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Parrot shows off Andre Putman-designed digiframe in UK
Indifferent souls may have no qualms just snapping up the first digiframe they see, but that sect isn't the target market for Parrot's latest. The Andrée Putman-designed device is being shown around the UK at the moment, and aside from boasting a 7-inch display, a glossy black motif, rear-mounted buttons, auto-rotation, 10MB of built-in storage, an SD expansion slot and integrated Bluetooth (but no WiFi), you also get to hand over £250 to take it home. Right now, the piece is only available in London's Few and Far store, but the company may try to roll it out nationwide if demand necessitates. Check it out on video in the read link below.[Via CNET]
Viewsonic busts out a bevy of customizable digital photo frames
There's nothing like an impending holiday to get companies rushing to get their appropriately-themed products out the door, and Viewsonic's now following Memorex's lead with a slew of new digital photo frames aimed at Mother's Day shoppers. This latest batch includes ten frames in all, including 7-, 8-, and 10-inch varieties (both widescreen and 4:3), each of which boast interchangeable bezels to suit your decor. At the head of the pack is the 10-inch DPX1002 model (pictured above), which packs a decent 1024x600 resolution, along with 400 cd/m2 of brightness, a 400:1 contrast ratio, and the usual video and MP3 playback features. If that's a bit more than you're looking for, you can opt for one of three variations of the 8-inch DPX802 model, which packs an 800x600 resolution and drops the video playback, or one of three incarnations of the 7-inch DPX702 model, which offers up a 800x480 resolution and drops the MP3 playback as well. Rounding things out are the 7-inch widescreen DPX704WH, 8-inch 4:3 DPX804WH and 10-inch widescreen DPX1004WH, each of which boast white finishes, and include 128MB of memory, along with some basic media-playing features. According to Viewsonic, the whole lot is available now, with prices ranging from $130 to $209.
Memorex pushes out two digiframes for proactive Mother's Day shoppers
Oh sure, Mother's Day is over a month away (in the US), but don't let mama know that reading this post was the only thing that reminded you. If you're suddenly stricken with panic, take heart, as Memorex has a new duo of digital photo frames sure to make the woman most special to you smile. Purposely designed with "feminine graphics," the Special Occasions and Floral models both feature 7-inch 480 x 234 resolution panels and USB connectivity. As for the former, you'll find four interchangeable inserts and a SD / MMC expansion slot, while the latter provides a 4-in-1 reader and oodles of floral patterns. Interestingly, we've no idea if either will be seen outside of K-Mart, but both frames can be purchased at the aforesaid retailer next month for $89.99 apiece.
Kodak intros new EasyShare photo frames with Quick Touch borders
It's been a little while since we caught sight of Kodak's last batch of digital photo frames, but the company's now come back for another go 'round with a trio of new EasyShare frames, each of which pack Kodak's newfangled "Quick Touch" borders. That feature lets you scroll though photos simply by sliding your finger along the border, as well as giving you control over all the frame's other functions via the interface pictured above. Apart from that, the frames appear to be pretty standard fare, with the M820 and M1020 models boasting 8 and 10-inch screens, respectively, along with the usual audio and video support, 128MB of built-in memory, and accommodations for all the most used memory card formats. If that's more than you need, you can also opt for the 7-inch P720 model, which hangs on to the Quick Touch border but drops everything but the most basic photo frame features. Look for all three of 'em to start shipping on April 16th, with the P720, M820 and M1020 setting you back $120, $180, and $230, respectively.
Pandigital teases your kitchen with HDTV / digital cookbook conglomerate
We can't say we've really spent any huge amount of time wondering just how converged kitchen devices can become, but apparently, the designers at Pandigital have. Announced today, the Kitchen HDTV / Digital Cookbook / Digital Photo Frame (really, that's the name) stays true to itself in three big ways: acting as a 15-inch 720p HDTV (ATSC / NTSC tuner included), a digital cookbook (with pre-loaded recipes and space for more) and a digital photo frame. Packed within, you'll find half a gigabyte of memory, a built-in alarm clock and an integrated 6-in-1 media card reader. And considering all that sauce you'll be slinging, you'll be thrilled to know that it's sealed with glass and boasts interchangeable faceplates to fit varying moods. Heck, this thing even handles Motion JPEG, MPEG4 and AVI files -- not a bad way to spice up your kitchen (and spend $399.99), eh?
Polaroid to shake Instant Digital photo frame into reality [Update: sorry, game off!]
For every terrible mockup we see, there's a few that stand out -- and it looks like that Digital Polaroid frame concept we spotted a couple weeks ago caught some eyes over at Polaroid as well, because the company has apparently contacted designer Dave Friedman and is working on making it a real product. That's a pretty fitting tribute to a classic gone by -- but we won't be appeased unless you can shake this thing to make new photos appear.Update: Looks like Stuff misconstrued a simple statement made by a Polaroid employee (that he saw and "liked" the concept), and ran the whole thing as fact. Shocking. David Friedman, the concept's originator, got in touch and let us know that "I wish [it] were the case, but unfortunately the first I heard of this was earlier today in a post on Stuff Magazine's website. ... So I think this still goes in the "rumor" category for now."
