# Ink-Free Photo Printers The 'droPrinter' is an App-Connected Portable Printer Used for Smartphones By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-07-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/droprinter References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/377839/World-s-First-Smartphone-Printer-Cost-US-50-Prints-Photos-Without-Ink/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/droprinter/droprinter-the-worlds-first-smart-phone-printer) The droPrinter is a portable printing device that will print black and white images and text anywhere at any time. The printer connects to smartphones through an app and Bluetooth connectivity. The printer uses [thermal printing paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/n2thermal-printer) that does not require ink cartridges or refilling. The droPrinter can print anything that shows up on a smartphone screen. In addition to the compact printing abilities, this small device has a USB connector and can charge smartphones. A single charge will last 120 hours, making it the perfect [portable charger](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magink) and staying connected is even easier. The printer can produce shopping lists, recipes, coloring pages and even black and white images. There is a [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jollylook-eye) campaign that has been launched to help fund this project and bring it to consumers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Portable Printing Devices:** The rise of portable printing devices that do not require ink cartridges or refilling presents an opportunity for companies to innovate and create more environmentally-friendly alternatives. - **Thermal Printing Technology:** The adoption of thermal printing technology in everyday products can disrupt traditional ink-based printing industries and bring about more efficient and user-friendly solutions. - **App-connected Printing:** The integration of printing capabilities into smartphone apps can pave the way for smoother and more seamless printing experiences for users. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the demand for portable printing devices and thermal printing technology to create new products and services. - **Printing and Publishing:** The traditional printing and publishing industry can embrace and adapt to the adoption of thermal printing technology to remain relevant and competitive. - **Mobile Application Development:** The mobile application development industry can explore and innovate app-connected printing solutions for users who demand quick and easy printing capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pocket-Sized Smartphone Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-instant-photo-printer.md) - [Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-image-box.md) - [Digital-to-Analog Photo Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jollylook-eye.md) - [Portable Selfie Printer Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selphy-qx20.md) - [Artwork-Friendly Smartphone Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fujifilm-instax-mini-link-plus.md) - [Instant Action Camera Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insta360-ace-pro-2-pocket-printer.md) - [Portable Smartphone Camera Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instax-mini-link-2.md) - [App-Connected Photo Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-sprocket-studio-plus.md) - [Freestyle Desktop Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dual-printer-device.md)