The Kodak PULSE connects to the Internet wirelessly and has its own email address so pictures are easy to send to the device. Thanks to the social network integration, pictures are streamed to the frame automatically.

The PULSE features a motion sensor that automatically turns the frame on when people are around and off otherwise.

A full list of features is as follows:

• Custom email address to easily receive pictures
• Connect to pictures on FACEBOOK and KODAK Gallery accounts
• Full touchscreen in 7-inch or 10-inch high-quality display featuring KODAK Color Science and LED backlighting
• Quick Comment button lets you communicate back to picture senders directly
• Built-in activity sensor and ENERGY STAR qualified
• Easy setup – no software to install
• Create a playlist of your favorite pictures
• Rotate pictures on the screen with just a touch
• Store up to 4000 pictures with 512 MB of internal memory
• Makes a great gift – easily set up and manage the frame for someone else

Availability

The Kodak PULSE Digital Frame will be available in the U.S. this spring; the 7-inch version is MSRP $129.99 and the 10-inch $199.99.

Kodak PULSE Product Page

Nikon has introduced its new 7.2-inch NF-300i picture frame in Japan. It has a 7.2-inch autostereoscopic screen, which means that glasses aren’t necessary to achieve the 3D effect.

The NF-300i has 4GB of internal memory and an 800×600 screen resolution.

The catch with this device? You rent it, not buy it — it is designed to be used with Nikon’s My PictureTown 3D service, which hosts your pictures online and converts them to 3D. The NF-300i then pulls the pictures down from the cloud via wired Ethernet or 802.11b/g wireless. The service, which will be available in Japan only, is about $244/year or $24.49/month. The service starts in December 2010. Nikon says it does not plan to sell the picture frame separately.

Nikon Product Page (Japanese)

DPF-XR100 and DPF-VR100

Sony S-Frame DPF-VR100

The XR100 and VR100 have similar features:

• AVCHD video playback capabilities
• 10.2-inch, high-resolution WSVGA LED-backlit screen
• Scales and displays content up to 256 megapixels
• Stereo audio
• Sweep Panaroma playback (supports panaroma photos taken by Sony CyberShot cameras)

The XR100 additionally features TruBlack technology, which enhances contrast and reduces reflections on the display.

DPF-D830

Sony S-Frame DPF-D830

The D830 is Sony’s first battery-operated photo frame. It features a built-in rechargable battery good for up to 100 minutes of life. The D830 features an 8-inch SVGA screen and 2GB of internal storage. Three songs come pre-loaded but users can also transfer their own MP3 files.

Other New Digital Frames

Sony S-Frame DPF-XR100

Sony also introduced a host of other new S-Frame models (models DPF-A710, DPF-D710, DPF-D810, DPF-D75, DPF-D820, DPF-D1010, DPF-D95, and DPF-D1020). The frames differ by screen size and internal memory; prices range from $70 to $150.

All of the digital photo frames include features such as slide show variations, an auto orientation sensor to detect if your frame has been placed horizontally or vertically, clock and calendar views, and index modes so you can preview several photos at once. A remote control is included with each photo frame.

Availability

The DPF-XR100, DPF-VR100, and DPF-D830 will be available in November for about $250, $200, and $150, respectively. Pricing for the other eight models introduced are as follows:

• DPF-A710 – available in October for about $70
• DPF-D710 – available in October for about $80
• DPF-D810 – available in October for about $100
• DPF-D75 – available now for about $100
• DPF-D820 – available in October for about $120
• DPF-D1010 – available in October for about $130
• DPF-D95 – available now for about $140
• DPF-D1020 – available in October for about $150

Sony Press Release

The Photo Mail is being pitched as one of the easiest frames to use. Each frame will have a dedicated email address to receive pictures. When new photos show up, the frame owner chooses to accept or reject them. The entire transaction is handled seamlessly over the AT&T cellular network, so users don’t need a wireless or wired Internet connection in their home. The photos that get emailed to the frame go into a Snapfish account where they can be managed. Users can also order prints or other keepsakes.

Aside from the email capability, the Photo Mail features an 8″ LED-lit screen with standard aspect 800×600 pixel display. The frame also has 1GB of internal storage, multi-card reader (CF, SD, xD, MS), memory optimization mode, calendar, clock and alarm functions and programmable on/off times. The frame also handles multimedia files including AVI video files and MP3 music.

