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Printing solutions specialist Lexmark International launched the latest addition to its lineup of Web-connected, all-in-one ink-jet printers, the Genesis, as well its Twitter and Facebook SmartSolutions. The 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.
The Twitter application is currently available for download; the Facebook app will be available next month.
Through its built-in Flash Scan camera technology, which boasts a 10-megapixel imaging sensor, the Genesis allows for a preview on the 4.3-inch color touch screen. The Flash Scan technology also delivers improved scanning speeds that enable the AIO to transfer a page from “document to digital” in as few as 3 seconds. The Genesis will be available early next year online and in stores across the United States and Canada for $399, according to a company release.
The Genesis also features the company’s Vizix print technology, which uses separate ink cartridges to enable greater speed and produces high-quality print output at an economical replacement cost for customers. Other key features include Wireless-N (IEEE 802.11n) for expanded coverage, built-in two-sided printing, and a three-year warranty with lifetime phone support. The Facebook SmartSolution will allow users to view news feeds, wall posts, comments and pictures directly from the touch screen of the printer. Users can also print pictures from their albums and feeds without even turning on the computer.
The Twitter SmartSolution enables users to view real-time tweets and messages from people they follow on Twitter-directly on the touch screen of a Lexmark Web-connected printer. Twitter Search is designed for users without a Twitter account, and allows them to search for any subject or term and view what people are saying about it on Twitter. “It’s perfect for people interested in social networking but not yet ready to sign up for an account,” a company release said.
In addition to its Flash Scan technology, the Genesis comes equipped with a capacitive color touch screen that is also available on Lexmark’s other AIOs: the Platinum, Pinnacle and Interact. This touch screen serves as the gateway to Web-connected technology, allowing users to access Lexmark’s SmartSolutions, including cloud-based applications such as Stamps.com, Evernote, Box.net and TripIt.
“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.”
The printer also offers green IT features such as the chance to save up to 50 percent on paper usage and 8 percent on energy usage with the one-touch Eco Mode; in addition, the printer is made of more than 99 percent of recyclable materials. Plus, the printer is Energy Star qualified, and Lexmark offers two different collection programs, one for cartridges and one for equipment.