digital photo frame
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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%
Epoq Multimedia unveils EPT-LC7AT / EDP-AT02 "portable HDTVs"
Epoq Multimedia doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to delivering quality wares, so we'd be wary about believing the claims bestowed upon its latest two. Reportedly, the EPT-LC7AT ($279) is a "portable HDTV," though last we checked, a 480 x 230 resolution display wasn't eligible for HD status. Still, the integrated ATSC tuner and rechargeable Li-ion are nice touches, but we have all ideas the 7-inch screen won't be worth writing home about. Moving on, we've got the EDP-AT02 ($249), which is billed as a portable LCD TV / digiframe combo that also touts a 7-inch display, ATSC tuner, multicard slot and a multimedia player. For what it's worth, we're also hearing that a 10-inch 800 x 480 EPT-LC10AT could be landing alongside these two before long. Color us overjoyed.
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]
Cagic debuts stylish new 8.4-inch digital photo frame
Still haven't found a digital photo frame that suits your decor? Then you may find Cagic's new offering here a bit more to your taste, with it boasting a simple but stylish design and some decent enough specs to back it up. That includes an 8.4-inch 800x600 touchscreen display, a mini USB port and, perhaps most notably, two separate SD card slots: one for storage and one to load photos (a 1GB card is included). At $180, however, it's not exactly the cheapest 8-inch frame around, but it is made of solid brushed aluminum and natural hardwood, and you can get it in your choice of three finishes, so that's a trade-off we're guessing some will be more than willing to accept.
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.
Samsung cranks out four UbiSync digital photo frames
Samsung's dropping four new digital photo frames at IFA, and wonder of wonders, they're actually somewhat interesting -- particularly since they can all act as UbiSync secondary monitors for your PC. The 8-inch, 800 x 600 SPF-85H and SPF-85V and 10-inch, 1024 x 600 SPF-105P and SPF-105V all feature Samsung's usual piano black finish with hidden touch controls and an integrated speaker; the two V models have integrated 802.11 wireless and can pull photos off RSS feeds, FrameChannel, or Windows Live Spaces, while the two standalone units have 1GB of internal memory. The eight-inchers will be $129 and $199 when they hit in September, while the 105P will arrive in October for $199 and the 105V will come in at $289 in November.[Via Digital Picture Frame Review]
Picwing intros social digital picture frame
Internet-connected digital photo frames are hardly rarefied device they once were, but upstart Picwing looks to be aiming quite a bit higher than most with its new eponymously-named device, with it focusing as much attention on its software and photo-sharing site as on the hardware. The frame itself is essentially a Linux-based computer (exact specs are a bit light at the moment, apart from built-in WiFi and a 7-inch display), and the company is quick to admit that, in its current state, it's "the equivalent of the Apple I, not the Apple II," with each one actually assembled by the founders themselves. That also accounts for the frame's somewhat high $249 price tag, which the company promises will be cut down as they ramp up production. It's also promising to add more features as it moves to a more finalized version, with piped RSS feeds high up on its to-do list, along with email, messaging, and VoIP. Certainly one to watch, and if you're ready to take the plunge on the current version, you can get your order in by hitting up the link below right now.
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.