The Pandigital Photo Mail will be available later this year for a suggested $149.99. This price includes the ability to receive 300 photos. After that users will have to buy additional allotments form Pandigital for an unspecified price.

The iNet 2.0 uses its Internet connection to stream Internet radio stations in additional to the Rhapsody and Napster services. Sherwood didn’t indicate any web-oriented services for the digital frame portion of the iNet 2.0.

We do know that in terms of frame features the unit has an 8″ display, 1GB of internal memory, USB host and an SD card slot.

The Sherwood iNet 2.0 will be available in May for $299.95.

Here’s a detailed update on what users can expect

• PC software update (v 1.27) that optimizes the image size for the resolution on the DreamScreen and compresses the file size to take advantage of storing more photos on the 2GB storage without degrading the picture quality
• Pandora
  • Better readability of station names
  • Station names now allow for accented characters in station name
• Weather
  • Channel now supports 3-digit temperature & sub-zero temperature readings
  • Data refreshes every 10 minutes
• Better AVI video file playback
• HP SmartRadio – cleaned up listings to remove inactive stations and updated others
• Better ways to manage folder copy — keep folder structure on the HP DreamScreen
• General optimization and bug fixes in the DreamScreen software

Again, it’s a great sign to see HP issue this third firmware update since the DreamScreen’s release less than two months ago. We fully expect HP to keep up the progressive work and look forward to seeing what comes next. Perhaps a search option or better localized access to SmartRadio stations?

Related Stories

HP DreamScreen Review

eStarling is clearly trying to up their game, as most digital frame manufacturers now have to leap the bar set by the HP DreamScreen. The WPF-588 comes close in several ways, and is probably one of the more interesting pure frame plays, because of the dedicated email, touchscreen interface and ease of sharing photos and video to the frame. Where it falls short though is the lack of content services, like the HP, although eStarling does offer a Twitter reader, something the HP does not. For the same price though, it will be interesting to see if consumers prefer the simplicity and ease of sharing that eStarling offers here.

Aside from the touch panel and 802.11n WiFi, the other highlights include:

• RJ45 Ethernet wired connectivity
• 10.2″ 16:9 800X480 Digital LCD with split-screen design for right sized image presentation
• 2GB storage
• SD media card reader
• No PC required for setup
• Access photos through Gmail, Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, and with more services to come
• Connected video inbox feature allowing videos to be sent over the Web from smartphones for later play back
• Twitter client
• Over the air automatic firmware update capable

The eStarling WPF-588 is available now direct from eStarling for $249.99.

It doesn’t get much better from there. The rest of the series seems to be terribly over-priced, even when compared to our weak dollar. The LS700, a basic 7″ frame with low resolution would set you back over $80. The comparable option in the US would set you back perhaps a third of that price. I don’t know what’s going on in the UK, but there must be better options.

LS700 (£49.99) – 7″ Basic Digital Photo Frame
-7″ diagonal TFT display
-480 x 234 pixels
-Programmable on/off time
-Mini USB port
-Portrait or Landscape display

LS420 Duo (£79.99) – 4.2″ Duo Digital Photo Frame
-Dual 4.2″ diagonal TFT displays
-234 x 202 pixels per panel
-Programmable on/off time
-Switch one frame to a calendar/clock
-Memory card slot: SD, MMC, MS
-Mini USB port

LS720D Duo (£129.99) – 7″ Duo Digital Photo Frame
-Dual 7″ diagonal TFT display
-High resolution: 800 x 480 pixels per panel
-MP3 player
-Programmable on/off time
-Auto rotation with tilt sensor
-Built-in memory to store up to 1200 photos (512 MB)
-Built-in speakers
-Memory card slot: SD, MMC, MS
-USB 2.0 interface
-IR remote control

LS1000 (£149.99) – 10″ Digital Photo Frames
-10.4″ diagonal TFT display
-High resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
-MP3 player
-Programmable on/off time
-Auto rotation with tilt sensor
-Built-in memory to store up to 1200 photos (512 MB)*
-Built-in speakers
-Memory card slot: SD, MMC, MS
-USB 2.0 interface
-IR remote control

