digital photo frame
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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.
Sungale WiFi Widget photo frame gets a hands-on
Sungale's recently unleashed a WiFi-enabled, widget-having digital photo frame -- the ID800WT -- and the fine folks over at Zatz Not Funny have taken it for a little spin. The 800 x 600 resolution touchscreen boasts 512 MB of internal storage, and widgets for weather, news, Picasa, YouTube, Gmail, and Internet radio. The reviewer didn't find the widgets to be particularly awesome, in many respects -- their implementation, for instance, made the Gmail app "nearly useless" because it displayed only a few lines at a time, and many had trouble connecting to the internet properly. It wasn't all doom and gloom, however -- they really liked the frame in theory, and thought that the company was shooting for the right idea -- they just didn't actually succeed. The frame will be available sometime in the coming month for about $165.
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.
SilverPac SilverFrame packs Windows SideShow, FrameIt -- but is it still a photo frame?
Digital photo frames may have once been among the more predictable gadgets out there, but they're fast becoming something else entirely, as evidenced by SilverPac's new SilverFrame now on display at Computex. While it'll apparently function just fine as a regular 10.1-inch photo frame, the Windows Embedded 6.0-based device also packs a number of tricks up its sleeve -- like Windows Sideshow, Live FrameIt, and 802.11n WiFi -- that turn it into much more of a full-fledged media-playing, internet-connected device. Unfortunately, SilverPac looks to be at Computex in an attempt to woo partners to produce and market the device, so an actual release is no doubt still a ways off.[Via DigitalPictureFrameReview.com]
Sanrio announces two Hello Kitty digital photo frames, one child goes bananas
There are a lot of Hello Kitty products. A lot. So many, in fact, that it's kind of hard to get excited about each and every one of them. Then again, this one's pretty sweet. Sanrio's just-announced seven-inch digital photo frames are the classic Kitty motif we know and love, with 6MB of onboard memory, SD/SDHC, MMC support via USB, and a 1W speaker. They're available in Japan now for ¥22,700.00 (about $234) in both red and white. No word on any availability elsewhere, sadly. There's one more photo after the break.[Via Coolest Gadgets]
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]
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.
Samsung's new SPF-87H and SPF-107H photo frames pull double duty as secondary displays
While second monitor status isn't a first for Samsung's picture frames, it's nice to see the functionality be extended to this latest lineup, the "Touch of Color" SPF-87H and SPF-107H. Otherwise the 8-inch and 10-inch frames are pretty basic on features for the most part, including 1GB of internal storage, an internal rechargeable battery and a multicard reader in a 0.9-inch thick form factor. The folks at Digital PictureFrame Review had no luck getting the SPF-85V to work as an external USB display last time around, so hopefully Samsung has tightened up its software in that regard -- though we're not expecting Mac support of such functionality in this century. At least the price is right: in Taiwan the 8-inch frame, which is available globally this month, will go for NT$3490 (about $103 US), while the 10-inch version goes for NT$5290 (about $157 US) and will hit stores in May.[Via Digital PictureFrame Review]
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.
AgfaPhoto announces "world's first" HD photo frames
The "world's first" claim may be a tad on the dubious side, but AgfaPhoto's new 10-inch AF5105MS and 13-inch AF5135MS HD photo frames certainly seem to deliver where it counts, with each packing a 1,280 x 800 resolution and all the usual multimedia-related features you'd expect from a high-res frame. At just 22mm thick, they're also pretty slim by photo frame standards and, in addition to being available in black or white, they each come with a set of interchangeable frames to suit your decor. No word on a price just yet, but you'll likely want to factor in the cost of a memory card, as each come equipped with just 256MB of internal memory.[Via Pocket-lint]
IPEVO's Kaleido R7 wireless digital photo frame now available
IPEVO's Kaleido R7 wireless digital photo frame -- which we first caught sight of at CES -- is now officially available, for all those out there who were waiting expectantly. If you've already forgotten, the 7-inch frames (800 x 480 resolution) has 512MB of memory plus an SD card slot, and it's just dying to sync up with your PC, Mac, or your cell phone to obtain your precious, precious memories for display. It can be yours this instant for $199. Check another photo of the frame after the break.
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]
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.
Engadget's recession antidote: win a Kodak M820 digital photo frame!
Yup, all 'round the globe, economies are taking a hit, and people are losing jobs, houses, investments -- including that news we just heard about Verizon sales reps getting pink slips all over the US of A. So we here at Engadget are committed to trying to counter-attack a little bit of that suffering by handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got a Kodak EasyShare M820 digital photo frame to offer up. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting!Special thanks to Kodak for providing the gear!The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one Kodak M820 digital photo frame. Approximate value is $180. Entries can be submitted until Tuesday, February 10th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
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%
