Instagram to launch Polaroid branded cameras

CAT, FOOD AND MOUSTACHE DIRECTORY Instagram is launching a set of Polaroid-branded cameras so users can take photos of their lunches to their heart's content, print them out and cover their walls with them.

The hipster photo sharing app signed a deal with Polaroid in order to get the rights to produce and market the cameras with their makers Socialmatic and bring the social network app into reality.

Described as "a small revolution in digital photography" by Socialmatic's CEO Antonio de Rosa, the point and shoot cameras are set to "fill the gap between virtually and reality", allowing users to print Polaroid sized photos like with traditional Onestep cameras, while also uploading them to the social network as well.

The Socalmatic camera was originally launched as an online concept from ADR Studio in May last year. However, the Instagram and Polaroid branded versions will have additional support for the photo filtering and social media sharing functions seen on Instagram.

Specifications aren't confirmed as yet, as Socialmatic says the cameras are in early development stages. However, at the moment it looks like they will have an interchangeable lens system and a 4.3in touchscreen with built in Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G connectivity options and at least 16GB of internal storage.

The ADR Studio concept originally ran Android, but again there's no word from Socialmatic whether this series will follow suit.

Those who can't get enough of taking pictures of their cats shouldn't get too excited about the cameras, as they aren't expected to launch until "early 2014". That's rather a long wait, and we don't know if Instagram will still be popular then.

Nevertheless, you can watch the video below to get a better idea of what the cameras will look like when they do appear, but as the opening sequence tells you, bear in mind "none of the products shown actually exist". µ