LS1000W (£199.99) – 10.4″ Wi-Fi™ Media Digital Photo Frame
-10″ diagonal TFT display
-Wireless Wi-Fi™ connection
-High resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
-Download photos from your online albums
-1,000+ online channels available via FrameChannel™
-Sends & receives photos directly by e-mail without a PC
-Supports any POP3 & SMTP email address
-Wi-Fi™ internet radio
-Supports RSS feeds (weather, news, sports, financial data, etc.)
-MP3 player
-Built-in memory to store up to 1200 photos (512 MB)*
-Programmable on/off time
-Built-in speakers
-Memory card slot: SD, MMC, MS
-USB 2.0 interface
-Alarm clock and calendar function
-IR remote control

The concept of a printer embedded in a digital frame isn’t new. Smartparts had one on the market for a few years, but it suffered from less than stellar performance. The idea is simple, friends and family will be over at your house, see a fantastic shot on your digital frame and want a copy for themselves. Rather than give them a digital file or wait for one of the online services to print and deliver the image, users of the Sony DPP-F700 can press a button and in 45 seconds have a high quality 4×6 print.

On the hardware side, the frame features a widescreen 7″ display with 800×480 pixel resolution. There’s 1GB of internal storage, which is good for at least 2,000 images when resized for the frame’s resolution.  Additionally the DPP-F700 has a USB port and card readers that support CF, SD, MS and xD cards.

The frame handles playback of JPEG, TIFF and BMP image file formats in either single image mode, or slideshow with ten different transitions. There’s also an orientation sensor, that lets the frame be viewed in portrait or landscape mode, rotating the images displayed accordingly.

When it comes to printing, Sony has included a few extras that they hope entice buyers. In addition to printing the photo files, the frame has a few onboard editing options including:  enlarge, reduce, crop, date stamp on/off, border/borderless (for single prints), and brightness, contrast, hue, and sharpness adjustment. There’s also a creative print mode with over 30 templates that lets users make things like ID photos, calendars and proof sheets.

Whether or not users will commit to the $200 price tag and likely pricey ink refills remains to be seen. The printer/frame combination hasn’t proven to be successful in the past, though Sony must expect there’s a reasonable sized market opportunity out there.

True to its word, HP pushed out an update to the DreamScreen that does quite a bit of updating to the Pandora application. Pandora now lets users create a new account, truly eliminating the need for a PC for this application. Users can also now create new stations and delete stations. It also appears the thumbs up/down bug where the images were not being displayed has now been resolved.

HP is being coy about other fixes or enhancements. The Pandora updates are the most obvious improvement on the DreamScreen, but it’s reasonable to assume HP repaired other issues as well.

As to the update itself – our frame did not automatically recognize and install the update as it should based on the settings. Fortunately we had a heads up that the update was coming and went to look for it on our own. So if you’re a DreamScreen owner, be sure to go into the setup screen, then info, and search for updates manually.

Related Stories

HP DreamScreen Review

On the digital frame side, the ICF-CL75iP features a 7″ widescreen display with 800×40 pixel resolution. They’ve included 1GB of internal memory and a USB port; though it’s not clear if there’s a multicard reader as well. Photos can be loaed via USB drive, internal memory or from the iPod. When not in use, the iPod cradle retracts into the base of the frame.

Sony’s definitely looking for a bedroom placement with the ICF-CL75iP. The included alarm clock is quite robust, offering to wake you to music, FM radio, soothing sounds (waves, gulls, etc.) or a 10 second voice recording of your own.

If you need more entertainment, the ICF-CL75iP plays music from your iPod, in addition to mp3 and WMA audio files stored on the internal memory. On the video side the unit supports MP4, Motion JPEG and AVI file types. The report does not mention whether or not the frame can handle video playback from the iPod.

All of these featured are piled in an attractive device that if released at $150 will be a very attractive price point.

via SonyInsider

According to the Mintpass site, the concept is designed for the older generation, who doesn’t want technology to be difficult, yet they still want some of the benefits, like having all their family photos on a digital frame. But most last the skill required to get a picture from film or even their digital camera onto the internal memory of a frame. Many digital frames try to solve this with online services and whatnot, assuming the kids will maintain the photo feeds. In this concept though, Mintpass has gone with dual digital cameras to give the user total control.

There’s a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front of the frame used for self portraits and a 2 megapixel camera on the back, with flash. Once the shots are taken, they go straight into the photo rotation on the frame. Of course there are the other usual features like a USB drive reader, multi-card reader and internal memory.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see a version of this frame released; there is value in the innovation. While the printer embedded in a frame didn’t really take off, this idea appears more practical and could find a segment of the market where users would appreciate it.

