DOUBLE SIDED PICTURE FRAME HIDDEN PLUS

A competing service, Level Frames, offered more customization options but was too confusing to use, as it allowed for very granular selections such as the exact shade of white for the mat.

DOUBLE SIDED PICTURE FRAME HIDDEN PLUS

You select the mat color and style, plus the frame itself, and the company picks the mat size based on the scale of your piece.

Framebridge offers enough-but not too many-choices. Whereas many of the framing services we tested made it difficult to visualize the final product, Framebridge’s online interface was the easiest to navigate. Until we know it's safe to hug and squeeze each other again, here's a great way to keep your memories connected.The process of using Framebridge was much easier than on other services we tried, and this simplicity led to better results. The past year has been challenging, and you probably haven't spent quality time with all the important people in your life. (And you can follow these tips to keep your network safe.) Beyond a phone stuffed with photos, the only requirement is a Wi-Fi connection in the home. Digital photo frames work with any phone-iPhone or Android-and they don't try to wiggle their way into other parts of your digital lives. Maybe they also don't want to be forced to use Google Photos since they already have all their photos stashed on their iPhone. They also wouldn't take advantage of the smart features anyway, since they require talking to a voice assistant tied to a Google ID. I have family members who would love a way to display their digital photos on a countertop, but absolutely do not want to put a device stuffed with microphones and cameras in their homes. A dedicated picture frame doesn't need to be carried around. You do have to plug a digital frame into a wall outlet to power it, but you also have to plug in smart displays-my biggest gripe with them, since they would be much more useful if you could carry one around the house. The Aura Carver sitting on my side table looks like a picture frame. It looks like a piece of smart home tech.

But it's bulky, with a fabric-coasted base, a thick bezel around the screen, and a camera lens on top. I can, of course, also set it up to cycle through my Google Photos albums, or show pictures from photographers around the world. I have a Google Nest Hub Max display in my kitchen, and it's great for walking me through recipes or listening to music while I cook. But there are good reasons to get a dedicated frame, the biggest being aesthetics and privacy. Smart displays from Google and Amazon sell for around $100. The two models I tried from Aura are $200, and Nixplay frames cost the same or more. It's true, these frames are more expensive than most smart displays. Now you might be thinking: 'Why would I spend money on a digital picture frame when I could buy something cooler like a smart display that has more features?' Some of my colleagues asked the same question. We especially need that right now, a time when our lives have been turned upside down, holidays were put on hold, and we don't know when we'll be able to see each other again. (Hi, Mom.) But if you and your loved one each have a digital frame, the gadgets can keep you directly connected in a way that feels extra special. Thanks to Facebook and Instagram, you won't forget a birthday, your aunts and uncles can stay on top of your post-college moves, and your parents can share all your articles. With the proliferation of smartphones and social media, there's no shortage of ways to stay connected to those who don't live close by. (I've found that a new photo every two to five minutes is the sweet spot.) You can also invite others to submit photos from afar no matter where they live, their pictures will show up on your frame. The photos play like a slideshow, with images refreshing at whatever speed you choose.

It's truly a standout gadget.ĭigital picture frames connect to your home Wi-Fi network and display the photos you've added to their companion smartphone apps. I want one for me and everyone else I know.

The Aura digital picture frame, however, I did not want to send back. Otherwise, the clutter would become unmanageable. Personally, I'm usually happy to see these things go back to the manufacturers, even if they're great. Once we're done testing a device, we send it back to the company that lent it to us.

Double sided picture frame hidden