digiframe
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Sharp's JD-7C1CL/CW pairs a home phone and digiframe in fine fashion
Hey, remember that OpenFrame touchscreen home telephone that we first peeked way back in August of 2008? Seems like O2 and Verizon weren't the only ones looking to jump on that bandwagon, as Sharp has now issued a phone / frame tandem that looks eerily similar. The JD-7C1CL/CW is available in black and white to match the motifs present in 99 percent of pristine suburban domiciles, with the frame packing a 7-inch touch panel (800 x 480) that acts as a status indicator, calendar, clock, address book and (gasp!) photo frame. The phone itself doesn't look to be anything special, though the frame does include a whopping 128MB of internal memory. No word on a price or release date, but really, you shouldn't be considering a "home phone" in 2009 under any circumstances.[Via Akihabara News]
Kodak debuts EasyShare Z950, M381 and M341 digicams
Had enough Kodak this fine morning? No? Good. Just hours after showcasing its newest 1080p pocket camcorder, the aforesaid firm is hitting us up with a few more new pieces to digest. First up is the EasyShare Z950, a modest megazoom-in-a-P&S-body that packs a 10x optical zoom, 12 megapixel sensor and a $279.99 price tag. Next, we've got the totally ho hum EasyShare M381, which also offers a dozen megapixels alongside a 3-inch rear LCD, 5x zoomer, easy upload to Facebook / YouTube, face detection, a variety of lovely hues and an MSRP of $179.99. The last cam is the M341, which steps down to a 3x optical zoom and a smaller 2.7-inch LCD for $149. Closing things out is the EasyShare D830 (£119.99; $196) and D1030 (£169.99; $279) digital photo frames, which check in at 8- and 10-inches respectively (in terms of display size) and tout interchangeable face plates, 512MB of internal memory, a Quick Touch border, memory card reader and a USB port. Everything here should ship in the US and UK by September, though those hungry for additional details are welcome to tap that read link.[Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Century's 8-inch Plus One LCD-8000UD adds DVI input, character
So you've seen the ThinkPad W700ds and thought you could do with one of those compact secondary displays, eh? If Century's earlier Plus One model didn't exactly float your boat, you may be excited to learn that the company is adding DVI connectivity to the 8-inch panel, while keeping the same 800 x 600 resolution, USB input and 250 nits of brightness. Being able to alternate between two video sources without fiddling with cables is definitely appealing, as is the reduced CPU overhead when selecting the DVI linkup. Sadly, the price still hasn't climbed down to sane levels, and at $174 before shipping, you're probably better off scooping up some previously loved 17-inch LCD for even less. Or just cramming all 23 of those IM windows into that fancy cascading toolbar, whichever works.[Via Akihabara News]Update: Turns out that DVI port is actually an output, and it seems the product listing has now been changed to reflect that. Thanks, gothamsound!
Toshiba's new digiframes feature social networking, FrameChannel
If you don't own a digiframe yet, perhaps it's because you were waiting for the kids at Toshiba to design something that looked even more like the faceplate of a microwave oven than the usual fare. But that's not the whole story: besides looking at home next to your Cuisinart and rice cooker, this guy also supports FrameChannel accounts, so personalized weather, traffic, sports scores, music, and video are also on the plate -- as well as the Flickr, Photobucket, and Facebook integration that companies like Toshiba think that you want in a digital picture frame. Hitting shelves in August, the 8-inch frame is available in white (DMF82XWU) or black (DMF82XKU) for an MSRP of $179.99. For the 10-inch frame (DMF102XKU, black only) you can expect to pay $229.99.[Via i4u]
HP's DreamScreen 130 digiframe puts on a Facebook and Pandora show for the FCC
Yes, it's yet another a digital photo frame, but HP's next entrant looks like it could be something special, making a stop by the FCC and taking its full manual with it, thus opening all of its mysteries and functions to the wild. Available in two sizes, 10.2- and 13.3-inches at 800 x 480 and 1,280 x 800 resolutions (respectively), the DreamScreen will sport your typical selection of features, including 2GB of internal storage, wired and wireless connectivity, a remote control, and support for memory cards like CF, SD, and Memory Stick. Where things get interesting is online integration; the frame will be able to pull pictures directly from Facebook and Snapfish while streaming tunes from Pandora, meaning re-living vacation pics while discovering new artists just became a curious possibility. No word on whether you can give friends' poorly composed holiday snaps and that new Moby album a thumbs down at the same time, but we can hope.Update: Is that the 10.2-inch DreamScreen 100 in the FCC as well? Why yes, it is.
D-Link's Xtreme N DIR-685 storage router hands-on and impressions
Somehow or another, D-Link managed to combine a NAS, digital photo frame, secondary display and 802.11n router into a single device, and when the Xtreme N DIR-685 Storage Router was announced way back at CES this year, we were certainly interested to see how such a conglomerate would go over. At long last, the do-it-all wireless router is finally making its way out to the public at large, and with an MSRP of $299.99 (sans any internal HDD space), it's definitely one of the pricier routers out there. We've taken this strikingly unique device into our lairs for a few days of testing, and if you're interested in seeing if this bad boy is worth the price of admission, you'll need to follow us past the break.
