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Crapgadget: how to ruin a gift-giving experience edition
Especially in North and South Dakota, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Disgustingly, that also means that the onslaught of horrifically crappy gadgets to celebrate the occasion are making their way out in full force. In this episode of the world's lamest excuse for gadgets, we see a smattering of gizmos that you should never -- under any circumstance -- give to anyone you love (or like, or don't loathe). On the other hand, these are all perfect for gifting someone you aren't particularly fond of. Check out the catastrophes below, and toss in your vote for most pathetic in the handy poll down there.Read - USB animal hand warmer / massagerRead - Ornament ball digital photo frameRead - Santa stocking USB driveRead - Dog mat mouse padRead - Banana peeling simulatorRead - Santa / Snowman digiframes %Poll-22095%
T-Mobile's Cameo reviewed: works pretty much as advertised
Don't deny it -- you're inexplicably drawn to a digital photo frame that has its own phone number. Rather than just buying blind to see if you really dig the Cameo, however, why not pore over this here review? In testing, the device (manufactured by Parrot) was said to work practically as advertised, with just a few small quirks preventing it from receiving the highest marks. Critics were able to MMS over images from a variety of rival networks, though they did have issues making the frame accept a photo message from Sweden. Overall, however, it was noted that usability was remarkably high and that the process was easy enough for most anyone to grasp. 'Course, you should probably convince yourself you're going to use the thing quite a bit before committing to a $10 per month fee to keep the $100 frame connected, but outside of that, you ought not be too disappointed.
Ask Engadget: What's the best digital photo frame out there?
Oh sure, the unremitting release cycle of new digital photo frames is growing a bit tired, but that's not to say these things don't make for the perfect holiday gift. Oh, and after you've contributed to the cause here, drop your own question in at ask at engadget dawt com. "I'm looking for the best digital photo frame out there to snag for the holidays. My requirements are pretty simple: good picture quality, WiFi, RSS / Flickr support without any fees. Any help?"Short and sweet there, eh Adam? At any rate, we'll toss in some general screen size requirements (let's say 5-inches and up), and now, we'll let you to it. Light up the comments below!
Sanyo reveals retro-styled HNV-M70 ALBO WiFi digiframe
Up until now, we'd have to say that Sony's WiFi-enabled VAIO CP1 is the most attractive digital photo frame we've ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. And quite honestly, it's still probably the sexiest in terms of, well, sheer sexy. But Sanyo's latest rival is cute in its own way, as the HNV-M70 ALBO packs a retro motif that anyone fond of The Jetsons will adore. Specs wise, we're looking at an overly glossy 7-inch LCD (800 x 480 resolution), 256MB of internal memory, 802.11b/g WiFi, WinCE 5.0 behind the scenes, an IR sensor, RSS / e-mail reader, automatic screen rotation, a multicard reader and a multimedia player for good measure. Users can also load up pictures stored on Picasa or add in captions and e-mail to grandparents for maximum enjoyment. Sanyo's set to start selling these in Japan (in black or green) next month for ¥40,000 ($423), but you can take an early look thanks to a bevy of hands-on shots linked below.[Via Impress]Read - Sanyo press releaseRead - Hands-on with ALBO
Westinghouse teams with photographer Anne Geddes for new digiframes
As Westinghouse realizes that the digital photo frame market is about as over-saturated as possible right now, not to mention just how boring the whole notion has become, it has resorted to pulling in a "world renowned" name in photography in order to help push its forthcoming line. But it doesn't end with just a namedrop -- oh no, Westy's latest release has completely and entirely failed to divulge any information whatsoever on the specifications of any of its impending frames. No screen sizes, no resolutions, no capacities, nothing. Just paragraph after paragraph of how awesome it will be to have some of Anne Geddes' photographs mixed in with your own lame attempts at capturing life's most precious moments when you buy one of these elusive units this winter (at undisclosed price points, no less). Nice going, Westinghouse.
CEIVA's 8-inch CEIVAlife / CEIVAshare digiframes now on sale
CEIVA's duo of 8-inch digiframes started shipping out this month, but it appears the whole world was too busy ignoring digital photo frames on the whole to notice and / or care. Originally announced at CES, the CEIVAlife features a surprisingly striking design, a 640 x 480 resolution display, a multicard reader to support nearly every card format you've ever heard of, WiFi / phone / optional Ethernet connectivity and an optional PicturePlan service that "automatically uploads photos and receives photos via camera phones, online or from a PC." The WiFi-ready CEIVAshare (shown after the break) sports a more traditional look and includes an 800 x 600 resolution LCD along with a more digestible $129.99 price tag. As you've likely gleaned, both can be purchased now -- well before the gift giving season arrives.[Via Digital Picture Frame Review, thanks Brian]
Digital Foci ships new Image Moments 6 digiframe
Given that Digital Foci's IMT-062 was getting a bit long in the tooth, we'd say it's about time a suitable successor hit the streets. The IMT-063, or "The Executive" as its known around the office, is the outfit's very latest Image Moments 6 digiframe, which features a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 display, LED backlighting, a two-tone chrome finish, 450MB of internal storage space, support for a multitude of card formats and USB 2.0 connectivity. Better still, the frame will also play back audio and video files, and the auto-rotate orientation sensor will keep your curious youngsters occupied for hours. Look for this one to leave the shipping dock next week for $149.