The lamp comes in five colors and manages to be relatively stylish, something that most combo-frames we’ve seen don’t pull off well. The display is standard aspect ratio and offers a 320×240 pixel resolution. The base offers integrated speakers with volume controls and the frame supports JPEG, AVI and MP3 playback.

The desk lamp digital frame should be released in a few weeks, pricing has not yet been announced.

Toshiba is pitching the FrameChannel integration aggressively, noting all of the content and social networking possibilities. True, users can access FrameChannl to integrate with sites like Flickr, Photobucket, and Facebook. But the real trick is how easy is the frame to use and how does it look? We’ll have to wait for our review unit to see how the interface works, but from a design perspective the new DMF102XKU and DMF82XKU look pretty sharp.

Toshiba has been all about the high-gloss design in their consumer electronics of late and the new set of digital frames is no different. The 8″ model pictured above (DMF82XKU) and the 10″ model (DMF102XKU) both feature black frames and acrylic front with reflective rim. The 8″ model will also come with a while frame (DMF82XWU).

While Toshiba was a little coy about specs in the press release it’s fair to assume there’s a multi-card reader and at least 1GB of RAM to go with the “high resolution” display. The frames also feature an internal tilt senor and calendar/clock functions.

All three Toshiba digital frames will be available in August. The 8″ models will retail for $179.99 and the 10″ $229.99.

Update – Toshiba has confirmed 1GB of internal memory and an 800×480 pixel widescreen.

Update – 12/17/09 – Toshiba DMF82XKU Review Posted

The S730 also integrates a new feature called “Picture Finder” Picture Finder is designed to help people find images they may have forgotten about as their digital photo collections grow. While users are viewing a photo in any viewing mode they can press the Picture Finder button and the frame will automatically display more pictures from that date.

The S730 features several viewing modes. In full-screen Slideshow, pictures scroll individually with an option to show both images and either a clock or calendar. The other option is Collage mode, which scrolls through an entire collection and shows four randomly selected images at a time. To make it easy to switch between modes, Kodak has included a mode button on top of the frame that cycles through the playback modes.

While the actual display size and resolution were not released as part of this announcement, the name suggests it will be a 7″ display. Kodak has also been trending toward widescreen frames lately so it’s reasonable to guess the S730 will also feature a 16:9 widescreen.

Other highlights include an updated version of  Kodak’s touch border interface. The touch-sensitive controls are on the front of the frame and feature a motion sensor that illuminates controls as your hand approaches the frame. The S730 also includes an integrated speaker and supports audio and video playback.

Kodak EasyShare S730 Specs

• Rechargeable battery with one-hour capacity
• 1 GB internal memory
• Mercury-free LCD panel
• Updated Quick Touch Border
• Dynamic collage mode that displays several pictures at the same time
• Mode button on top of frame enables easy toggling between viewing modes
• Multi-card reader, USB drive support 
• Support for audio and video playback
• Optional carry case – $19.99

The Kodak EasyShare S730 will first be available in Europe this month for £149. The S730 will hit the US in September for $139.

Update 7/17/09 – Kodak EasyShare S730 Review Posted

The Windows SideShow gadgets are actually pretty interesting, no other digital picture frame has delivered on frame-based gadgets. This feature alone has the potential to give the frame much more functionality than simple slideshow playback. For instance, users will be able to connect the frame to their wireless network and use the Windows Media Player gadget to browse and play their music and video files. The email gadget allows for not only a snapshot of your inbox, but offers the ability to send mail from the digital picture frame. The SilverFrame also syncs with the calendar on your PC so appointment data is always nearby. 

While the digital picture frame may not be the preferred mechanism to manage email, the promise of features like this in what’s normally a fairly static device is exciting. The gadget functionality in conjunction with the FrameIt content services, easily make this unit one of the most advanced frames soon to be on the market. 

And there’s the letdown. While the SilverPac SilverFrame is on display at the Microsoft booth at COMPUTEX, it’s not yet avilable for sale. They’re trying to sell the design to a known brand, who would then market the product to consumers. So when and at what price we’ll see this frame is a bit unknown. At least though, we see the potential and hardware innovation that make advanced frame designs possible.