Insignia photo frame virus much nastier than originally thought
Ugh, we were already sick of digital photo frames -- and now it looks those now-discontinued virus-ridden Insignia units from Best Buy and several other models produced in China were carrying a much nastier trojan that we'd originally heard. According to an analyst form Computer Associates, the trojan, called Mocmex, is able to block more than 100 types of security and anti-virus software from killing it, and bypasses the Windows firewall to download files from remote locations, spreading them randomly over your hard drive and any portable storage device you plug into your PC -- like, for example, a digital photo frame. The trojan is apparently set to only steal gaming passwords at present, but CA says it's capable of stealing nearly any information on your machine, and thinks it might be a test for a much worse virus yet to come. Infected frames have come from Sam's Club, Target and Costco, in addition to Best Buy, so we'd say to avoid picking one up until this mess gets sorted out -- or, you know, forever.
Mustek's 5-in-1 PF-D240 digiframe does more than just slideshows
Oh yeah, we've seen multi-purpose digiframes before, but Mustek's latest manages to handle five whole tasks only marginally well. You heard right -- this minuscule device packs a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 panel for showing wallet-sized digital images along with an alarm clock, FM radio, built-in MP3 player and a thermometer. You'll also find an MMC / SD expansion slot for loading up those precious memories, a USB 2.0 connector and a pair of skull-crushing one-watt speakers to boot. No price is listed, but judging by the design alone, we'd say that's probably for the best.[Via CNET]
Best Buy confirms it sold virus-infected Insignia photo frames, no recall in the works
As we noted a week back, Best Buy's house-brand Insignia photo frames are indeed virus-infected, but now it appears Best Buy is doing something about it. Unfortunately, info is still slim at the moment from company lips. Best Buy says it's "connecting with our customers who may have been impacted," and has pulled remaining inventory from the shelves, but there are no plans for a recall of the infected NS-DPF10A, and Best Buy won't specify what specific type of malware we're dealing with. Best Buy seems to think that anti-virus software should have no problem dealing with the old-ish trojan in the frames, and recommends customers plug the frame into a PC and run some current anti-virus software to eradicate the malware. Macs are unaffected, and Apple could be seen on the playground making smarmy remarks about the incident to anyone who'd listen.
AgfaPhoto intros new Linux-based, WiFi-equipped digital photo frame
Digital photo frames have been doing quite a bit more than simply displaying photos for some time now, but it looks like AgfaPhoto's new WiFi-equipped, 8-inch AF5080W model could be among the most versatile yet, especially among those with a penchant for making their "improvements." Leading the way in that respect is the frame's Linux roots, along with the Freescale i.MX31 system-on-chip that device is built around. Of course, even if you're not interested in the tweaking possibilities, you'll still be able to get plenty done with the frame right out of the box, including playback of various video formats (including H.264 AVI), and playback of MP3 and WMA audio files -- and photos, naturally. No word on a price, but you can apparently look for this one to hit Europe before it makes its way over here.
Philips pops out new Digital PhotoFrame lineup
While everybody else is busy sticking WiFi, RSS and other fancy fun in their digital photo frames, Philips is sticking to the basics with its generically-titled Digital PhotoFrame displays. Hitting 5.6-inch, 7-inch and 8-inch sizes, the new frames feature RadiantColor "tech" to stretch the image colors to the edge of the frame and a Collage Effect to display multiple photos at once, but there's really nothing going on here. Prices range from $70 to $140, and all the frames will be out in Q1 2008.%Gallery-12866%
D-Link debuts DSM-210 10-inch WiFi photo frame
We love us a decent WiFi photo frame, and D-Link seems to have a keeper with this here DSM-210 10-incher. The frame can pull photos from RSS feeds, USB drives, flash cards and a special Yahoo Widget that lets you drop an image from you desktop and have it appear automagically on the DSM-210. You can also sync with calendar programs, and various online news and other info via RSS. There's an Ethernet plug in the back if WiFi isn't your style, and the frame also has a rechargeable battery if you're looking to do things completely wire free. The DSM-210 will be out Q1 2008 for $250.
Whirlpool's expansive centralpark system gets new upgrades
At this point it's fairly safe to say the whole concept of technology-integrated refrigerators hasn't really caught on, but certainly not because people aren't willing to drop coin on a nice new cooler. Really, it's got more to do with the fact that you simply can't upgrade anything once you've dropped that first chunk of change. Unfortunately for GE, since it was introduced last year, Whirlpool's centralpark hasn't been much more effective at tackling that problem, despite offering up a common -- but not ubiquitous or open -- interface for fridge devices. But there is that single, revealingly-named Whirlpool GD5VVAXT to connect this year's centralpark devices to, including: Ceiva digital photo frame - 8-inch display, media reader, $250, looks a bit familiar. Brandmotion iPod dock - Guess what it does! Price not yet announced. Clio Vu - Dock and display mount for your Clio NXT, running Oh yeah, you don't have a Clio NXT, because pretty much no one does. Quartet Qnote Message Center - Simple, boring glass note taker with dry-erase markers. %Gallery-12644%
Shogo: the WiFi-enabled touchscreen digiframe
These days, you can't just whip up another me-too WiFi-enabled digital photo frame and expect consumers to swoon. Oh no, you've got add a dash of innovation to grab those hard-earned dollars. Thankfully, it seems that Shogo has received the memo, as its duo of 8-inch frames is apparently the first to be WiFi-enabled and rock a touchscreen. The SG 080 sports 1GB of internal storage while the SG 081a holds just 512MB, but both models share an 800 x 600 resolution panel, a multicard reader and a built-in rechargeable battery. Additionally, ShogoLive users can add photos from popular online image portals (think Flickr, Picasa, etc.) as well as connect to internet radio stations and scroll through RSS feeds. Regrettably, there's no mention of an actual price, but according to the firm's website, these should start showing up at "major consumer electronics retailers" real soon.
