Variable, Inc., creators of the NODE wireless sensor platform for smart devices, has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Sweden-based color management firm NCS Colour. Effective immediately, the partnership facilitates the offering of Variable’s NODE+chroma colorimeter device under the NCS label Colourpin throughout Europe. 

“Our partnership with NCS is a perfect pairing of the powerful capabilities of the NODE+chroma and the creative energy represented in the NCS color vision,” said Variable’s vice president of marketing John Kowalski. “We are delighted to partner with NCS and look forward to seeing the great work that evolves from the talented professionals that use the device.” 

Colourpin integrates the utility of a handheld colorimeter with the aesthetics of a customized color communications system. Powered by a free app and wireless connection to a smart device, users collect colors by placing the device tip on a surface to get the closest match in the NCS Index. Users then add pictures via the in-app camera and notes to create a fully customized storyboard that can be reviewed, edited and shared with clients and colleagues. Helpful information, including lightness values and conversions to RGB, CMYK and Lab, displays automatically for pinned colors.

Showcased at the recent European Coatings Show in Nuremburg, Germany, the Colourpin is expected to draw the attention of professionals on the aesthetics side of the painting and coatings industry. NCS Colour product manager Fredrik Lundgren said, “The idea of being able to describe the colours you see is what founded NCS more than 75 years ago. Colourpin is a great example of how modern technology lets us take this idea even further, making it easier than ever to capture colours on the go.”   

The Colourpin’s hardware, the NODE+chroma, is one of several platforms in Variable’s suite of NODE sensors that capture environmental measurements, like motion and CO2 levels, via interchangeable caps. Named by CNN Money as “the coolest gizmo we found at CES” in 2013, the NODE+ sets itself apart from others by its modularity, compact size and affordable price tag. Kowalski said, “At around €250 and about the size of a roll of coins, professionals who are used to paying much more for a clunky device will be pleasantly surprised by the power and ease of this one.”