A picture frame is worth a thousand uses…

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a picture frame is worth a thousand uses. Over the last number of years, with the number of digital pictures outpacing standard film pictures it has meant that digital picture frames have become extremely popular. Recently, in order to remain competitive many of the manufacturers of these frames have been working to provide additional capabilities to the frames including wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, additional applications like calendars, video storage, etc. However, for the most part they have remained…just digital picture frames.

From a technology perspective, with the price of memory chips and some processors dropping, it has meant that many of these digital frames have not only become extremely affordable, they are also coming with more capabilities and power than what is truly needed to just show pictures and video files. Despite all the extra processing power, for many of the consumers who may not be tech savy, they have embraced these picture frames as they are not complicated and are extremely easy to use. One company feels that there is an opportunity to not only leverage the power and capabilities that already exist within the digital frame, but also turn this easy to use household item into an entry point for complete home automation.

As an owner of one of these new frames, the next time you are sitting on your couch or in your favorite chair and want to adjust the lighting anywhere in your home, adjust the thermostat, open/close your garage door, or even access a wireless webcam to see who is ringing the doorbell at your front door,  just simply turn to the digital frame on your end table. Use the touch screen on the frame to access the central menu, choose the item you want to access, adjust, and then go back to what you were doing. After a few minutes the digital frame automatically returns to its regular role of displaying your favorite digital pictures. The unit is fully expandable, and sold with a few plug-in lamp controllers so you can begin experiencing the convenience of basic home automation as soon as you get home from the store. Future enhancements include a capability to interact with a power smart meter in order to help users to save on energy spending using standards like Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.

The company is hoping that with the easy to read and use digital picture frame display, combined with the convenience of always being within arms reach of its users, it will allow consumers to finally throw out all of the countless remote controls and have an affordable way to begin realizing the convenience and benefits of home automation.

Type of Technology – Consumer Hardware

Features:

–> Built with simple technologies and does not require the user to be tech-savy or have extensive computer knowledge and experience in order to setup and use. Expansion is easy by having items recognizable by the frame without having to go through complex configuration in order to add control of new devices.

–> Frame comes packaged with a few plug in remote units which allow you to immediately begin using the frame to adjust lighting in your house by simply plugging in the remote units into any standard wall outlet. Easily expand the capabilities by adding either standard or company specific devices in order to give you control over items like your television, garage doors, heating/cooling thermostat, and wireless web cams just to name a few.

–> Priced to allow consumers to get the benefits and convenience of home automation in every room of their house without having to spend thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars on high end equipment.

–> Available in different sizes including 7″, 10″, 12″ and 15″ frames.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

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