ViewSonic VFD720

All three of the frames in the TrueView lineup feature high-resolution 4:3 display panels. The 7″  VFD720 and 8″ VFD820 models comes in 800×600 pixels and the 10.4″ VFD1020 model offers a 1024×768 resolution. Each frame also includes a generous 2GB of internal memory, USB 2.0,  multi-card reader and remote control. In addition to slideshow functions, the TrueView frames also offer calendar and clock functions. 

ViewSonic VFD1020

ViewSonic’s TrueView lineup is coming into retail now at suggested prices of $129.99 for the 10.4”, $89.99 for the 8” and $79.99 for the 7”.

In addition to the VFD20 series, ViewSonic also introduced a pair of value-oriented frames, the  7” VFA710w-10 and the 9” VFD920w-12. Both come in widescreen, the 7″ model a low-resolution 400×234 and the 9″ in a much more respectable 800×480. The 9″ model also comes with 2GB of internal storage, the storage of the 7″ model was not specified. 

The VFA710w-10 and the VFD920w-12 are available now for $54.99 and $99.99.

Update – 7/11/09- ViewSonic TrueView VFD820 Review Posted

Other highlights include USB support and multi-card reader with support for SD, SDHC, MMC, MS and xD. In addition to the remote, the frame has navigation buttons on the back and comes with a wall mount kit for flexible install options. 

This JOBO model supports picture browsing, thumbnail mode and slideshow with various transition effects. It also offers functions such as Rotate and Zoom and 4-in-1 window or slide mode and a calendar and the time. Jobo has also included a power-saving function, but details on the implementation were not part of the release.

Jobo Plano 8 Specs

• Display: 8 inch color TFT LCD
• Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
• Contrast ratio: 400:1
• Brightness: 230 cd/m²
• Aspect ratio 4:3
• Card slots for SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, xD
• USB Host & USB 2.0 High Speed
• Supported file format: JPEG
• Full screen, thumbnail, 4-in-1 window or slide show mode
• Slide show with adjustable transition effects and time intervals
• Rotate and zoom function
• Clock and Calendar with slide show mode 
• Setup menu, power saving function
• Wall mount, foldable stand
• Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 18.3 ounces

The Jobo Plano 8 will be available in June for $129, the 7″ and 10″ models will retail for $99 and $179 when available.

The Pandigital PhotoLink One-Touch Scanner (PANSCN02) easily scans photos to create high-resolution 1800×1200 pixels and 300dpi digital files. Designed for a less than digital audience, the one-touch scanner simply requires customers to insert the photo into the feeder and push one button to begin scanning.

The scanner accepts photos up to 4×6″ and can save images to a memory card inserted into the multi-card reader (SD/MS/MS-Pro/MMC/XD). The printer is ready to go out of the box, there’s no software to install or connection to a computer required and it comes with a 512MB SD card. The scanner can connect to a computer though via included USB cable to simplify file transfers. 

The Pandigital Photolink Slide & Negative Scanner (PANSCN03) has the same effect as the photo scanner, but handles slides and negatives. Just drop the slide or negative into the scanner and a single button press will save the digital file to an SD card or computer. The PhotoLink Slide & Negative Scanner scans images at 5.1 megapixels and has automatic and manual color balancing and exposure control options for optimum image quality. It also previews the color image when scanning, unlike other slide and negative scanners that typically only allow previews of the negative image.

The PhotoLink One-Touch Print Scanner has a suggested retail price of $129.99, the PhotoLink Slide & Negative Scanner is $99.99. Both units are available now.

The SPF-87H is as much about style this time around as function. The frame employs Samsung’s Touch of Color design with charcoal accents and gets in line with the current digital frame trend of being thin. The 87H comes in at .91″ thick. 

Samsung has regressed a bit by ditching standard aspect ratio for widescreen, but that move plays well into marketing trends. The 87H features an 8″ display with 800×480 resolution. The 1GB of internal storage is good for 3,000 resized images, and there’s support for an SD card for extra photo storage. 

Perhaps most interesting, Samsung is again offering the secondary monitor option, so the SPF-87H can be plugged into any PC and used for extra screen real estate. It not only connects via USB but it’s powered over USB as well. Of course it also handles standard slideshows and the like, but there is no video or audio support.

The Samsung SPF-87H is available now for $129. The 10″ version of this frame, the SPF-107H, was not announced, but should be in the next few weeks.

