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The best digital photo frames
By Amadou Diallo This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. After 18 hours of research and testing, we think the 10-inch Nixplay Seed is the best digital photo frame for most people who want to display pictures uploaded wirelessly from their smartphones, hard drives, or social media and cloud storage accounts. Its superior display and simple setup lift it above the competition, and because you can send photos to the frame via Nixplay's cloud services, email, or a shared Dropbox folder, if you give one as a gift you can share photos directly to your loved ones' frames, even if they're halfway across the world.
Framed gesture-controlled digital canvas debuts on Kickstarter, starting at $399
It's shaping up to be a big month for digital art displays. Electric Objects popped up on Kickstarter with its successfully funded 23-inch LCD for $299, and now a familiar face has turned to the funding site with its own rebooted version. Framed 2.0, an update to 2011's overpowered 40-inch model, includes integrated WiFi, a 720p front-facing camera and motion sensors, so you can interact with the frame using gestures. There's also a companion smartphone app, for purchasing and swapping art, creating schedules and adjusting settings. The first 250 backers can take home a 24-inch 1080p screen for $399. A 40-inch version will be available for $1,500, while a "super limited" 55-inch model will go for a whopping $10,000, including dinner with the design team in Tokyo. All three frames are available for pre-order on Kickstarter now, with select models shipping in November.
Windows Phone Kodak Pic Flick app pushes photos to printers -- as long as you have version 7.5
Kodak's recent announcements may have circled around patent brawls (and victories), but if you've indentured yourself to the company's range of all-in-one printers and digital photo frames, you might want to pick up its new Windows Phone app. Pic Flick will share your images with compatible hardware through WiFi -- provided you're connected to the same network on your phone. It's largely identical to the existing iOS version, albeit cocooned in Microsoft's metro style, and includes a handful of simple editing tools and filters. However, you will need to check that your Windows Phone is running version 7.5 or later. If you pass that requirement, hit up the source for the download.
Kodak adds Quick Comment option, activity sensor to refreshed Pulse digiframe
We've been talking a lot about second generation hardware at CES this year, but it's not just Intel and AMD who are unveiling their next iterative step toward consumers' pockets. Kodak has disclosed plans to update its Pulse digital photo frame -- you know, the one that can receive images via its very own email address -- with a new Quick Comments feature plus an activity sensor that switches the display off when no humanoids are moving about in front of it. It doesn't seem like you'll be able to author your own comments when responding to the sender of your latest pic, though you will be able to communicate via a selection of gorgeous pre-canned proclamations like the always popular "OMG!" and the ever-versatile "LOL!" The new Pulse will be arriving in the spring, costing $130 for the 7-inch variety or $200 for its 10-inch SKU. Skip past the break for the full press release.
Nikon debuts Android-powered stereoscopic picture frame, 2D to 3D conversions for a monthly fee
2D to 3D conversion techniques -- whether cinematic or otherwise -- don't have us jumping for joy, but Nikon's new NF-300i display sounds like a concept we could get behind. It's a 7.2-inch digital photo frame running Android 2.1 on an autostereoscopic (glasses-less) screen, which sports a special double-density lenticular lens to display images at full WSVGA resolution (800 x 600) whether in 2D or 3D modes. It pulls down images from the cloud to 4GB of internal storage over wired ethernet and 802.11 b/g WiFi, or via USB port if you happen to have MPO files just sitting around for some reason. The notion is that Japanese users will sign up for Nikon's new My PictureTown 3D conversion and hosting service for ¥19,550 (about $244) a year or ¥1,995 ($24) a month and get all their JPEG vacation photos spirited to the device in glorious 3D, and that's also the only way you'll likely ever see one of these screens -- Nikon's loaning, not selling the NF-300i as part of those membership fees.
Panasonic MW-20 is a digital photo frame, iPhone / iPod touch stereo, and money burner all in one
If you're the sort who fancies a digital picture frame and a stereo dock for your iPhone, Panasonic's new MW-20 might just be the thing to converge and satiate those needs. The 9-inch frame can display pictures via SD card, 2GB internal memory, or an iPhone / iPod touch via the bundled dock -- and if you've got the device connected, you can also play music video via the frame's internal stereo speakers (there's no indication of any audio out for using your own speaker system, however). Additionally, the MW-10 successor has a touted 15 different display patterns, including some calendar and clock functionality. Pictures taken with a Lumix camera? The MW-20 has a function that'll group photos by style (i.e. all nighttime scenery). Look for it during your haze of Christmas shopping in late November for -- and here's the part that's gonna sting -- just one dollar shy of $250. Don't say we didn't warn you. Scenes from the CEATEC show floor below. %Gallery-104354%
Sharp crams digiframe into JD-4C1CL/CW telephone
Face it, kids -- it's tough to make a landline telephone hip in the age of cellular telephony, but somehow or another Sharp has managed to do just that. For the second time in a year, no less. The new JD-4C1CL/CW is a rather typical cordless phone, but the super-dee-duper docking station has a 4.3-inch digital photo frame and 64MB of internal storage space. Beyond that, most everything else is under wraps, but we're told that it'll ship in brown, red and white this April for an undisclosed amount.
