Gizmodo: frame

Exploding Painting Frame Reassembles Itself

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST

I can't have enough mechanical contraptions that turn everyday objects into wicked animated things. Like this painting frame that explodes just to re-assemble itself again. Or the bed that grows legs and walks while singing and dancing like Gene Kelly.

OK, maybe I just dreamed that one, but this electrically powered painting frame—all made in wood, including some beautiful gear action—is real. Or is it? I don't know. I need to stop sniffing glue with my flakes. [Dugnorth via Makezine]

Tarzan's Making His Reservations At This Frame Hotel

Rosa Golijan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:20:00 EDT

Finding a room service guy who doesn't even blink if you're running around in a loin cloth (or less) shouldn't be tough in this Dubai hotel. The place already almost looks like a jungle on the inside.

With the walls constructed of dark, solar protected glass, the abundant plant life of this Villamoda Galleries design is clearly visible at the right angles and the neatly kept vertical gardens appear as if they're part of the hotel's very structure and are a stunning blend of nature and architecture. I just wish there were some vines to swing around from. [WAN]

Japanese Company Prototypes an Android Photo Frame

Jason Chen — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:36:07 EDT

And why wouldn't they? As a concept, it's pretty sound. Android is relatively cheap—cheaper than making your own OS—relatively stable, and fairly full featured with proper support for everything you'd want to do (including internet + touch). Makes sense for us. [Tech On]

Naolab ChargerFrame Turns Your Charging Gizmos into Work of Art

Kit Eaton — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Shanghai-based designers Naolab have turned their creative talents towards the universal gadget charging station, and come up with ChargerFrame. It's designed to put your charging gadgets on display... in a chaotic, randomly wiry, Pollock-meets-cats-cradle kind of way. It has sockets built all around the frame, a single on-off switch and pegs for you to drape electric wires and gadgets around. Of course every time you add or remove a device, the "picture" changes, and that's kind of interesting. Maybe I like it 'cause it's the sort of thing I dream up when in a creative mood, maybe because it's actually cleverer than the Sanctuary. Just a concept. [Dezeen]

GSM Picture Frame, For Spies and Voyeurs

Mark Wilson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:47:04 EST

Here's a scary simple way to bug a room for $250. The GSM Bug Frame is an innocent looking accessory that features a microphone and built-in GSM phone. With batteries lasting two weeks on standby, you can call its number any time to eavesdrop for your surely innocent intentions. While a completely silent, one-way call may be stealthy-delicious to you right now, trust us, that missing built in speaker will only make your silent shouts all the more painful as you hear confirmation of why your mailman always gets a hand-knit sweater for Christmas. [product via bbg]

World's Largest: Smartparts 32-Inch Digital Picture Frame is Aptly Named

Charlie White — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:48:22 EST

Well Hung: When we saw the first announcement of the Smartparts 32" digital picture frame, we were wondering just how good the 1366x768 panel would look. We saw it tonight, and it's super-sharp. It's so big, it needs mounting hardware if you're hanging it on your wall, but it just might be worth the trouble. While it's not as svelte as that unreal Pioneer concept plasma display, it looks reasonably thin, about four inches at its deepest point, so it'll lie pretty flat on your wall. Brewer's Droop: It has 16:9 aspect ratio, not the same as most digital cameras, and it has no Wi-Fi connectivity. Company officials say we may have to wait until next year for sending pics to it online. Until then, not to worry—it's simply stunning as it is.

eStarling Wifi Picture Frame (Verdict: Third Time's the Charm)

Charlie White — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:30:00 EST

You may recall that hapless eStarling picture frame we tested last year at this time, where version 1.0 had a Wi-Fi radio that didn't work for diddly squat. Version 2.0 didn't fare much better with its screen that was so bad it was barely tolerable. Well, we're here to tell you that eStarling has now busted out version 3.0, and this one works.

• Setup is relatively simple, and requires a download of a configuration application. All went smoothly when Wi-Fi reception was possible.

• Its Wi-Fi receiver still isn't strong enough. Even though it could pick up our powerful Wi-Fi network in some areas of our Midwest Test Facility, it couldn't in others, even when sitting in locations where other Wi-Fi devices were able to receive the signal with ease.

• It receives photos via an email address, which is a real kick. It works, too, and the pictures look especially good in the eStarling's 800x600 display. It claims to be the only picture frame to which you can directly email photos, no registration required. Go ahead, surprise us with your best photos—email them to tempamatica AT seeframe.com.

• The eStarling also receives RSS feeds from Flickr, Picasa, AOL, Smugmug, Photobucket or any other RSS feed. That also works quite well.

