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Instacube photo frame finally shipping, will arrive with support for video
Well, that took awhile. Remember Instacube, the purpose-built digital photo frame designed to pull images directly from your Instagram feed? The Android-powered photo screen found itself short on both funding and manufacturing options last summer. These issues set production back almost a year, but come April 5th, it'll all pay off -- the first units are finally shipping out. Instacube's creators used the extra time productively, at least: the final hardware was redesigned to include speakers (to support Instagram video). Future updates will imbue it with the ability to stream content from Facebook, Vine, Flickr and other services, too. Kickstarter backers who opted for the white or classic models should get their units in the next few months, but the team says additional styles won't be available until production hits full steam. A bummer for sure, but hey, folks have waited longer to get Instagram.
Instacube delayed, refunds promised once units ship
While Instagram busies itself tackling the world of micro-video, D2M, the company behind Instacube, is struggling to bring its Android-based photo frame to market. Late last month, it took to Kickstarter to update funders on delays, with a message titled, bittersweetly "We're Still Here." The company noted that, due to some last minute manufacturing shakeups, it would be unable to ship the device in July. Earlier today, it used the same forum to expound upon those problems, stating that while "no issue is insurmountable," a fair amount needs to happen before the boxes can begin shipping. One, the right partner needs to be found and two, the company needs more funding. As such, D2M is currently seeking investors and partners for $250,000 to $350,000 in development funds and $600,000 for the first round of production. Still no firm update on when the Instacube will ship, and while the company did say it will be offering refunds to irritated backers, they'll only be honored once said shipping actually occurs. Oh, and as for Instagram video support? It's a possibility -- just not at launch. Users will have to view videos as stills when the Instacubes first arrive.
Insert Coin: Instacube is a hip, Android-based digital photo frame for your Instagram feeds
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Ever wished you had another option aside from using Instagram's mobile apps and permalinks for viewing your retrofied photos? The folks at D2M certainly did, resulting in what it likes to call Instacube. The square gizmo is essentially a 7.5-inch (2.5 inches deep), OneStep-themed digital photo frame purposed specifically for displaying and interacting with Instagram photo feeds. Up front, a 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen (600 x 600, the full resolution of photos on the service) allows you to tap between pictures and type when needed. Apart from that, three physical buttons on its top handle power, switching feeds and favoriting photos. Basically, the unit looks out for your specified hashtags so it can follow multiple Instagram feeds and automatically cycle through the images -- niche yes, but it's still undeniably cool. Android runs the show (no word on what version) atop an undisclosed ARM processor that's bundled with 4GB of storage and 256MB of RAM, while b/g/n WiFi keeps it connected to Instagram independently. Speaking to its OS, tinkerers should be pleased to know that D2M plans to continually enhance its functionality, and potentially open it up to developers. Also worth note, Instacube sports a built-in rechargeable battery, allowing it to operate completely untethered when the mood strikes. Interested in pledging your own coin to help fund the project? 1,000 backers can get in on their own Instacube for a cool $99, after which it'll jump to $150. Another 1,000 can get a duo for $199, and the same goes for a limited edition "vintage spring" green variant that'll set you back $249. Past that, bulk options are on offer maxing out at $5,000 for 40 units, and $10,000 for 25 and a "Design Experience" with D2M. All in all, the Instacube project has 31 days to reach a $250,000 funding goal, with the first units set to ship in March 2013 if all goes well -- hopefully we'll see more than just renders of it well before then. Hit up the project at source link and the video overview past the break if you're interested in liberating your Instagram snaps to that larger display.