Motorola shows off femtocell-in-a-digiframe concept
After personally trying out Sprint's AIRAVE, we're confident that femtocells have a place in this world. Thankfully, Motorola's already trying to make them less of an eyesore by integrating a CDMA femtocell into something we wouldn't mind showing off in the den: an inconspicuous digital photo frame. The "3-in-1" concept also includes a VoIP soft phone that would theoretically enable calls to be made right from the frame. Of course, Moto's not handing out any sort of release time frame, but let us be the first to say that this thing needs to hit store shelves on the double -- just make sure it's not carrier specific, and toss in a GSM version while you're at it, okay Moto? Check out the demonstration vid after the break.[Thanks, Dave]
Smartparts goes small(er) with 8-inch SPX8WF WiFi digiframe
Just in case you're not kosher with covering up your entire wall with a 32-inch digital photo frame, Smartparts is also introducing an entirely more reasonable frame at Photokina. The 8-inch SPX8WF packs the same 802.11b/g support as its (much) larger sibling, enabling it to integrate nicely with Windows Live Photo Gallery and display customized RSS feeds. Also of note, this little bugger comes with its own unique e-mail address which is hosted on Smartparts servers. What for, you ask? In order to send out any of your loaded images to friends who you think care, that's what for. As for specs, you've got an 800 x 600 resolution LCD, multicard reader, 512MB of internal memory and a real wood frame. Check it this November for $149.99.
Smartparts busts out 32-inch SP3200WF WiFi digiframe
There comes a point in a digital photo frame's life in which it grows beyond being "just a simple digiframe." For Smartparts' SP3200WF, that time is now. This 32-inch monstrosity is easily the world's hugest WiFi digital photo frame, packing a 1,366 x 768 resolution, natural wood frame with espresso finish, an SD / MS / CF multicard reader, RF remote support, and the ability to play back slideshows, videos, PDFs and even PowerPoint files. Furthermore, it's among the firm's first to integrate with Windows Live Photo Gallery, and the built-in RSS reader keeps your eyes occupied when the snaps grow stale. Too bad there aren't any video inputs (and a price to ponder).
Audiovox finally ships Homebase Digital Message Center
Remember those way swank Digital Message Centers we peeked at CES this year? At long last, Audiovox has begun shipping the audio-only DPF710K ($149.99), which sticks upside your fridge and provides a 7-inch display, a dry erase board, digital clock, Post-it pad and a LED message indicator for good measure. If you haven't pieced it together, this thing seeks to simplify your family's lives by providing a base for leaving photos and messages, and we'll admit, it does have a smidgen of a Jetsons vibe to it. Those holding out for the video-capable DPF711K can lay down their $199.99 later this month. Nice hair, kiddo. %Gallery-32119%
HP trots out 10.4-inch df1000 / 3.5-inch df300a1 digiframes
Don't look now, but HP just got official with two new digital photo frames that could barely be any further apart in terms of size. On the small side, we've got the 3.5-inch df300a1, which rocks a 320 x 240 resolution display (with a 400:1 contrast ratio) and has room for up to 45 pictures on the internal memory. If that's not enough, users can load up additional images by way of an SD / SDHC / MMC slot, and while the AC / USB power options are dandy, the 2-hour battery life on the rechargeable cell within is super-fine. Sitting tight on the other extreme is the 10.4-inch df1000, with 512MB of inbuilt storage (and its own USB port), a 800 x 600 resolution panel, two interchangeable frame mats, dual stereo speakers and support for video playback. You'll be looking at $59 for the little guy, $219 for the big one. %Gallery-31958%
Sony calls in Ericsson to launch 7-inch IDP-100 digiframe
Look Sony, we were there in person to confirm that your digiframe building skills are world-class. Did you really need to phone up your lagging half (give or take a few dozen percent) for its help here? Whatever the case, the Q4-bound Sony Ericsson IDP-100 frame isn't too different from its fiercest rivals; we've got a 7-inch WVGA screen, built-in Bluetooth, a M2 Memory Stick slot (with support for SD, microSD and MS Duo), USB port, enough internal storage for 500 snaps, an active touch control on the frame itself and a world clock for good measure. Somehow, Sony SE spins the omission of a remote as a good thing, but if it was smart, it would enable cellphone control and have a real winner on its hands. Just sayin', is all.[Via Gearlog]
Sony's WiFi-enabled VAIO CP1 hands-on
Sony's VAIO CP1 looked mighty sexy in the press shots, but trust us when we say it's even more stunning in person. We still think it's overpriced at $300, but this WiFi-enabled frame was showing off all of its sides (RSS reader, split-screen Picasa viewing, music player) at CEDIA. Take a look at this fine piece of technological goodness in the gallery below. %Gallery-31214%
Sony brings WiFi-enabled VAIO CP1 digiframe to the States
We had a hunch that Sony's VGF-CP1 was just too svelte to stay locked in Japan forever, and now that CEDIA is upon us, we're finally getting the news we've been waiting for: it's coming to the United States. Rechristened the VAIO CP1 WiFi photo frame, this device features a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, support for Google Picasa streaming, 128MB of internal storage space, an SD / Memory Stick / CF multicard reader and an RSS reader to keep you abreast on the latest happenings. Furthermore, it touts built-in stereo speakers and an internet radio player, not to mention the digital / analog clock. Check it in mid-October for three bills.