• The 8" frame looks pretty swank. It has a shiny black finish, although there was an annoying piece of lint pressed between its clear plastic front and the LCD display on our demo unit.

• We like the way the frame's display has a 4x3 aspect ratio, which fits most of the pictures we take around here. No black bars on the top or bottom, or on the sides, either. Nice.

• At $249.95, it's more expensive than most 8-inch picture frames, but with its Wi-Fi capabilities, email accessibility and sharp resolution, it's worth it. [eStarling]

15-inch Gigantor Digital Photo Frame Comes Cheap

Jason Chen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:35:55 EDT

The Gigantor photo frame isn't only big on size, like its name, but it's big on value as well. For $249, you'd normally only be able to get an 11-inch photo frame, but the Gigantor gives you 15 inches of mother-in-law- viewing glory (as opposed to the 19-inch monstrosity that is the PhotoVu). It even has built-in speakers, an IR remote, eight types of memory card support, MPEG1/2/4 video and 1024 x 768 resolution. Gojira would be proud. [ThinkGeek via Crunchgear]

DIY Linux Photo Frame Kit

Jason Chen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:20:37 EDT

If you're tired of getting pre-made digital photo frames that kinda work but kinda don't, then give this RedPost Linux photo frame a shot. Sure, it costs $549, but comes with a 19-inch LCD monitor, a 200MHz CPU, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and is custom-built running Damn Small Linux.

If you're wondering why you'd pay nearly $600 for a photo frame, well, you'll have to remember that this runs Linux. Which means you can pretty much (as long as you have some programming knowledge) extend it to do anything. Streaming pictures off your PC, showing stuff off of Flickr, or anything else you can come up with. – Jason Chen

Product Page [TheRedPost via FreshArrival]

ThinkGeek to Make Amends for Defective PF Digital eStarling Photo Frames

Charlie White — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:39:15 EST

The ugly duckling of digital photo frames, the PF Digital eStarling, has gone into full recall mode, where its online retailer ThinkGeek will graciously exchange all of the original defective units that were shipped with a new version 2.0 model sometime next month. It looks like most of the problems with the first version of the eStarling might be solved, except for one:

PF Digital promises the following improvements in the eStarling photo frame:

- Full Wi-Fi range of at least 120 feet
- New motherboard and updated firmware
- Internal antenna not visible from the outside of the frame
- New front bezel design with no eStarling logo on the front of the frame
- Standalone feature allows frame to pull photos from any POP e-mail address without needing to connect to the eStarling server
- View photos on a media card without needing a wi-fi Internet connection

Unless the eStarling 2.0 has a modification that ThinkGeek didn't mention in its e-mail to disgruntled buyers, one problem that we didn't see fixed is that 16x9 display, which will still show black bars on the sides of most digital photos.

The last we heard from ThinkGeek, a new Wi-Fi transmitter was in the offing, which the company said would be shipped to us within a few weeks. Fast-forward six weeks, when we received this e-mail yesterday afternoon.

Clicking through the link on the e-mail, it was a simple matter to sign up for this recall program, which includes free shipping of the new unit, and a shipping label to return the hapless version 1.0 as soon as version 2.0 arrives. ThinkGeek will also accept returns of version 2.0 if doesn't measure up for 30 days after receiving it.

It's a remarkable effort on the part of ThinkGeek to make good on a product that was certainly not up to snuff. Nice move, ThinkGeek. We'll keep you updated, dear readers and fellow eStarling sufferers, on what happens. – Charlie White

Support (links to press release) [eStarling]

eStarling Digital Picture Frame Hands-On (Verdict: Almost Picture-Perfect So Far)

Charlie White — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 09:57:12 EST

The long-awaited eStarling digital picture frame is finally available, and now here's the first hands-on review we've seen. The reviewer gives it a big thumbs-up, lauding its Wi-Fi connectivity and easy setup. He also likes the way you can set up an e-mail address that can receive pictures from anyone, but doesn't much care for the fact that it must be either a gmail account or one that's at eStarling.com.

It looks like an overall positive experience, where the photos look great and the build is solid. But our hearts sank when we saw that the gigantic logo plastered across the top looks just as obnoxiously intrusive as the catalog photography. Maybe there's a way to remove it. We'll be receiving our eStarling in the next few days, and will give you an update. – Charlie White

eStarling [Gizgadg]

Philips 7FFIM4 Photo Frame Unboxing and Review

Brian Lam — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:13:59 EST

Yeah, its an unboxing of a Philip's latest 7-inch photo frame! You gotta a problem with that?

Here's why you should care, numb skull: Most photo frames these days are big on bells and whistles, but the LCDs look like ass. Color accuracy is important for video, but when it comes to still images, if the color ain't right, grandma's tan is going to make skin look the hue of Tang. Not pretty. This is an update of their last 7-inch frame, and its cheaper at $199, holds about 50% more photos, and has interchangeable borders, like the striking red you see above.