DIY Lady Gaga 'Pop Music' shades: so magical, you'd be so fantastical
Next time you're out at a Lady Gaga tribute concert, leave the crowd speechless with your very own "Pop Music Will Never Be Low Brow" glasses. All it takes to give off that "Creative Director of Polaroid" vibe is just the touch of your hand, two keychain digital picture frames, and some garage glamorous sunglasses you don't mind seeing destroyed. Love the shades, baby? You won't be able to see straight anymore -- the frames aren't transparent, so keep that in mind when choreographing. DIY instructions via the source link, video example after the break. Spandex one-piece recommended, but we'd advise against Heartbeats earphones.
Pandigital Photo Mail LED frame lets you email snaps over AT&T's wireless network
If there is such a thing as a digital photo frame specialist, Pandigital might very well be it. It should come as no surprise then, that the company has just announced a new cellular-connected product to compete with the forthcoming Vizit frame. Focused on making photo sharing as easy as possible, this new 8-inch LED-backlit display comes with an AT&T cellular connection and associated email account, making the process of getting pictures on it effortless -- and sufficiently remote to let you drop photos off with grandma without having to actually be there. The first 300 mailed snaps are free, at which point you'll have to choose between the 6-in-1 card reader or paying a per-pic charge for further emailing to the 1GB of built-in memory. Costing a cent under $150, the Photo Mail frame will be finding store shelves early this year -- skip past the break if you want to learn more.
Samsung flirts coyly with 7-inch AMOLED Digital Photo Frame
We know exactly what you were thinking when you first heard the news that Kodak was selling its OLED business to LG: 1) wait, Kodak had an OLED business, and b) who the hell will I buy my $1,000 OLED digital photo frame from now? The latter part of this conundrum has just been answered by Samsung who will unveil its 700Z Digital Photo Frame here at CES. Sammy's offering boasts a 7-inch AMOLED display, 4GB of internal memory, Bluetooth with video support. Unfortunately, the frame's million-to-1 contrast ratio isn't enough to distract this product model from her dreams of beauty pageant stardom.
Samsung 800P digital photo frame: because quality matters
You're smart right? Then you probably know that all those low-priced, off-brand digital photo frames with laughably poor instruction manuals and confusing user interfaces so aggressively hocked during the holidays share one common trait: poor displays. Unfortunately, most shoppers won't figure this out until they've brought the unit home. Fact is, you have to pay a little extra to get a decent 8- to 10-inch panel. And really, what's more important than the display on a digital picture frame? So check Samsung's new 800P 8-inch frame. It features an LED-backlit 800x480 pixel panel, 2GB of internal storage (plus microSD expansion), Bluetooth 2.0, support for video and music playback, and Samsung's second generation UI and panel-making expertise. On sale now in Korea for 199,000 of the local stuff or about $159 of the almighty dollar whenever it heads west.
Vizit touchscreen photo frame demonstrated for your edification (video)
What can we tell you about the Vizit 10.4-inch touchscreen photo frame that you didn't know before? It's not half terrible looking, sure -- but it's still unavailable, still a little pricey at $280 (plus whatever AT&T will end up charging you for data), and still sports 800 x 600 screen resolution. But we do have a pretty sweet (if poorly lit) hands-on demonstration for you. And wait -- is that The Edge we see in the first few seconds of the video? We sure hope he's OK with the commercial endorsement. Peep for yourself after the break.
Isabella Products' Vizit: first 2-way touchscreen photo frame headed to AT&T in early 2010
We've been hearing about Isabella Products' cellular-connected Vizit photo frame since early this year. The 10.4-inch touchscreen LCD features a GSM/GPRS module that enables the digital photo frame to receive images via MMS, email, or internet sharing sites. You can even share images with friends and family via email or through Vizit-to-Vizit transfer directly from the frame. Now the company has announced a partnership with AT&T when the two-way frame begins shipping in "early 2010." Here's the problem: the price; $279.99 and it still requires an unspecified monthly or annual photo plan. With Wal-mart shoppers accustomed to spending about $140 for 10-inch digital frames... well, good luck with that pricing scheme Isabella Products, you're going to need it.