Kodak bumps out a pair of new Flickr-friendly Wireless Digital Frames
Kodak's new W820 (8-inch) and W1020 (10-inch) are the latest in the company's charming line of Quick Touch Border digital photo frames. Quite similar to their M820 and M1020 (pictured) counterparts in most respects, the new frames add WiFi, which brings with it services like Flickr, FrameChannel and Kodak Gallery. Unfortunately, the only way to add generic RSS feeds is FrameChannel, and all FrameChannel subscriptions include a monstrous banner ad across the bottom of each frame -- at least Kodak's partnership with Flickr is separate, so those subs are clean. Each frame includes 512MB of storage in addition to memory card slots, and they should be out next month for $250 and $280, respectively.%Gallery-27291%
Transcend doles out 7-inch T.photo 720 digiframe
Last September, Transcend had the bright idea of cluttering up the digital photo frame market even further with its own ho hum offering. Apparently the idea went over okay -- or the brilliant suit who decided to go for it is to prideful to admit otherwise. Either way, today we're presented with the 7-inch T.photo 720, a much less traditional frame (in terms of design) with a 800 x 480 resolution display, 2GB of integrated memory, built-in stereo speakers / headphone jack and an obligatory multicard reader. You'll also find a USB socket, FM tuner, support for video playback and a customizable alarm clock. If you're down with the rounded corners, you can expect this one later this month (in black or white) for around $165.[Via AkihabaraNews]
NuTouch offers up finger-friendly 7-inch digital photo frame
If you're not snoozin' by the end of this one, clearly you haven't been paying attention to just how many humdrum digiframes have been pumped out over the past six months or so. Nevertheless, NuTouch's 7-inch Touch Frame does manage to stand out somewhat in the legions of mediocre alternatives, as the sleek, glossy black frame gets complemented with an array of touch-sensitive controls, built-in stereo speakers and integrated MP3 player. The panel packs a 800 x 480 resolution, and furthermore, you'll find 128MB of storage, a multicard reader, internal battery, clock / calendar functions and USB connectivity. Still, we can't help but balk at the £139 ($273) price tag -- then again, we are dealing with the declining-by-the-second greenback here.[Via GeekAlerts]
ASUS' UFOTO UF735 digiframe doubles as secondary PC display
Finally, a little innovation in the midst of watered-down, me-too digital photo frames. Here we have the UFOTO UF735, which exhibits a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution display, USB 2.0 connectivity, headphone jack, 128MB of built-in memory, integrated speakers, a multicard reader for handling JPEG / BMP / GIF / MP3 files and your choice of silver, pink or blue frame colors. Beyond those yawn-inducing stats, you'll find a swank sub-display function, which enables owners to use it as a secondary display (SideShow, anyone?) on their PC. As is customary for ASUS, it's not doling out pricing / release information just yet, but this one may actually be worth paying attention to when it finally lands.
Digital Photo Urn is just too creepy to be useful
If you're somehow able to gaze upon the Digital Photo Urn without emotion, you'll find a fairly useful product. Still, we can't help but be a little creeped out by the notion. Nevertheless, those with differing views can certainly procure one of their own, which was meant specifically to hold the remains (or at least some of them) of your lost pet and continually show pictures of its life on the built-in 7-inch display. In case you're still not freaked out, the unit even supports audio, so you can "hear the precious barks, whines and purrs anytime." At this point, we highly doubt you care about the 256MB of integrated storage space, USB connectivity or Oak / Walnut motifs, but those not shaken can secure one now for around $250.[Via picturesnob, thanks Jay]
Sony offers up WiFi-enabled VGF-CP1 digital photo frame
Over in Japan, Sony has just launched a fairly well-spec'd digiframe that's certainly worthy of attention. The VGF-CP1 packs a 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution panel, multicard reader / USB port, 100MB of free internal memory (85MB for pictures, 15MB for music), support for still images / MP3s / WAV files and built-in 802.11b/g WiFi. Aside from showing off your recent vacation snaps, the unit can also display the current time, check in with your favorite RSS feeds and keep you up to speed with the latest weather forecasts. No telling if this thing will ever see US soil, but those parked in Tokyo can grab it on May 17th for around ¥30,000 ($258).
Kenko puts remote on the side of KDF-07 digiframe
You want questionable design? Kenko's giving you questionable design. Rather than just leaving the remote unattached like, oh, every other digital photo frame maker in the universe, this firm has found a reason to stick it on the side of the frame itself. Generally known for its photographic paper, Kenko has ventured into the ever-growing world of digiframes with the 7-inch KDF-07, and while the flip-out remote can be tucked behind when not needed, we're still a bit perplexed as to why it's even assembled in this manner. Specs wise, you'll find support for JPEG, MP3, AVI and MPEG1/2/4 file formats, a multicard reader, a 480 x 234 resolution panel and a USB port for transferring files from your PC. Folks somehow obsessed with the above pictured device can supposedly snag one in grain, black or silver motifs for ¥16,800 ($160), but we're betting that crew is mighty small. [Warning: PDF read link][Via CNET]