Philips LCDs aren't the biggest, and unlike others, they don't have WiFi. But this 7-inch model is bright, at 200 nits, which is less than a big old computer LCD, but it still holds up in daylight. The LCD runs at 800 by 480, which is a pretty tight res for such a small screen. And what else can I say about it? The shit looks good.

Read on for the gallery, info on the luscious borders, brilliant features, and a bug or two...

It comes with 4 different borders that click into its plexiglass frame. The colors? Red, White, Silver, and Black. It reads SD and CF memory cards, or can be accessed as a mass storage device by PC, so you can load photos direct by wire. The frame copies photos to its internal memory, resizing them to its native res first, so the frame can hold up to 150 images. Some problems? Some portrait photos I uploaded didn't rotate properly, and the slideshow tech are kind. A really smart feature is that the frame has about 45 minutes of battery life, so you can unplug it, and pass it around to friends and family without it dropping dead. And speaking of power, there's a timer that'll shut the LCD off at certain times of day, so you're not wasting juice. Also, its pretty efficient, soaking up only 12 watts.

In a sentence, it's pretty, the screen is gorgeous, although it lacks the features of other net enabled photo frames.–Brian Lam

Philips [Philips]

DigitalSpectrum MemoryFrame MF-8104: WiFi Digital Pic Frame

Charlie White — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:37:23 EDT

The DigitalSpectrum MemoryFrame MF-8104 Premium is a 10.4-inch digital photo frame that can connect to your home network wirelessly via WiFi and is IP addressable. That's right, here it is, a picture frame that can match the feature set of the ill-fated eStarling frame that appeared early last year and then mysteriously vanished.

Finally, this could be the digital frame we've been waiting for. It's bigger than any of its competitors at 10.4 inches, displays photos from Flickr and other photo sharing sites, plays audio/video files and a lot more. Full spec list and a sneak peek at its Vista-esque user interface, after the jump. – Charlie White

Specifications: DigitalSpectrum MemoryFrame MF-8104 Premium
•Windows CE 5.0 Operating System
•Compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP Home/Pro
•Windows Vista auto detection of the Picture Frame
•Automatic Display from Vista Pictures folder
•Built-in multi function card reader
•USB 2.0 Host and Device Connectivity
•Generous internal memory
•Integrated Wireless 802.11b/g Network Support (WEP/WPA)
•IP addressable for web content access (IPv4/IPv6)
•Displays photos and content from Internet Photo Sharing Sites
•RSS feed configurable
•Plays MP3, WMA and Streaming Audio files
•Integrated Stereo Speakers
•Displays ID3 Tags and album cover
•Plays MPEG, WMV Video and Streaming Video
•Blue Tooth, USB and Wireless support
•Embedded HTTP Web Server
•UPnP Support
•Auto Update - Flash Upgradeable as new features are added
•Wireless remote included
•Desk top and wall mount
•Changeable standard 8x10 frames to suite your d cor

RSS & Photo Sharing Sites:
• Windows Live Spaces
• Flikr
• AOL Pictures
• Webshots
• Configure you own RSS feeds!

File Formats Supported:
Image: .JPG, .PNG, .BMP, .TIFF
Audio: MP3, WMA
Video: WMV, MPEG-4

In The Box
• Wireless Digital Photo Frame
• User Guide
• AC/DC power adapter
• Wireless Remote Control
• USB Cable
• 8x10 Picture Frame - Color and Style may Vary

Product page [DigitalSpectrum Inc.]

Westinghouse DPF-0701 Multi-Picture LCD Frame

Jason Chen — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:30:57 EDT

Westinghouse's new DPF-0701 photo frame can not only display your community college graduation picture, it can simultaneously show your kid's first step and your wedding pictures as well. The "MosaicView" enabled frame has 16MB of memory, which holds around 200 photos.

Not only does this show pics, it can support Motion JPEG, MPEG1 and MPEG4 as well. It measures 7 inches and ships in July for $199. – Jason Chen

Magnetic Levitation Photo Frame

Jason Chen — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 19:30:10 EDT

Don't settle for just a plain old picture frame when you can have a picture frame suspended in mid-air. This magnetic levitation device uses a magnetic field to suspend pretty much any metallic object as long as it's not too heavy. While it's suspended, you can give it a little push to see it twist around—fun when you've got a globe instead a picture of your kids.

The IF 3000 Magnetic Levitation device is available for £70 ($127) and the photo frame for £14.99 ($25). – Jason Chen

Magnetic levitation ornament [Coolest Gadgets]