Kodak launches into the cloud with its new Hero MFPs

Posted on 7 Sep 2011 at 12:44, by Kat Orphanides

We've had an early look at Kodak's new Hero range of printers, set to replace the imaging giant's existing top-end printers. The new models have a wealth of extra features, including support for Google's Cloud Print, which allows you to use Gmail or GoogleDocs to send content to your printer from anywhere in the world.

Unusually, while most printer manufacturers are only implementing Cloud Print in new models, Kodak will be releasing a firmware update for older Wi-Fi enabled C-Series models to provide the same cloud functionality. You'll also be able to email documents straight to your printer.

The new printers use the same engines as previous models, complete with the low print costs and integrated colour cartridges that have set Kodak apart from its competitors in recent years. However, it's the new MFPs' other features that improve on their predecessors.

The flagship Hero 9.1 is the most feature-packed, with a massive 4.3in colour touchscreen, Wi-Fi, duplex printing, a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder for scanning and copying, a dedicated 6x4in photo paper tray and Smart Sensor technology to tell you if the printer has enough paper and ink to complete the job you've sent it. Thanks to the dedicated photo tray, if you email a photo to the printer, it'll automatically be printed on photo paper, making it an ideal method of getting holiday snaps to your family faster than you could write a postcard. At £199, the 9.1 is the most expensive printer in the range.

For home office and micro-business users, the £169 Office Hero 6.1 combines the same web functionality and sensor technology with a 200-sheet document tray, integrated fax and a duplex ADF to match the printer's automatic duplexer. This makes it easy to scan two-sided documents quickly and efficiently. For users on a tighter budget, the Hero 5.1 dispenses with bells and whistles such as touchscreens and photo trays, but you'll still get cloud printing, sensors and automatic duplexer.

You'll be able to read a full review of the new hardware here in the next couple of weeks.

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User comments

My New Kodak Hero 9.1

After much trying,I could not get a decent A4 photo print from this machine at all!My old Epson R300 was so much more colourful in comparison to my new Kodak top of the range printer.The prints seemed "flat" and lacking in contrast and colour,despite using Kodak premium glossy paper and "best setting".As most of the settings are auto,and preset,there's not a lot you can do about it.I even tried a replacement Hero 9.1,as I couldn't believe Kodak would make a printer,which couldn't produce an acceptable,good quality,photo print.
So eventually I got a refund,and bought a new Epson SX435,which was much cheaper,but produced a much more acceptable,colourful,and sharp print,had wi-fi,and a scanner,but no fax,which is not a problem.
I did try everything,i.e updating the firmware,cleaning the print heads,different paper types,recalibration of the printer,etc.,all with little effect.I even used a full set of cartridges,trying out everything I could think of,and Kodak Helpdesk weren't of much use either I'm sorry to say.
I have good quality cameras,and I thought this new Kodak would be an upgrade from my old Epson,but for such an expensive item,it was very disappointing.The only plus to it was easy wi-fi set-up,it looks nice and solid,and a nice touch screen.

By dougsinnott on 29 Jun 2012