Kogan's Twitter reading, Facebook browsing digiframe
Let's face it: digital picture frames are kind of lame. But companies seem to think that if they keep throwing more features at us we're going to suddenly decide that we actually want an extra 800 x 600 display that does nothing but flash pictures of the yokels we were escaping when we hitchhiked out of Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi, at the tender age of 16. To that end, Kogan's 8-inch WiFi LCD digiframe packs in a number of tricks we've seen before, and a few we haven't: it accepts photos via email, RSS feeds, Flickr, and Facebook. Email pics to a central address and see them displayed on a group of these things. The free SeeFrame app for iPhone even lets you send images directly from your handset. Or if Twitter's your bag, you can apparently view your feed on the thing as well. Sound great? All this can be yours for a not-so-cool AUD $169 (about $139 in the States). Now all you need are some friends -- friends with digital cameras (or access to a scanner). Sadly, not even Kogan can help you there.Read - Look where they're Twittering at you now: from a photo frameRead - Kogan 8-inch WiFi LCD Digital Photo Frame
Kodak tries to make digiframes fun again with EasyShare S730
We can't fault 'em for trying, but at the end of the day Kodak's EasyShare S730 is just another vanilla digital photo frame. Oh sure, it sports an updated Quick Touch border, a collage mode for displaying several shots at once, video and music support, a rechargeable battery for cord-free operation and 1GB of memory, but there's no WiFi, OLED or pixie dust to speak of. We will say, however, that the included Picture Finder feature -- which enables users to select a photo that pops up in order to find more from the same era -- is fairly nifty, but it's not spectacular enough in and of itself to justify the $139 price tag. If you disagree, you can pick one up in the US and Canada this September, while Europeans can snag one this month for €149.
SilverPac's SilverFrame hands-on at Computex
SilverPac's SilverFrame is certainly doing its best to break the boring mold of typical digital photo frames, and while we were understandably skeptical about the idea on paper, we're beginning to warm to it after a little face time at Computex. Said frame is more like a widget console than anything else, and it definitely reminds us of that Samsung / Chumby prototype digiframe that we peeked back at CES. Don't take our word for it, though -- hit the read link to soak it in yourself.
ViewSonic intros 7-, 8- and 10.4-inch VFD20 series digiframes
Nine new ones not enough for you? Not if you're ViewSonic, who just came clean with three more in its rapidly expanding digital photo frame lineup. The 10.4-inch VFD1020, 8-inch VFD820 and 7-inch VFD720 make up the new TrueView line, which offers up a 4:3 aspect ratio and 2GB of internal memory. As for resolutions, the smaller two do their thing at 800 x 600, while the June-bound VFD1020 will kick things up to 1,024 x 768. Naturally, there's a multicard reader for loading multimedia, and the USB 2.0 port is bound to make friends with your impenetrable Iron Drive. The trio also ships with a remote control from mixing things up from afar, with prices set for $129.99, $89.99 and $79.99 in order of mention.
Human-Rh digiframe packs AMOLED panel, mobile TV tuner
We always figured the digital photo frame market would have to grow up one day, and we're thrilled to know that day is coming soon. Over in Korea, Human-Rh has apparently showcased a couple of new frames that not only up the ante in terms of panel quality but also toss in a much-needed extra: mobile TV. The 7.6-inch HDPF-760D steals the show with a gorgeous AMOLED display and a built-in DMB tuner; the 8-inch HDPF-800D sticks with the traditional LCD, but it's available with a variety of tuners (1seg, T-DMB, DVB-T and CMMB) for regions around the globe. Naturally, both frames still do their basic duties of playing back slideshows, but the built-in WiFi also enables them to display information from internet-connected widgets. We're told that these arrive with 2GB of integrated memory, a multicard slot and a USB port, but mum's the word on pricing and release. Vid's after the break.[Via OLED-Display]
Samsung ships $129 SPF-87H 8-inch digiframe / secondary monitor
Samsung's been dousing just about anything it can get its paws on with that 'Touch of Color' design scheme, and even the outfit's latest digiframe wasn't able to dodge the madness. The 8-inch SPF-87H, which was originally introduced to the world back in April, is now shipping to those scouting a multifaceted digital photo frame. Unlike traditional alternatives, this 0.91-inch thick frame can double as a secondary display (via USB), and the respectable 800 x 480 resolution panel ensures that you can fit more than just a weather widget on there. Other specs include 1GB of built-in storage, an SD expansion slot, 500:1 contrast ratio and a $129 price tag. [Via HotHardware]
T-Mobile's connected Cameo digiframe plummets in price, gets reviewed
Man, that was fast. Really fast. Not like we're shocked at all to hear that T-Mobile customers weren't really digging the idea of paying ten bones per month to keep a digital photo frame alive, but hey -- it was worth a shot, right? As of today, T-Mobile's quickly forgotten Cameo connected digiframe has dropped from $99.99 to $39.99 up front, while the recurring charge to keep the media flowin' has nearly vanished by going from $9.99 per month to just $1.99 per month. Reviewers over at ZDNet seemed to be quite pleased with the value proposition at the new price point, noting that it was perfect for technologically illiterate family members who yearned to see digital images of you and yours. Sadly, you still have to walk into a T-Mobile retail store to actually buy one, but at least it's finally worth your while to do so.
