Posted on Aug 31, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am
A recent post on NewsBlaze.com predicts – and rightly so, in my opinion – that prices for wireless digital photo frames will continue to go down, and that people are falling in love with their wireless frames and learning to use them for many different purposes!
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – The market for digital photo frames has taken-off, particularly since prices dropped to affordable levels in the first half of 2009, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). However, due to difficult economic conditions and the trend to purchase digital photo frames as gifts pre-loaded with pictures, most units shipped still lack advanced features such as wireless connectivity to the Internet. Nevertheless, wireless-enabled photo frames are a key growth driver as they will grow at twice the rate of overall digital photo frames in 2010.
“Prices for connected frames will continue to decline, and as manufacturers educate consumers about these devices; the mass market will become more comfortable using the Internet services connected frames support,” says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst. “Applications such as sharing and downloading pictures over the Internet, as well as streaming Internet radio and video from online sites like YouTube, are expected to be primary drivers.”
Worldwide unit shipments of all digital photo frames are expected to reach 50 million by 2013.
Nearly 60% of US respondents to In-Stat’s consumer survey identified integrated wireless connectivity as a desired feature on their next digital photo frame purchase.
The total silicon opportunity for digital photo frame suppliers will exceed $550 million by 2013. Microcontrollers comprise the largest opportunity in non-wireless enabled devices.
The bill of materials for a wireless 8-inch digital photo frame will fall below US$36 by 2013; the LCD, the wireless module and the enclosure are the dominant cost items.
Forecasts of digital photo frame unit sales and revenue (connected and non-connected) by functionality segment through 2013.
Forecasts of average selling prices and bill of materials for digital photo frames through 2013.
Total available market forecast for components and silicon through 2013.
Analysis of a US consumer survey regarding digital frames.
Profiles of digital photo frame vendors and silicon vendors including: HP, Kodak, Pandigital, Philips, Samsung, Sony, RMI Corporation, Marvell Technology Group, and Samsung Electronics.
About In-Stat
In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions.
Posted on Aug 29, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am
Brian, over at Digital Picture Frame Review, has posted an article about Mintpass and their concept of a digital picture frame with two embedded cameras! The post might be a little tongue-in-cheek, but every good idea began as a concept, so you just never know.
We don’t spend a lot of time on this site talking about conceptual designs. There are many interesting digital picture frame concepts out there, but very few of these features ever come to market. There is something interesting though about this concept from Mintpass. While not for everyone, the 7″ frame does the usual stuff, but it also has dual embedded digital cameras from taking pictures on the fly.
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.
Posted on Aug 27, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am
Give students the gift of time management this holiday season; the Intouch Wireless Internet Radio Cube delivers the Digital World in a Compact and Hip Form Factor with Internet Radio, Personalized News and Photo Sharing
Atlanta (September 1, 2009) — Just in time for the holiday season, Giant International has released the Intouch IT3500 wireless Internet radio cube. At just four inches a side, the Intouch IT3500 is perfect for the nightstand, desk, kitchen counter or anywhere access to photos, music, and news is desired. This unique alarm clock and calendar enhances today’s active digital lifestyles. It’s the perfect gift for college students.
“We are excited to add the Internet and digital media into the familiar fixture of the clock radio,” said Marjon de Groot, Business Director for Giant International. “With the Intouch IT3500 wireless Internet radio cube it’s even easier for families to integrate their favorite photos, news content and entertainment into their daily lives without sacrificing space.”
Enjoy Nightly Lullabies from Around the World
With access to over 6,500 Internet radio stations from around the world, any musical taste can be satisfied with the Intouch IT3500 wireless Internet radio cube. From hip hop, rock and adult contemporary, to the newest music coming out of the Caribbean and Netherlands, the Intouch cube makes it easy and fun to listen to long-time favorites, as well as new music from the recent family vacation to Europe. Take a snooze and wake-up in style. After being lulled to sleep by the smooth voice of their favorite country crooner, country-western music fans can select to wake up to rousing western swing tunes on the Intouch. Favorite stations can be easily saved. In addition, music content can also be added from memory cards.
