Samsung launches tap-to-print devices in Kenyan market

Samsung Electronics has unveiled laser printers that use wireless connection and tap-to-print (Near Field Communication) technology in the Kenyan market.

The devices can print, scan and fax directly from mobile devices by simply tapping the printer on the phone screen within a range of 100 metres.

The printers, which are in laser black and white colours, come in five models that sell from Sh10,000 and target small offices, households and SMEs.

Samsung vice president for East and Central Africa Robert Ngeru said users are not limited to using Samsung phones only.

“Any smartphone is compatible with the printer. All a person needs is to press the WPS button on the printer to make it broadcast itself to compatible devices, connect and print,” said Mr Ngeru.

Unique features in the printers such as Plug and Play and Eco Mode eliminate the hustle of installing print drivers and enhance cost saving by reducing energy spent on printing documents.

The feature is supported by Android, iOS, and Windows, allowing users on different operating systems to plug in and use with ease.

“We understand that all businesses are cost conscious as they look for ways to maximise their profits, and one way of doing this is to check operation costs,” he said.

The new range of printers include C1810W Colour Printer, C460W Colour Multifunctional Printer, SL-M2020, L-M2020W Mono Printers and the SL-M2070 Mono Multifunctional Printer.

The new range comes with “longer lasting” toner capacity combined with other features such as the polymerised toner.

“The polymerised toner contains a mix of latex and wax that lowers energy usage and gives a yield of up to 50 per cent more than other types of toner, lasting longer than average toners and enabling users to print on more sheets of paper,” said Albert Kigada, Samsung EA printer division product manager.

The printers, which have a two-year warranty, come with separate toner and drum, allowing the user to replace toner at least three times before the drum is replaced.

For the colour printers, Samsung technology offers only one drum and four toners as opposed to a drum for each toner, thereby saving the user the cost of three additional drums.

Samsung has partnered with Sun Systems Ltd to distribute the printers in the local market.