Smartparts prepping a 32-inch photo frame, another with built-in printer for CES
The last time Smartparts hit us with CES-related photo frame PR, we pretty much told the company to stop wasting everyone's time and either go big or go home -- and it looks like they decided to go big, because this year we're being treated to the world's biggest digital photo frame, the 32-inch SP3200. The 16:9 frame sports a 1366x768 resolution and Smartpart's OptiPix tech, but until we hear some pricing info we're not going to be convinced that frame sizes haven't hit the point of diminishing returns. Smartparts also says it'll be rolling out the SP8PRT frame with built-in photo printer, but it's not giving up any other details just yet -- but we'll get it out of 'em in Vegas, just you wait.
Polaroid unveils 7-inch XSJ-00750M digital photo frame
Just as soon as Digital Foci introduced a trio of digital photo frames, along comes Polaroid with a 7-incher of its own. The XSJ-00750M rocks a 480 x 234 widescreen panel, 400:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m2 brightness, USB 2.0 connectivity and a multicard reader that handles SD, MMC, CF, MS, MSPro and MSDuo. Aside from sifting through your JPEG collection, it also plays back MP3 files, and just in case you've got a thing for varying colors, you'll be delighted to know that this one comes with black, white and wood colored frames. Grab one next month (if you're in Japan, that is) for ¥17,000 ($149).[Via FarEastGizmos]
Digital Foci rolling out trio of new digital photo frames
Some nine months after Digital Foci unveiled the IMT-062, the firm is gearing up for CES 2008 with a trio of newcomers (entire family shown). Up first is the revamped Image Moments 6 (IMT-063), which sports a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 LED-backlit panel, a two-tone polished chrome finish and built-in stereo speakers. Moving on up, we've got the Image Moments 8 (IMT-083), which ups the ante with a 800 x 600 resolution panel and a 500:1 contrast ratio, and just in case that's not enough screen real estate for you, there's the 15-inch IMT-153, which packs a XGA (1,024 x 768) resolution, 700:1 contrast ratio, an AV input, interchangeable frame / mat and VESA mountability. The trifecta includes 200MB of storage, USB 2.0 connectivity and a multicard reader that handles a smorgasbord of formats, and all three should be available in March for $149, $199 and $399, respectively.
Brando offers up 2.4-inch digital photo frame, isn't joking
Generally speaking, we've seen digital photo frames get additional features, boosts in screen size and increases in resolution, but Brando is taking innovation in the opposite direction with its "portable" iteration. After triple checking to make sure this wasn't some sort of sick holiday prank, it looks as if the firm actually is offering up a 2.4-inch frame that touts a 320 x 240 resolution panel, comes with your choice of transparent or heart-shaped frames and gets its juice from a built-in Li-ion / USB port. Heck, you'll even get 16MB of internal storage space -- enough for 32 photos! If you're absolutely sure the novelty won't wear off after 7.3 minutes of use, feel free to cough up $45 and bring one home.
Ality's Wireless PIXXA puts more internet in the photo frame
And we thought we were getting all fancy with RSS-capable wireless photo frames. The new Wireless PIXXA 8-inch WiFi frame from Ality not only works with the likes of Flickr, but syncs with popular online calendars and news sites as well, including a special Photo Messenger feature that allows friends to push embarrassing photos instantly onto the frame and in view of your holiday guests. The 800 x 600 resolution should be plenty, and in addition to the traditional card reader there's 2GB of built-in storage. Ality should be selling the PIXXA in the first half of next year for $299.[Via Born Rich]
Mustek's PF-i700 digiframe rocks an iPod dock
Granted, you may have assumed that an iPod wouldn't be caught dead snuggling with a digital photo frame, but strange though it may be, that assumption has just been proven wrong. Mustek's PF-i700 inelegantly combines Apple's darling with a 7-inch digiframe, giving house guests a perfect opportunity to squint at the iPod's screen rather than focusing on what's really important. Nevertheless, the unit sports a 480 x 243 resolution panel, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, USB port and support for SD, xD, MMC and Memory Stick / MS Pro cards. 'Course, you can purportedly play back videos and photo slideshows stored on your iPod too, but you won't be snagging one until next March when it lands for $129.99.