CompoBank's prototype 3D digital camera and digiframe
Sure, it's not the first 3D camera we've seen 'round these parts -- and it sure ain't the wackiest -- but it looks like CompoBank of South Korea is diving headlong into three dimensional imaging with the release of both a camera and a 7-inch digiframe, sometime in late 2009 or thereafter. The company's prototype 3D digital camera features a parallax barrier 3D display, which uses two pictures to assemble the image, and an anaglyph format option (for those who prefer the old school red/cyan glasses). Parallax 3D images can be viewed on the digiframe, which boasts an 800 x 480 screen resolution and a function to convert pictures and video files from 2D to 3D. The company plans on making its products compatible with Fujifilm's 3D camera and display systems, which should also see the light of day sometime this year. There's no word yet on a release date, except that it will be this fall "at the earliest." Check out that fine camera after the break.
Digital Album: it's a digiframe, just more capacious
Okay, so maybe this mysterious Digital Album really is nothing more than a relatively plain 7-inch digital photo frame, but the included 4GB of storage is certainly appreciated. If, for whatever reason, you honestly feel the need to keep more than a thousand or so shots of little Joey on there, the integrated SD card reader can help you take things up to 20GB overall. Also of note, there's a rechargeable battery that can show off slideshows for around three hours, and if you leave your AC adapter at home, you'll be thrilled to know that this one can rejuvenate via USB. It'll ship in around a fortnight in tan /silver or black / pink, and you'll be asked to pay £179 ($256) to take one home.[Via ChipChick]
Toshiba offers up JournE air 801 / 1000 WiFi digiframes
Another day, another digiframe to incite waves of yawns. This go 'round, we're looking at a pair from Toshiba, which have been announced for a bit now but just got priced across the pond. Both JournE air frames include built-in WiFi capability and offer online access to photo communities like Flickr and Picasa. As for the former, it touts an 8.4-inch LCD, dual 0.5 watt speakers, an exchangeable metallic silver colored frame, rechargeable battery, touch-sensitive buttons, 1GB of internal memory and a multicard reader that accepts SD, SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, MSPro and xD cards up to 4GB in size. The bigger brother (that'd be the 1000, y'all) ups the ante with a 10-inch LCD and support for internet radio. Reportedly, these will run you £139.99 ($195) / £169.99 ($237), respectively, when they land sometime this quarter.
Pandigital's 10.4-inch PanTouch Clear WiFi digiframe is industry's thinnest
Pandigital just got official with its PanTouch Clear line at CES this year, but already the company's stepping things up with the industry's slimmest digiframe. The 10.4-inch PAN1000DWPCF2 was introduced at this year's PMA expo in Las Vegas, and aside from the 1,024 x 768 resolution, 2GB of internal storage space, 6-in-1 card reader, inbuilt WiFi, USB socket and support for audio / video playback, the device also ditches the traditional "rear housing" to make it just 0.33-inches thick. From what we can tell, this here frame is probably the one to snag if you're dead set on hanging one upside your wall, and the programmable on / off times enables you to leave the office knowing that your frame will go dark at the appropriate strike of the clock. Pandigital plans to toss in a dark espresso wood frame as well as white and charcoal interchangeable mats, but you'll have to wait until May to hand over your $229.99 and bring one home.[Via CNET]
Digital Foci's Photo Book displays RAW files, at home and in the wild
As Marlin Perkins used to remind us on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, naturalists have observed as many variations of the common frameus digitalus in nature as they have mammals of the felidae family. We've seen digiframes that are actually routers, digiframes that scan your old non-digital snapshots, and (sadly) digiframes that come pre-infected with a Trojan Horse or two. Doing its part for biodiversity, Digital Foci is back with what it calls a "Photo Book" -- another way of saying that they've put a digital photo frame in a "soft leather-like case," making for "a convenient, elegant photo display." The one interesting development here is support for RAW images -- otherwise, this is just another $189 / 8-inch / 800 x 600 / 4GB digiframe. In addition to all that, this guy supports the usual bevy of file formats (JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, MP3, AAC, WMA, MJPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-4 SP) and boasts 2.5 hours of battery life. Wake up, guys -- there is some PR jazz for you after the break.
Amex Digital's SP-7 digiframe doubles as a printer
Although Amex Digital's SP-7 can't claim to be the first digital photo frame with an inbuilt printer, it's certainly among the first to ever pull it off for under two bills. The basic specs include a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, a multicard reader, USB connectivity, integrated speakers, adjustable brightness, a mini remote and support for both audio and video files. Curiously enough, Amex doesn't even bother explaining what size prints this thing shoots out, where to find replacement paper and how to initiate printing. But, as we alluded to earlier, it's just $199, so don't be shocked to end up figuring all this out on our own.
AMEX Digital's SR-7 / SW-7 digiframes do more than show slideshows, induce naps
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.%Gallery-43578%
