14 DAY TRIAL // The first time we heard about the Foodini 3D printer, 2013 hadn't passed yet and it was speculated that it would be used by astronauts and retail food stores. Now, the 3D printer is finally making the last steps towards widespread availability.
We say “steps” because it's not just a matter of sending the thing to stores. Not yet. The 3D printer doesn't exactly exist yet.
Sure, a working model has already been made, but that's all the world is going to get if Natural Machines don't raise the money they need on Kickstarter.
One thing we have noticed is that the folks behind the Foodini aren't as uncertain about the prospects of their creation anymore.
Before, they didn't comment much on their hopes for consumer use, saying only that retail food stores had shown an interest, although they did specify home use as an afterthought.
Now, though, the Foodini 3D Printer is described, right off the bat, as a kitchen appliance that can change how the world prepares food.
We're not going to get behind that statement just yet. Sure, if you fill the food capsules with the required ingredients, you can have the Foodini print various things.
If you use pre-cooked ingredients, you can even eat what comes out immediately instead of having to stick the result in the oven.
So yes, Foodini can change how you make crackers, ravioli, pizza and cookies, but not every other type of cooked food in the world. Then again, the new device was never claimed to be capable of miracles, so that's of little consequence.
It only takes a few minutes to print something, which will give a new dimension to your breakfast. Instead of chugging down a quick cup of coffee and eating buttered toast while running out the door.
Now, you'll be able to take care of your morning ablutions and get dressed, only to find food already waiting for you. You can even set the thing to make you a custom chocolate vase if you're feeling particularly adventurous. You can select from multiple options from the onboard touchscreen.
There isn't a pre-set lower limit to how much money you can pledge to fund the effort on Kickstarter, but you'll need to part with at least $1,000 / €727 if you want to actually get one.
Shipments will only start in January 2015, but you can pledge $2,000 / €2,000 and you should get your Foodini 3D printer early, by October this year in fact. Until then, we'll be watching to see how long it takes NASA to incorporate the Foodini in its manned space shuttles.