Samsung SPF-87H Specs

• 1GB of Internal Memory 
• SD slot for expanded memory
• 8″ display
• 800×480 Resolution
• 500:1 Contrast Ratio
• Reduced power consumption – supplemented by USB cable
• Touch of Color (ToC) design
• 9.29 in. x 6.28 in. x .91 in.

The YouTube feature is quite appealing on it’s own. Not only can users browse YouTube videos, but they can subscribe to their own channel by inputting their account umber in the frame’s setup menu. This is the first digital picture frame that we can recall that handles YouTube natively, a big first for increasing the functionality of these devices. 

The other web-based content pieces are good too. The ID800WT offers localized weather and traffic content, along with real time stock quotes, news and support for RSS feeds from sources like Google and Yahoo News. Sungale has also included support for Gmail alerts ans Picassa feeds.

If you’re not interested yet, for good measure the frame includes an IP radio for access to thousands of web-based radio stations and a note pad that can be managed with the soft keyboard.

Pricing for the Sungale ID800WT has not yet been announced, but it should start hitting retail in a few weeks. We’ll be watching closely and hope to have a review unit in soon.

From the looks of it, the display is pretty bad, which is consistent with what we saw with the Cameo. Network connected frames like this are destined to fail, especially when WiFi over a home network is just as easy and comes without the monthly fees. Still, we like the effort, and the pink. [via Akihabara News]

Android was developed by Google initially as a mobile phone platform. It’s since branched out to netbooks and now digital picture frames. Digital frames are generally saddled by horrible operating systems and arcane menu systems that make using them difficult. Leveraging a platform like Android could not only make things easier, but broaden the possibility of user-created enhancements and ultimately more flexibility in the platform. 

Macnica Inc. out of Japan is working on customizing Android for the digital picture frame market. In conjunction with Fujitsu Software Technologies, the software can do the standard slideshow thing, along with the capability to share photos over a home network via DLNA. 

While an early version of the device is on display at the Embedded Systems Expo right now in Tokyo, it will be at least a year before this technology is commercialized. Even so, it shows aggressive thinking in a market that’s dominated by the mundane. The digital picture frame platform is ripe for innovation, hopefully Macnica can rattle the market. [via Tech-On]

The entry-level price gets you the Nano 7 Basic model, which includes a 480×234 pixel widescreen, SD/MMC card slot, mini-USB, USB host, JPEG file support and remote control. The Pro and Media models add in a higher resolution display at 800×480 pixels and touch activated buttons on the front of the frame. The Media version further adds in audio and video support 

All three of the Nano 7 frames support full screen image viewing, thumbnail mode and slideshow mode with various transition effects. The Nano 7 Media also offers user-friendly functions such as rotate and zoom, slideshow mode with music, calendar, time and alarm functions, and power-saving function. 

The JOBO Nano 7 Basic, Pro and Media will be available in June for $74.90, $94.90, and $119.90 MSRP, respectively. The JOBO Nano 8 Media (8 inch) and Nano 10 Media (10 inch) models will be available in July for $139 and $199 respectively.

NANO 7 Basic Specifications:
• Display: 7 inch Color TFT-LCD
• Resolution: 480 x 234 pixel
• Contrast ratio: 300:1
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• Aspect ratio: 16:10 (Original and optimized zoom mode)
• Card slots for SD, MMC
• Dual-Mini-USB 2.0 Host (for connecting a card reader or USB stick)
• Supported file format: JPEG
• Full screen, thumbnail or slide show mode
• Slide show with adjustable transition effects and time intervals
• Operation via remote control
• Dimensions: 8.26 x 6.45 x .35 inches (210 x 164 x 9 mm)

NANO 7 Pro Specification:
• Display: 7 inch Color TFT-LCD
• Resolution: 800 x 480 pixel
• Contrast ratio: 300:1
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• Aspect ratio: 16:10 (Original and optimized zoom mode)
• Card slots for SD, MMC
• Dual-Mini-USB 2.0 Host (for connecting a card reader or USB stick)
• Supported file format: JPEG
• Full screen, thumbnail or slide show mode
• Slide show with adjustable transition effects and time intervals
• Operation via remote control or touch activated buttons
• Dimensions: 8.26 x 6.45 x .35 inches (210 x 164 x 9 mm)

