by Brianna Crandall — June 29, 2018 — Datacolor, a global provider of color-management solutions, recently announced the launch of ColorReader, its second portable color identification and matching tool. Eliminating the need to cut into a wall for a sample, use numerous paint fan decks or an inaccurate photo, or just guess, ColorReader provides accurate and fast color selection, enabling design and paint professionals, building occupants and facilities managers (FMs) to identify the colors of paint and everyday objects.
Designers can of course use this tool to make sure a new paint color matches a color inspiration (existing piece of furniture, artwork, carpeting, etc.) or another wall, while FMs may find it most useful when a wall has been damaged and they need to find the correct color to repaint it.
New ColorReader
Demonstrated at this month’s NeoCon 2018 contract interiors show, the new device complements Datacolor’s first professional color matching device, ColorReaderPRO, and is targeted at a wider audience for an affordable price of $99, paired with the free ColorReader mobile app. It is intended to be an easy-to-use color identification tool that is affordable for all.
ColorReader is an ultra-portable, Bluetooth-connected color selection device that works in conjunction with the ColorReader mobile app to precisely identify paint colors. Image courtesy Datacolor
Smaller than a deck of cards, ColorReader is an ultra-portable, Bluetooth-connected color selection device that works in conjunction with the ColorReader mobile app to precisely identify colors across more than a dozen paint brands, including Ace, Behr, Benjamin Moore, Cloverdale, Color Is, Dryvit, Farrow & Ball, Kelly-Moore, ML Campbell, PPG, RAL, Sherwin-Williams, True Value and Valspar. Users can access all of today’s most popular paint color fan decks in one place to determine coordinating colors, and create and manage color palettes by saving and sharing paint colors.
The app is updated on an ongoing basis to ensure continued and immediate access to new color collections. ColorReader displays not only the collection name, color name and number, but color data including RGB, CMYK, Hex, delta e and lab values. The relevant information can be entered into third-party software for added workflow benefit, and information can be shared via text and email.
The handheld tool and app enable the fast and accurate identification of colors of paint and everyday objects across more than a dozen paint brands. Image courtesy Datacolor
With a claimed 94 percent accuracy in color-matching performance, ColorReader saves users valued time and money by matching color instantly and accurately, removing the subjective guesswork that comes with traditional fan decks — a key differentiator for design professionals and a help for occupants and managers.
Previously released ColorReaderPRO
The preceding ColorReaderPRO tool offers a more flexible experience that can be used with or without the mobile app thanks to an embedded OLED screen. In addition to the size, screen and ability to use the device in standalone mode, the ColorReaderPRO comes with a carrying case and calibration slide. NCS 1950 color standards are also available with the PRO, but not with the ColorReader in the US at this time.
To learn more about the new ColorReader, visit the company’s website. Datacolor has provided software, instruments and services to assure accurate color of materials, products, and images for more than 45 years, with sales, service, and support to over 100 countries.
