Lexmark intros Genesis all-in-one printer with camera-based scanning, we go eyes-on
You've probably seen quite a few flatbed scanner bars in your lifetime, but the $400 Lexmark Genesis printer doesn't have one of those -- it's got a 10 megapixel digital camera with a fish-eye lens that produces nigh-instant images. 750 milliseconds after you close its front-facing scan bay, the CMOS sensor generates a preview on the 4.3-inch color touchscreen, and 2.2 seconds after that, it's got a full 300 dpi image saved on your USB-connected computer or winging its way across 802.11n WiFi. The company's calling the system FlashScan, and the raw speed was definitely impressive when we saw it in San Francisco this week, even though other parts of the print system left something to be desired.
The printer uses special algorithms to translate the fish-eye image back into a flat sheet and reproduces text quite well, but the twin RGB flashes it fires to reproduce color didn't always do an accurate job, and we were disappointed to find a number of features (including some obvious oversights like image rotation for copies) weren't accessible via the touchscreen. It does have a number of neat web apps for completely untethered use, however, including the ability to scan right to Evernote and Photobucket and Box.net, and Lexmark told us it's working with a number major photo hosting services, Twitter and Facebook to let Genesis users directly upload. See it in action on video after the break, along with the full press release. %Gallery-105119%
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Lexmark Genesis: the industry's first AIO to deliver speed, style and SmartSolutions
Flash Scan technology, sleek vertical design and the new Twitter and Facebook SmartSolutions headline the printer category's latest, most innovative product
LEXINGTON, Ky. and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 15, 2010 – Today from BlogWorld, Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) launched the latest addition to its award-winning lineup of Web-connected, all-in-one (AIO) inkjet printers – Lexmark Genesis.
Last year, Lexmark introduced a line of inkjet AIOs that delivered powerful and robust printing technology designed for today's wireless, Web-connected workplace. The Lexmark Genesis, built on the same inkjet platform, extends the line and targets savvy professionals and small business and home office customers who are looking for a device that has innovative technology, is highly productive and is also bold and stylish.
"From its unique, sleek upright design to the broad range of SmartSolutions, the Lexmark Genesis is truly an innovative, one-of-a-kind product in today's AIO market," said Paul Rooke, Lexmark executive vice president and president of its Imaging Solutions Division. "Most importantly, after a quick and easy setup, busy professionals will immediately experience its time-saving instant preview, quick copies and unmatched speed when scanning content to the cloud." Through its built-in innovative camera technology, Flash Scan, which boasts a 10-megapixel imaging sensor, the Lexmark Genesis delivers blazing scanning speeds that enable the AIO to transfer a page from "document to digital" in as few as three seconds.
In addition to its innovative Flash Scan technology, the Lexmark Genesis comes equipped with sophisticated features and functionality, including the 4.3-inch capacitive color touch screen that is also available on Lexmark's other award-winning AIOs, the Platinum, Pinnacle and Interact. This touch screen serves as the gateway to Web-connected technology allowing busy professionals to access Lexmark's SmartSolutions, including well-known, cloud-based applications such as Stamps.com, Evernote, Box.net and TripIt.
Just announced today along with Lexmark Genesis are the Twitter and Facebook SmartSolutions. These SmartSolutions will enable users to scroll through and search their Twitter feeds as well as view their Facebook walls and print photos right from the device. Twitter is currently available for download. Facebook will be available next month.