Kodak's P520 digiframe touts Quick Touch Border for off-screen flicking
We can all agree that touchscreens are pretty much the best thing ever, right? Good. Can we also agree that fingerprints on said screens are patently awful? Marvelous. Apparently Kodak is right in tune with us, as its 5-inch P520 digital photo frame enables owners to flick through photos without actually greasing up the LCD. The secret is the "Quick Touch Border," a sensitive side panel that lets viewers slide their finger to move to the next photo. From what we can garner, that's about all this thing really has going for it, but if that's plenty for you, look for it next month at around $79.95.
7.6-inch OLED displays go mass production, next stop UMPCs and Kodak photo frames?
Sometime shortly after Philips introduced it first digital photo frame -- let's call it CES, January 2006 -- something happened to the industry: it went to crap. Instead of focusing on quality displays vendors started tossing in gimmicks to sell their goods. This might change now that 7.6-inch OLEDs are going mass production. Already, Kodak is rumored to have placed an order for the medium-sized panels set to roll off the lines in September at CMO's Chi Mei EL (CMEL) factory. That should mean incredibly vibrant, thin, high-contrast frames with 16.7 million colors spread across 800 x 480 pixels just in time for the holidays. While dropping these pricey displays into low-cost netbooks would be a stretch, we wouldn't be surprised to see a few of those 7-inch UMPCs make the move to OLED as well. [Via OLED-info] Read -- Kodak rumor Read -- CMEL 7.6-inch specs
Ask Engadget: Best digiframe / alarm clock combo?
Frightening though it may be, the fall semester is just around the corner. You know what that means? You'll actually have to get up at -- wait for it -- an appointed time. Carissa, being the proactive student she is, posed this question: "Going to school in the fall, I'm looking for the ideal alarm clock to beat the late nights and what not and noticed a few digital photo frames / alarm clocks. I want a decent alarm clock that has battery backup and good resolution on the screen for viewing photos. An auxiliary audio jack would be a major plus. Which one do you guys recommend that falls under the 200 dollar mark? Thanks a million!" Look at that -- you all even received a thank you in advance! For those who've mastered the art of waking up on time and pretending to be a real live adult, which alarm clock / digiframe hybrid have you found to be supreme? Oh, and you know that question you've been hitting the snooze on? Yeah, send it on over to ask at engadget dawt com.
Parrot offers up $450 Andre Putman-designed digiframe
Remember that Andrée Putman-designed digital photo frame that was showcased in the UK earlier this year? Even if not, Parrot would like to remind you of this apparently exquisite device, which features commonplace luxuries like a 7-inch 720 x 480 resolution display, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, an SD / MMC card slot, an undisclosed amount of internal memory and USB connectivity. Oh, and did we mention the $449.99 price? Yeah, there's that, too. Heard enough, haven't you? (Psst... it ships on July 28th in the US.)[Via Digital Picture Frame Review]
AOC's 22-inch 2230Fm HD3 display includes integrated media player
AOC's 2230Fh LCD was fine and dandy, but if you're looking for something similar to pull triple duty as a media player and digital photo frame (its words, not ours), you'll need to refocus on the 2230Fm. Said display is apparently the first from the firm to boast HD3 technology, which alludes to its abilities to function as more than just an HDTV. The unit includes a proprietary menu and remote to play back clips loaded onto memory cards (there's a 4-in-1 reader), not to mention a 1,680 x 1,050 native resolution, 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, USB 2.0 socket, DVI / HDMI inputs, integrated speakers, 2-millisecond response time and a piano black finish. All that for $399.99. Full release posted after the jump.
