# Smartphone Polaroid Printers The Instant Lab Universal Prints Mobile Images as Polaroid Prints By M | Published 2016-02-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-print References: [fancy](https://fancy.com/things/961292712403802809/Instant-Lab-Universal?utm=timeline_featured) The Instant Lab Universal is a [portable Polaroid printer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-trance-camera) that allows consumers to transform digital illustrations captured on their smartphones into tangible prints. The vintage aesthetic of the classic Polaroid style adds an antiquated element to photos taken exclusively for posting on social media. The Instant Lab Universal works by allowing users to place their smartphone screen to the printer that instantly copies the illustration onto film, like a traditional darkroom. The print is delivered immediately and can be shared with friends or displayed as home decor. This is ideal for consumers looking for a way to turn their digital memories into physical mementos. Innovations such as the Instant Lab Universal speak to consumers looking to maintain their modern tech devices and social media while simultaneously exploring the [tangibility of vintage mediums of photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrova). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Portable Polaroid Printers:** Opportunity for mobile printing devices that allow any user to create physical photographs from their smartphones on the go. - **Digital-to-analog Products:** Opportunity to develop products that bridge the gap between the digital and the physical world, enhancing our experiences with technology. - **Modern Vintage Aesthetic:** Opportunity for tech companies to incorporate the vintage aesthetic to their products, appealing to consumers' nostalgia while providing modern functionalities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** The Instant Lab Universal shows opportunities for photography companies to incorporate vintage, tangible elements to mobile photography. - **Consumer Electronics:** The trend of portable polaroid printers offers opportunities for consumer electronics companies to diversify their product line and innovate on mobile printing devices. - **Home Decor:** There is an opportunity for home decor companies to cater to consumers who want to turn their digital memories into physical mementos, creating products that showcase these physical photographs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artwork-Friendly Smartphone Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fujifilm-instax-mini-link-plus.md) - [Portable Smartphone Camera Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instax-mini-link-2.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) - [Pocket-Sized Smartphone Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-instant-photo-printer.md) - [Rechargeable Instant Print Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kodak-smile.md) - [Palm-Sized Digital Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fujifilm-instax-pal.md) - [Instant Action Camera Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insta360-ace-pro-2-pocket-printer.md) - [Pocket-Sized Photo Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ivy-2-mini-photo-printer.md)