polaroid

The 404 445: Where we sharpen our blades and prepare for glory

Today's episode of The 404 Podcast starts with a big change in the show title format. That's right, we're now announcing the date with the episode number and name. Can you feel the excitement! Well, if that didn't do the trick, check out this funny headline from the first story of the day: "Woman fired for eating boss' meatball." I don't even think that requires any further explanation, but you can read the whole story here

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Now that you can invite friends to Google Voice, maybe Wilson will be generous and spread the love. Google Voice is great for users that want to consolidate several phone numbers into one. The service also transcribes voice mails, assign personalized greetings by caller, forward voice mails, and many more convenient features that help you screen your communication with the outside world. Do you have a Google Voice number already? Let us know what you think of the service, and share the wealth, will you!?

Models, high schoolers, and crime scene investigators will love this next story: Polaroids are making their triumphant comeback in 2010! A group called The Impossible Project is taking the reigns and collaborating with Polaroid to reproduce a limited edition of the Instant Film in mid 2010. If you can't wait that long, they've also partnered with Urban Outfitters and have the classic film and a special edition Polaroid camera kit available in stores now.

Finally, we definitely want to show our support to Drew Olanoff and Drew Carey for actually making philanthropic use of Twitter! Drew Carey will give away $1,000,000 to the LiveStrong foundation if his Twitter account receives a million followers by midnight on December 31, 2009. In the small chance that he doesn't get the million followers by that time, the amount will be prorated according to how many he ends up with. In other words, if he finishes with 600,000 followers, the LiveStrong foundation will receive $600,000. Right now he's at 92,017 followers--with The 404's help, we can get him closer to that million!

Oh yeah, do yourself a favor and go check out Loaded today to see Natali talking about the Love Vibes iPhone app that rates your lovemaking skill...or lack thereof.

EPISODE 445 Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Fujifilm brings second instant-film camera to U.S.

With Polaroid killing off its instant-film business in favor of its Zink printing technology, Fujifilm saw a hole it could fill with its instant-film cameras. The first Instax camera arrived in November 2008, and Wednesday the company announced the arrival of the Instax Mini 7S.

The 7S features:

Automatic built-in flash for low-light shooting 1/60-second electronic shutter LED exposure indicator Silken white finish Measures 5 inches by 5 inches by 2.5 inches (HWD)

The camera uses Fujifilm's Mini Instax 2-inch by 3-inch film with a printed area of 1.8 inches by 2.4 inches. It's … Read more

Ceramic Polaroid honors lost medium

Polaroid Instant Film may be defunct (though a group of enthusiasts is aiming to resurrect it), but the influence of this medium can be clearly seen. Previously, we reported on the Polaroid candle, but it's a pity to light that thing up. If you want a more lasting remembrance of the iconic camera, the Ceramic Polaroid might be a better choice.

For $62, you can get the Ceramic Polaroid from Twine. This handmade representation is crafted from glazed earthenware, and its heft makes it suitable for a paperweight. However, we're sure Polaroid fans would never do that.

(Source: … Read more

Polaroid lives on in a candle

For $39.50, you can buy a candle shaped like a Polaroid camera. Why would anyone do that, you ask? Well, the instant Polaroid cameras and film as we know them have been discontinued, so it feels right that this product will eventually burn out after 40 hours of use.

That said, we suspect camera enthusiasts won't ever light it up, which is fine, too. We imagine it would make an awesome conversation piece sitting prettily beside your family photos.

(Source: Crave Asia via book of joe)

Dell Wasabi adds spice to portable printing

Sure, Polaroid might be 6 feet under (or is it?), but casual photo enthusiasts can still enjoy instant gratification with Dell's Dell Wasabi PZ310 Mobile Printer, just announced today.

The Wasabi uses Zero-Ink (ZINK) technology that replaces cumbersome print cartridges with dye crystals embedded right into the proprietary ZINK paper. The crystals are heated as the paper passes through the printer, rendering clear, sharp images in less than a minute for each 2-inch by 3-inch photo.

ZINK also licenses its technology to other companies for their own unique products. For example, look for cameras and ZINK printers to converge … Read more

The 404 268: Where I don't care, subject to you!

Alternate show title: Where Wilson Tang is the worst son ever. As much as we love Wilson's Mom calling in and recording her voice for us, we can't help but give Wilson flak for exploiting his own flesh and blood. Today's show starts off innocently enough with a story about a disgustingly delicious Super Bowl snack, but in typical 404 fashion, it quickly sinks to dirtier waters (pun intended) thanks to yours truly. You know what? I don't even regret it! And special thanks to our surprise visitor, listen in to find out whom!

Filthy filthy … Read more

Polaroid PoGo camera: Big, boxy, lots of fun

People are still lamenting the passing of Polaroid Instant Film into history, but thanks to technology featured in its tiny portable PoGo printer launched in 2008, the company is offering a new shoot-and-print option: the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera. And despite its parent company's woes, Polaroid has no intention of curtailing product plans in 2009.

Plans for a 21st century Polaroid camera were announced in August 2008, but the product itself was announced at CES 2009.

The camera, which has a certain retro boxiness to it, is pretty big in comparison to most point-and-shoots with its camera specs. … Read more

Fuji helps Polaroid fans move on

The next generation of instant film has made its way into the U.S. market to delight those of us who never had the chance to say goodbye to the classic Polaroid camera.

Fuji's Instax Mini camera creates credit card-size photos in a funky camera that comes in pink, blue, and white.

Last February, Polaroid announced that it's shutting down factories of its instant-film cameras. Websites like SavePolaroid, which actively contact Polaroid in a bid to save the classic camera, have sprouted in response to the sad departure.

Though Fuji's Instax Mini is no Polaroid, it is … Read more

Fraud case leads Polaroid to bankruptcy protection

Polaroid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, but no, it's not because almost nobody wants its self-developing film anymore.

Instead, the company said that its filing, which permits the company to undertake a financial restructuring, is related to a fraud matter involving Petters Group Worldwide, owner of Polaroid since 2005.

"Polaroid's financial condition was compromised by the apparent fraudulent acts perpetrated by the founder of Petters Group Worldwide, Polaroid's parent company, and certain of his associates," the Minnetonka, Minn.-based company said in a statement Friday. "The Chapter 11 process will provide … Read more