Print and Pixel Dust

Managing print-to-mobile formatting

Agfa Graphics (Booth 627) has also enhanced its :Apogee workflow solutions for more-robust multi-media work. The company’s :Apogee Suite 8.0 includes :Apogee StoreFront, a new, cloud-based Web-to-print solution that enables easy set-up of online stores for printed and non-printed products.

A new SaaS solution from Agfa, :Arkitex Eversify, helps publishers maintain complete control over the look and feel of their online and mobile version publications with minimal effort.

PSPs and publishers automate the delivery of publications to mobile devices with :Arkitex Eversify, as it can operate seamlessly with the existing print production workflow to create a mobile publication. Designed specifically for publishers seeking an uncomplicated mobile solution, :Arkitex Eversify provides a rich reading experience without increasing production costs.

QR codes for better mail management

MailSpotter a new direct-mail QR code utility from Datatech SmartSoft (Booth 653) tracks mailings through the U.S. Postal System, using a combination of both the new Intelligent Mail barcode and QR codes.

When a service provider prepares a mailing for a client, MailSpotter can generate unique QR codes for each individual mailpiece, along with the IM barcode, and the entire mailing is tracked through the Postal Service in real-time and reported on through an online portal that has a variety of easy-to-read reports.

When a recipient scans a QR code the mail sender gets an instant notification via SMS or email with the details of who has scanned it, for more timely and proactive follow up. Mailspotter not only removes the guesswork that happens when a direct mail campaign goes out, it allows mailers to drill down to the mailpiece level with instant, detailed campaign performance data on who is scanning their campaigns.

Multi-media’s next GRRR-eat application

Like Ricoh’s Clickable Paper, HP’s Aurasma technology takes interactive print beyond the QR code. And HP (Booth 1227) has also had some compelling uses beyond the traditional printed page and into the large-format printing arena. In fact, Chicago is one of 50 cities worldwide where rock legends The Rolling Stones have installed Aurasma-enabled billboards and signage featuring 3D augmented reality illustrations for the Stones’ new GRRR! greatest hits album.

The album cover features a Gorilla painted by iconic wildlife artist Walton Ford, and fans can use Universal Music’s uView app to watch the GRRR! artwork, fully realized in 3D animation. Viewers will also be treated to exclusive content and can pre-order the album through the Aurasma-enabled print application.

In addition to Chicago locations, the campaign appears on worldwide landmarks, including Big Ben in London, New York’s Empire State Building, Tokyo’s Skytree, and the Sydney Opera House—all of which have been tagged with a variety of virtual 3D gorillas modeled on the GRRR! album artwork.

And, while nearly every GRAPH EXPO exhibitor’s large-format advertising features QR codes nowadays, HP’s ads also feature Aurasma. Look with your smartphone using the AurasmaLite app and you’ll see the customer testimonial ads turn into full-video interviews of PSPs discussing the advantages they gain with HP technology. The HP large-format printer models featured in these campaigns are the centerpiece of authorized HP reseller PriscoDigital’s exhibit in Booth 201, including the HP Designjet L28500 Latex Ink printer and the HP Scitex FB700 UV-ink printer.