Sony ICF-CL75iP alarm clock / digital frame / iPod dock a surprisingly attractive assimilation
We'll be honest, it takes a whole lot to get us excited about iPhone / iPod docks or digital picture frames these days, but congratulations Sony, you've managed to pierce through our hardened hearts with the ICF-CL75iP Dream Machine. Sony Insider brings word of the actually quite handsome bedside attraction, an assimilation of those aforementioned products with an alarm clock to boot. We're looking at a 7-inch WVGA LCD screen, 1GB built-in memory, FM / AM radio, and a retractable dock -- in case you don't feel like capitalizing on the total synergistic package. Photos can be pulled directly from the Apple handheld or loaded via USB, and your wake-up options include built-in presets, a customizable 10-second voice recording, or the iPod / iPhone itself. Our only knock at this point is the minimal codec support -- MP3 and WMA for audio, and MP4, M-JPEG, and AVI for video -- but if the $149.95 price on a cached SonyStyle listing stays accurate, we can be a little forgiving. In fact, throw in Chumby widget support and we'll be downright smitten -- make it happen, Sony. Update: Turns out it's actually up for pre-order right now through Sony Style Canada, CAN $199.99 (that's US $180) and shipping out October 1st. [Thanks, Neil!] Read - Sony Insider Read - Sony Style cached listing
Fujitsu and Macnica embed Android into digital photo frames -- WalMart, you listening?
Hey, if you can take Google's open source OS for mobile telephones and chunk it into a netbook, then why not digital photo frames? Fujitsu and Japan's Macnica have teamed up on what they're calling a "Software Platform for Home Network Digital Photo Frames" based on Google's Android. In other words, it's a software platform for home network digital photo frames based on Google's Android. Uh, riiight. The prototype frame above was on display in Japan yesterday running slideshows off a standard DLNA network. Honestly, we don't care what OS is running at the core of those cheap, off-brand digital photo frames cluttering big box shelves every holiday -- just make the navigation intuitive and we're happy. Android seems like a good (and free!) start along the road to standardization.
Sony refreshes photo frame lineup to make it more green, black, and woodgrained
About a year ago Sony dropped three new frames on us of various sizes, each using a 15:9 aspect ratio that, to put it mildly, hasn't exactly captured the LCD market by storm. They're still at it, showing off four oddly ratio'd models, starting with the 10-inch, 1024 x 600 DPF-X1000 that we've seen before, and the new 8-inch, 800 x 480 DPF-800, both utilizing TruBlack technology to boost contrast ratios and decrease glare. These frames can turn themselves on or off on a schedule to save power, can pull pictures wirelessly with optional Bluetooth adapters, sport HDMI output, and have BIONZ processors so that you can remove creepy redeye right from the frame. The 7-inch DPF-D72 loses the fancy processing, the TruBlack coating, and drops the resolution to 800 x 480. Finally, the stripper 7-inch DPF-A72 model has a lowly 480 x 234 resolution and ditches nearly all the features of its forbearers. It is, however, the cheapest, expected to come in under ¥10,000 ($100), while the D72 will be around ¥20,000 ($200), the X800 around ¥30,000 ($300), and the range-topping X1000 at ¥40,000 ($400, if you haven't figured out the conversion by now). All should hit tidy Japanese bookshelves late next month.
Skyla Memoir scanning digiframe caught on video
Remember Skyla's scanning digiframe? This company has managed to market a $219 piece of technology that does something that people have been doing for a hundred years without scanners, screen resolution, RAM or any of that good stuff. And you know what? It's pretty sweet. Pretty, pretty, pretty sweet. Don't believe us? Check out the video and decide for your own self.
Skyla's Memoir scanning digiframe scans and frames your precious memories
So, you've been collecting Monkees memorabilia for so long that you have a two foot tall stack of photos clipped from Tiger Beat and no way to display them all? Well, you're in luck! The Memoir Scanning Digital Photo Frame is the first product from Skyla, Lite-On's brand new consumer electronics division. It looks like almost all of the other digiframes out there, for better or for worse (actually, for worse) but for one key difference -- this beauty features a 4 x 6-inch, 600 dpi photo scanner. Hits the streets in late December with an expected retail price of $219.99.[Via OhGizmo!]
Kodak stuns with world's first 7.6-inch OLED picture frame
We figured it was coming, now sure enough, Kodak just let loose a new picture frame based on CMEL's new mass-produced, 7.6-inch OLED panels. Ultra-thin as you'd expect and wireless as you'd hope, the new 800 x 480 pixel Wireless Frame should be ready for the holidays sporting 2GB of internal storage, integrated audio, a 30,000:1 contrast, 180-degree viewing angle, and photo service compatibility with Flickr and others. Unfortunately, it's got a price you'd expect from this nascent display tech: $999. Sparky, had better be worth it.[Via OLED-Display]
Toshiba's stylish Tekbright 7 digital photo frame
As the barrage of new Toshiba gear continues to flow from Paris, along comes a device that we aren't used to seeing from the laptop and monitor-tilted company. The seven-inch Tekbright 7 digital photo frame sports a stylish silver bezel, a clear beveled surround, rear-mounted kickstand, 800 x 400 resolution, and a 400:1 contrast ratio. Additionally, you can load up your images via CF, SD, MMC, MS, MSPro, xD, and USB, and there's even a paltry 16MB built-in for storing the crème de la crème. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to sport any WiFi abilities or even a wireless remote, but the reasonable €139 ($186) pricetag seems to justify the omissions somewhat. More snaps after the break.
