The photos also have an adhesive back, so you can stick them on your forehead, your notepad, your mate's back, or wherever really.

Like the Pogo, the Xiao uses an inkless printing technology. In its place is a heat activated process that works with the dye crystals embedded in the photographic paper to bring your picture to life.

Spring next year is the planned international launch date, and it's expected to retail for around £240. If you happen to be in Japan though, you can pick one up for 34,00 Yen.

[via Tech Digest]

More cameras here