The final edition of the year, What’s Happening December 2023 covers a new pro printer from Epson. It also includes upgraded Kodak Moments retail software for the photo printing market that enhances holiday printing for consumers and retailers. Plus, we’ll look a new holiday partnership involving Minted.
What’s Happening December 2023
Epson SureColor P5370 17-Inch Professional Photographic Printer
Epson introduced the 17-inch SureColor P5370 professional printer to meet the needs of the professional and production photographic markets, replacing the SureColor P5000.
With a more refined design, the SureColor P5370 combines an improved MicroPiezo AMC printhead with Epson Precision Dot Screening technology. Epson engineered the printer to consistently produce prints with smooth tonal renditions and to reproduce the details captured with today’s high-resolution cameras.
It features a 10-color UltraChrome Pro10 ink set in high-capacity 200 mL cartridges. Moreover, the set includes violet ink to enable the printer to deliver an extended range of blue hues and a wider color gamut than UltraChrome HD ink. It also has dedicated channels for photo and matte black inks. Consequently, there’s no need to for ink switching. This will help save time and reduce ink waste. Further, specs say the printer’s built-in carbon black mode increases Dmax, allowing for richer blacks and better contrast on glossy paper.
What’s more, for increased productivity, the printer has a built-in roll feeder, auto cutter and a high-capacity cassette. The cassette accommodates 100 cut sheets from 8.5×11 to 17×22 inches. To further support today’s workflows that leverage both Epson and third-party media, the SureColor P5370 also includes Epson Media Installer software. The application aids in controlling printing parameters with various media, including thick fine art papers.
Additional SureColor P5370 features include intuitive operation. The printer has a new 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen and interface that allow easier setup, control and maintenance. Moreover, Epson expanded its connectivity options. It includes Ethernet, USB and now Wi-Fi. The printer also offers software support for enhanced productivity. It includes Epson Cloud Solution PORT2 for fleet management as well as Epson Print Layout software for simple print production.
Epson will release the SureColor P5370 in Q1 2024. SRP: $2,095.
Kodak Moments Retail Software Upgraded with More Photo Products
A new version of Kodak Moments retail software is upgraded for the photo printing market. Moreover, this version enables retailers to offer consumers an expanded set of premium products to grow revenue. In all, Kodak Moments Retail Software version 23.2 delivers 60 new features and upgrades.
The upgrade was released to keep retailers on the leading edge of innovation, while making it easier for store clerks to manage and fulfill print orders. Furthermore, the software is compatible with a range of photo printing solutions. They include Kodak Moments Kiosks, Kodak Moments Self-Service Print Stations as well as the Kodak Moments Adaptive Picture Exchange (APEX) dry lab. 
Kodak Moments Retail Software v23.2 is a full-featured program that now prioritizes ease of use and deployment for retail managers and store clerks. Kodak Moments developers streamlined the system to enhance performance. The software gives retailers greater control over order fulfillment. Additionally, it allows store clerks to modify a print order on the APEX dry lab. When a clerk can re-prioritize an order quickly, especially if a consumer is waiting, it’s a win-win. Feedback from retailers on this feature enhancement was overwhelmingly positive, the company reported.
Further, Kodak Moments Retail Software v23.2 offers a power-saving feature. Thermal printers can now go into sleep mode when not in use. This capability is available on Kodak Moments Kiosks, Self-Service Print Stations and APEX dry lab systems.
New Photo Products with Same-Day Fulfillment
With this version, retailers can also offer several new photo products for same-day delivery. Consumers can design and purchase these personalized products by creating them online and printing in-store. They can also order directly from a Kodak Moments Kiosk or Self-Service Print Station. Store clerks can print the expanded line of products using APEX dry labs. 
Among the new products is the Kodak Moments Custom Cover Journal. It is a personalized notebook that features the consumer’s favorite photos plus a logo, design, or custom text on a hard cover. It has 100 lined pages that lay flat, which makes it easy to write in.
Furthermore, retailers now have access to an expanded drinkware module. Consequently, consumers have available more photo mug colors. The drinkware products come in white and four two-tone color options: white with black, pink, red or blue.