Time Management Simplified with instant, Personalized News and Entertainment
With the Intouch IT3500 wireless Internet radio cube on the nightstand, sleepers awake to see chosen pictures of their loved ones and can automatically get the current weather forecast, traffic up-dates, and other relevant news to help start their day and manage their world. Over 1000 channels of content such as news,
weather, sports and financial data are available through FrameChannel, a free web-based content provider. Up-dates from social networks, news and photo-sharing sites make it convenient for users to stay in touch with family and friends, hobbies and events they care about. Without having to even get out of bed.
Touch sensor controls make it easy for any sleepy-head to access the multimedia features with just a gentle tap of any icon. When rapid action is required touch sensor controls allow for a faster response time compared to conventional input devices such as keypads. Users are able to quickly and smoothly navigate through a range of multimedia feature options.
View Digital Photo Albums in a Cool, Compact Cube
The Intouch IT3500 lets users view and share photos via their favorite photosharing sites such as Facebook®, Flickr™, Webshots® and Picasa®, so its convenient and fun to stay connected with friends and family back home. Students also have the flexibility to download photos directly into the frame from memory cards. Ideal for the dorm room, students can keep family photos handy and visible, while mom can send new pictures of siblings to keep the family close. Office workers can keep any number of photos on their desks to show-off without the space issue and clutter of multiple frames.
Intouch IT3500 Key Features:
• 3.5” (320 x 240) color digital display screen
• Wi-Fi connectivity (embedded WiFi 802.11b/g standard)
• Digital photo frame with FrameChannel partnership providing easy photo sharing and 1000 channels of dynamic content to customize frame with news, weather, sports and more
• Touch sensor control
• Live Internet radio with included vTuner service providing over 6,500 internet radio stations (no subscription fee)
• Audio/photo playback function
• Stereo speakers (1W x 2)
• Memory formats supported: Secure Digital (SD) Card, Multimedia (MMC) Card
• 128MB of internal memory
• Audio jack for headphones or external speaker connection
• Clock, calendar and alarm
Pricing and Availability
The Intouch IT3500 wireless Internet radio cube has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $119.99 and is available through Intouch’s network of retail outlets and at the company’s online store at www.in-touchproducts.com.
About Intouch
Intouch consumer electronics offer innovative technology that delivers communications, information and entertainment to sophisticated, active consumers when, where and how they desire. With its Intouch brand, Giant International is leveraging its marketing and distribution expertise in the consumer electronics market.
About Giant International
Atlanta-based Giant International Ltd. is the global marketer and distributor for Giant Wireless Technology (GWT), an international leader in the development and production of wireless telecommunications products for the consumer market. With manufacturing capabilities in China, GWT provides superior quality products that are also technology market leaders. A diversified, multi-national research and development team helps GWT bring to market products that reflect an international range of product advancements and innovations based on consumer insights. Through OEM and ODM arrangements, Giant International markets wireless communications solutions that deliver entertainment and information for active lifestyles. Currently, products are brought to market under the Intouch, Olympia and licensed Motorola brand.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Spokesperson available for interview. Product available for review or demo.
Intouch and the Intouch logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Giant International Ltd. All other registered trademarks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Giant International Ltd. 2009. All rights reserved.
Posted on Aug 26, 2009 by Jane Goodwin at 12:05 am
We’ve posted before about Giant In-Touch’s great digital picture frames, but now FrameChannel partner Giant In-Touch has a new wireless digital photo frame that is also an internet radio cube – the IT3500 – and it’s spectacularly cool! You’ll be able to read the actual press release right here on tomorrow’s post, but today, you get a preview of awesome things to come!
The brand-new IT3500 isn’t available quite yet (see tomorrow’s post for the press release!), but if Amazon customer reviews of Giant’s other wireless digital picture frames are any indication, the new IT3500 will be a hit, too! Check out the following statements, each from a different customer:
My parents are not that good with electronics but they seem to have no problem with the Intouch.
