We've seen
the future of the digiframe, and it's... well, less boring than what we've been forced to deal with previously.
AMEX Digital is acting rather proactively by outing two newcomers with lots of extra functionality bundled in. 'Course, it remains to be seen if you're even interested in those extra goodies, but you can appreciate the effort regardless. The SR-7 includes a 7-inch 800 x 480 display and doubles as a radio controlled clock (with dual alarms) and a digital indoor thermometer; as for the SW-7, it includes most of the same features but throws in weather forecasting to boot. There's no price or release date to share on either, but we get the impression AMEX will be willing to let these go pretty cheap.
posted Feb 1st 2009 10:39AM
I still fail to see the point.
Unless they go for real cheap...like ~$25
Going digital with your Y! widget and your 1985 alarm clock could possibly break your bank with these...
Bring your AMEX's on, people. Or not.
I bought one at Costco last year here in Canada. Just doesn't have the radio controlled clock. Nice idea but the unit keeps looking for additional sensors that don't exist which is a pain. As well, it seems it must have had lower resolution than this one.
LIP
The modded digiframe I'm currently selling besides showing your pics and vids (all major formats supported) with lots of transitions and music backgrounds(8GB SSD) it connects wia WIFI(b/g/n) to your NAS, PCs, or broadband router, to let you browse the net with explorer or Opera, does push e-mail (Gmail, hotmail, pop3) ringing when you receive new mails, or VOIP calls , and if these mails/messages include pictures it displays them directly (unless you disable the functions) ; instant world wheather/snow/ wind/ report.
Supports Skype and up to 6 other VOIP accounts or it can be used as a normal digital landline speaker phone/video phone (if operator allows).
2MPX web cam with tracking function, light sensor, and logitech motion detecting app (if not disabled) that records movements in its vicinity.
Its got DTV-B to watch tv and a scart outlet to connect an IR video receiver, plus HDMI, DVI,compos, compon, areal, 3 USB & 4 in 1 card reader.
FM/DAB/internet radio. IR, stereo Bluetooth.
10" touch screen, atom core2, 2GB DDR2, Ubuntu-Linux.
The UI ("loaned" from a renowned tablet/UMPC,maker) is totally controllable via voice from BT headset (with MS voice commander + Cyberon VD), or stereo BT headphones (extra optionals) but eventually a BT wireless k-board/mouse can be added.
2 wireless speakers are standard but possibility for 5.1 surround sound .
We call it the Uber- digiframe, but in reality is a little AIO, touch screen and voice controlled linux PC, modded and twisted to which a few smart apps and components have been adapted.
It was born as a present to grandad to receive photos and e mails and use Skype without having to swich on or download or even boot a PC; but after the first prototype (Xmas present) was such a success it became a side business and a kind ofcottage industry .
Since we sell it as a modding from private to private and we import our components we avoid paying V.A.T. or taxes and we sell it from 280 to 360 Euros according to specs.
AMPEX can kiss our briefs.
couple things
1- whats a core2 atom??????
2- if you market this as a tablet you could sell so many more, for a lot more money too
This thing is probably going to go for about 75 Euros. Totally different market.
Those controls look.... horrid to use...
Hmmm I appear to have one of the SW-7's I got it for Christmas 2007. It was branded from Sharper Image, and is still living in its box in that closet where these kind of presents are stored.
I wouldn't buy a product from them! They spelled the "F" for Fahrenheit wrong on the Temperature!
Celsius is a better system and is the one used where this comes from.
Deal with it
Not only that, the time goes up to 16 o'clock! 16 o'clock! and that's when the alarm is set for! lazy europeans
This frame was sold under the Sharper Image name a year ago.
'Nuff said.
Allow me to be the first to herald in a new era of "netframes!" :-P
I got one at Costco before Christmas, paid 50$ Canadian. It work pretty well and look very good. The only drawback is the lack of touchscreen. Also, it is pretty light and it slip backward when you push on the controls. But for 50$, it's really a great deal.
this product has been on the market for well over a year, private labeled all over the place.
to add insult to injury, there are other frames with all of these features and arguably better design (e.g., Ality, for starters).
Yes.. I actually owned this product under the Sharper Image brand around a year ago. It was the most sucky picture frame / weather monitor I have ever used.
i used to work at sharper image... wow the stuff we sold was of such low quality. i think these went for over $150 but should have been more like $50
Cool! Next they could add a real OS so we could run apps and a keyboard that folds in so we can carry it with us and... oh wait, never mind.