Plus, the Kodak Moments Coin Bank is now available customized with designs that feature consumers’ favorite photos and text. This product is in limited distribution. 
Finally, there is a new direct transfer feature to streamline photo uploads in-store. It makes it easier for consumers to connect their phones to kiosks. Consumers can access the photos they wish to print from their mobile device in three steps. Unlike traditional tethering, direct transfer allows users to quickly print photos stored in Google, Apple and other cloud-based repositories.
Minted and the Kelce Family Team Up on Holiday Photo Cards
A design marketplace for holiday cards and one-of-a-kind photo gifts, Minted announced it teamed up with Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce on holiday photo cards.
“Working with one of football’s favorite families was an incredible opportunity,” said Minted’s GM of Holiday, Marissa Cedarleaf. “Minted shoppers and our artist community comprise parents who can relate to the behind-the-scenes maneuvering it takes to capture a portrait of a lively, young family. It’s these photos and memories that stand the test of time. We’re honored to help the Kelces spread the holiday cheer to their friends and family this season.” 
As part of an official partnership, Minted helped the Kelces tackle this season’s highlight—the family photo shoot and holiday card. Straight from the football field to his backyard, Jason is joined by wife, Kylie, as well as daughters Wyatt (4 years), Elliotte (2 years) and Bennett (8 months). Authentic family moments are captured play-by-play through compilations of “mic’d up” footage, still and video outtakes and family interactions. All celebrate the humor, joy as well as chaos that is the holiday season.
Moreover, the Kelces chose the Madras holiday card design by Minted independent artist Megan Cash of Canton, Ohio. The front of the card features a festive plaid with a modern twist. The Kelces worked with one of Minted’s design associates to customize the colors to match the Eagles’ signature green. Further, the back of the card features additional family photos and a personal holiday message.
Minted understands how busy families value efficiency during an often-hectic holiday season. Additionally, Minted’s holiday tools and services include address collection via the Minted app; free card styling via text; and artful envelope addressing. Minted holiday cards start at $69 for a 25-card set.
Epson SureLab D1070DE Professional Minilab Printer Now Available
The Epson SureLab D1070DE minilab photo printer is meant to help businesses expand print offerings with automated double-sided printing. Announced in 2021 for on-site printing at fulfillment labs, photo studios, retail operations as well as entertainment venues, the D1070DE is now available.
“Pictures and graphics have become synonymous with big events, memories and milestone achievements,” said Aaron Brill, associate product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, “The SureLab D1070DE supports a variety of businesses, including on-site photographers, photography labs and graphic artists with fast, outstanding single and double-sided photo applications for creating tangible mementos.”
Epson SureLab D1070DE Details
Epson developed the SureLab D1070DE to offer a low cost of ownership and high productivity to help print businesses grow. The minilab printer delivers high-quality prints using Epson’s MicroPiezo AMC printhead as well as AccuPhoto image processing technology. Moreover, it uses six-color UltraChrome D6r-S dye-based ink for water-, smudge- and fade-resistant prints. Additionally, the printer works with high-capacity ink packs. Espon UltraChrome D6r-S 250 mL ink packs deliver a wide color gamut. Further, cartridge-free printing can help reduce waste compared to traditional cartridge systems.
What’s more, the printer sports a new, front-facing 1.44-inch LCD panel to simplify print tasks. It also features new nozzle detection and alignment technology for less downtime and more reliable operation. Further, the D1070DE boasts improved connectivity and simplified software. It connects over Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB using a redesigned printer driver for Windows and Mac.
Other benefits include a small footprint with an integrated output tray that is an option for photo booths, as well as portrait and event photography. Plus, it prints on a range of high-capacity roll and double- or single-sided sheet photo media. This includes glossy, luster as well as matte finishes. Moreover, the print engine is backed by a U.S.-based support team and Epson’s limited warranty.
Print operators can use the Epson Cloud Solution Port to monitor the live status of an entire printer fleet regardless of where they are in the world. They can view output production rates, printer status as well as errors.
The SureLab D1070DE minilab printer has an SRP of $2,995. It includes a standard one-year Epson Preferred Limited Warranty. The SureLab D1070 duplex feeder ($600 SRP) is also available for purchase separately to add double-sided printing to the SureLab D1070.
