Memorex Announces Two LifeShow Digital Picture Frames
Written on Jan 12, 2009 by Brian and filed under Memorex, News
At CES Memorex launched a new family of digital frames called LifeShow. There are two versions of the 8″ frames, Traditional and Custom. The significant different is that with the custom version, users can change the faceplates, where the traditional offers a non-removable wood frame. Both frames are standard aspect ratio with high resolution 800×600 pixel LCD panels.
Memorex LifeShow Traditional
The Traditional and Custom feature 1GB of internal memory, USB port, clock/calendar option; wall-mount capability and multi-card reader. The frames also support JPG, MP3, WMA, WAV, Motion JPED (AVI) and MPEG4 image and audio formats.
Memorex LifeShow Custom
Memorex has included a new way of navigating on the frame though that they feel pretty strongly about. The user interface utilizes a combination of proprietary software and a custom “scrolling” selector button on the back right side of the frame that allows the user to command all of the frames’ functions right on screen, from a single control. The main menu clearly displays all of the frame’s capabilities using an intuitive nesting navigation structure, making it easy to crop, edit and touch-up favorite photos right from the frames. We played with with the interface some, and while not final, we did get along with it pretty well. Memorex has opted for this mechanism over a remote control, which they argue often gets lost anyway; hard to disagree with that.
The photo editing bit mentioned above is actually very important to Memorex. They see this frame as the direct source for digital photos, skipping past the PC and any editing that might happen there. They’re take on user behavior is accurate, as we’ve found most users don’t take the time to reformat or edit pictures before displaying them on a digital frame. While we didn’t get to spend much hands on time with the editing software, the promise of being able to have more control over photos directly from the frame is appealing.
The Memorex LifeShow Traditional and Custom digital photo frames each feature a built-in cable management system and concealed ports for Compact Flash and SD memory cards to maintain the frames’ aesthetics.
The Traditional is available in black, espresso or bamboo wood finishes. The Memorex LifeShow Custom ships with a black finish. Espresso or bamboo finish overlays will be sold separately. Both frames will be shipping to retailers beginning in March for a retail of $129.99.
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