NANO 7 Media Specification:
• Display: 7 inch Color TFT-LCD
• Resolution: 800 x 480 pixel
• Contrast ratio: 300:1
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• spect ratio: 16:10 (Original and optimized zoom mode)
• Card slots for SD, MMC
• Dual-Mini-USB 2.0 Host (for connecting a card reader or USB stick)
• Supported photo formats: JPEG, BMP, GIF
• Supported audio formats: MP3, WMA
• Supported video formats: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI
• Full screen, thumbnail or slide show mode
• Slide show with adjustable transition effects and time intervals
• Slide show with background music possible
• Calendar and alarm with timer function for Auto Power ON / OFF
• Zoom and rotate function
• Adjustable brightness, contrast and saturation
• Energy saving function
• Operation via remote control or touch activated buttons
• Dimensions: 8.26 x 6.45 x .35 inches (210 x 164 x 9 mm)

The 7″ frame will offer an 800×480 widescreen resolution, along with a multi-card reader and unspecified amount of internal memory. The display itself will employ a side-by-side parallax barrier method so the image may be seen by the unaided eye. Optionally the display may be shifted to anaglyph format which requires the classic red/blue eye wear. 

CompoBank also claims they can add a filter to convert both stills and videos from 2D to 3D. That goal along with their projected release of fall 2009 may be a stretch, but we like seeing them push the envelope along with Fujifilm, who’s solution is also scheduled for release late this year. [via Tech-On]

When sellers go to list a supported frame for sale, eBay can automatically fill in product details and a stock photo. This not only makes it easier to list products but it gives these auctions more exposure by standardizing the data for shopping search engines and other third party services that use eBay’s data. 

eBay didn’t break out how many frames they’ll support or which brands, but it’s probably safe to assume the major players like Kodak, Sony and HP will be well represented.

The SPF-87H is also very thin, coming in at a trim 23mm. It includes an internal battery and can be powered and charged with the included AC adaptor or over USB connection to a computer. You’ll also find the standard multi-card reader and 1GB of internal memory which is good for storing over 3,000 resized photos.

Samsung’s going to take another crack at the secondary monitor idea. They had offered this in their last series of frames, but in our review unit we could never get it to work and shortly after Samsung had the virus problem and these frames seemed to disappear form the market. The promise of being able to use a digital frame as a secondary display for a computer is a fantastic idea, we just hope the execution works out better this time around. Other features include slideshow and clock modes.

Samsung also announced the SPF-107H but divulged little about this model. We can only assume it’s a 10″ frame with likely similar features to the 87H.

The Samsung SPF-87H will be released globally this month with the SPF-107H to follow in May. No pricing information was released.

From the release:

CTIA Wireless 2009 E-Tech: Network Infrastructure – In-Building/Local Area Network Solution 
First place: Motorola CDMA 9100 Series KeepMeConnected Femtocell

The KeepMeConnected Femtocells – CDMA 9100 Series features an integrated touch-screen digital picture frame with a built-in femtocell. This is the second award for this innovative product. It was selected as an honoree of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Awards.

The CDMA Femtocell 9100 Series includes a session-initiated protocol (SIP) / voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) soft phone and provides enhanced mobile phone coverage inside the home. A first of its kind, the CDMA 9100 Series allows users to deploy a femtocell – a small, low-cost, wireless access point – connected through a broadband connection for optimal wireless performance and coverage. The device also serves as a touch-screen digital picture frame, fitting aesthetically into a home environment.

Publishers can apply to the free system now. FrameChannel will then re-purpose an RSS feed to produce a sample, the image above is an example of what they have done with a White House blog. After final approval the new channel will go into the FrameChannel system, where frame owners may select it as part of their news feed.

The idea is pretty sharp and gives publishers new ways to syndicate their content, though it’s unclear if advertising will be placed around the content as it currently is with FrameChannel’s content. New syndicated channels should be online in the coming weeks.

The problem with Smartparts, the way we see it, is their product line was too confusing and they couldn’t get retail penetration. The product line issue is a big problem and could partly be blamed for lack of retail interest. It’s down right confusing for consumers to be comparing products and be presented with a company like Smartparts that offers over 25 current digital picture frames. The differentiation between them is so small in many cases that it’s simply not clear.

While we liked their 8″ wireless model, it’s difficult for something like that to stand out not only in a crowd, but in the Smartparts product lineup. It didn’t help that their website was difficult to navigate and their off product naming scheme probably did some damage too. All in all, we’re sad to see them go, but if maybe some good will come out of it. The industry has to find a way to regroup, simplify and remember how to offer innovative products.