This frame delivers excellent picture quality with ample sharpness and good color reproduction and contrast. The frame certainly isn’t alone in that regard, but it’s a great place to start. Loads of connectivity options (most types of memory cards, USB, and WiFi) and a few other features (video, web TV, and internet radio support) round out a nice package.
. . . it’s the best frame I’ve ever used. . . .
I love the easy to navigate screens- the news feeds are a HUGE issue for me,and the net radio works like a charm, right out of the box! This would be GREAT for those in finance, or media.
. . . for (InTouch) customer service I give them 5 stars.
Internet connection was quite simple to do. It found my home network automatically and all I had to do is enter my password/keyphrase. I was able to add different applications from Frame Channel after setting up a free account. I added the local weather station, Facebook, Flickr, and Woot. There are many applications to suit anybody’s preferences.
Another great feature is being able to program the frame to turn on and off at a specific time.
Stay tuned – the IT3500 press release will be posted here tomorrow!
PC Advisor lets us know that Linx has added some new digital picture frames to its rapidly-growing inventory.
The Linx Memoire frames accept four different types of memory card and have a 300:1 contrast ratio. The frames have a somewhat “modernistic” look with their black bevel surround, which incidentally looks gorgeous contrasted with the brightness and
Your fantastic new iPhone probably came with a tiny little pamphlet, but sometimes it’s just better to have a nice big manual in case you need to look something up!
Perhaps a lovely detailed iPhone manual, something like. . . . THIS iPhone manual?
I hate having to squint when I’m reading. This way, you won’t have
Ivy Tech’s Professor Steven Combs, AKA local Fox Channel 7 Evansville’s Inspector Gadget, talks with us again about the wireless digital picture frame. Professor Combs is an expert on all things electronic, and his opinion is highly valued.
FrameMedia: How might a business with many regional offices, or a college with many regional campuses,
My mother does not own a computer. She has made it VERY clear to all of us kids that she doesn’t WANT a computer, and that if we bring a computer into her house, she’ll sell it.
However, Mother also loves to be included. She hates being “out of the loop,” and since my
Today on InformationAppliance.com: Rumor has it that Sony will be announcing its WiFi Walkman (possible design at left) at CES in early January. The rumored specs include 16/32GB storage, a 3-inch OLED screen, and support for content delivered via feed over the web … read more
Oh my GOSH, Apple introduced so much good stuff yesterday! iPod fans, check it out! SO MUCH good stuff! I am especially happy about the iPod Touch, which is basically an iPod with an iPhone touchscreen interface. Â As the website states, this is an iPhone without the phone.Coolest of all, the iPod Touch
Frame Media and Distributive Networks jointly announced a content partnership in a press release today. Distributive Networks, a leading mobile content and technology company will join forces with Frame Media to bring over 40 channels of content to FrameChannel.
An excerpt of the article is below. The full article can be read on PRnewswire.
Frame
See this cell phone uploading pictures to this Bluetooth-friendly Parrot digital picture frame? See how easy it looks? It really is that easy, too. With your ordinary basic Bluetooth cell phone, you can perform magic, just like this, with a few buttons and your thumb. Easy.
However, if you try to do
A recent post on NewsBlaze.com predicts – and rightly so, in my opinion – that prices for wireless digital photo frames will continue to go down, and that people are falling in love with their wireless frames and learning to use them for many different purposes!
We don’t spend a lot of time on this site talking about conceptual designs. There are many interesting digital picture frame concepts out there, but very few of these features ever come to market. There is something interesting though about this concept from Mintpass. While not for everyone, the 7″ frame does the usual stuff, but it also has dual embedded digital cameras from taking pictures on the fly.
Give students the gift of time management this holiday season; the Intouch Wireless Internet Radio Cube delivers the Digital World in a Compact and Hip Form Factor with Internet Radio, Personalized News and Photo Sharing
