Aura E-Ink Digital Photo Frame - Cordless & Affordable

Aura Launches Cordless Ink Frame with 13-inch Color E-Paper Display

Aura is releasing its latest digital photo frame, the Ink model, priced at $499. This new offering introduces a 13-inch color e-paper display to Aura’s product line, which previously consisted solely of LCD-based frames.

E-Ink Technology and Cordless Operation

The technology employed is comparable to that utilized in the Kindle Colorsoft e-reader, leveraging a six-color ink system to simulate a wide spectrum of tones. Crucially, the adoption of e-ink technology enables the frame to operate without the need for a power cord.

This feature makes the Ink frame particularly well-suited for placement in areas where cords would be visually disruptive, such as living room walls or stairwells, preserving the desired aesthetic.

Aura’s Transition to E-Ink

Founded by former Twitter employees, Aura has long expressed interest in e-ink technology. Initial limitations prevented the effective display of vibrant smartphone photos. However, advancements in e-ink systems have prompted a reassessment by Aura.

The new frame utilizes Spectra 6 technology, delivering six primary colors – white, black, red, yellow, green, and blue – with enhanced saturation and contrast for improved photo representation.

Enhanced Visibility with Front Lighting

Drawing inspiration from the Kindle Paperwhite, Aura has integrated a front light into the Ink frame. Eric Jensen, Aura’s co-founder and CTO, explains that this light subtly enhances contrast.

“The brightness is considerably lower than that of an LCD, approximately one-sixth. Often, users won’t even recognize the light is on until it’s deactivated in a darkened room,” Jensen stated in a TechCrunch interview.

Proprietary Dithering Algorithm

Beyond the Spectra 6 technology, Aura has developed a unique dithering algorithm, employing error diffusion techniques.

“We revisited established dithering methods from traditional newspaper printing, focusing on blending dots to create the illusion of additional colors,” Jensen explained.

Battery Life and Power Management

While the e-ink technology allows for cordless operation, the frame requires periodic recharging. Aura asserts a battery life of up to three months, minimizing inconvenience. (Independent verification of battery life is pending.)

To conserve power, the Ink frame incorporates motion and ambient light sensors to automatically disable the front light when no one is present. Users can also customize on/off schedules via the mobile app.

Premium Design and Build Quality

Similar to other Aura frames, the Ink boasts a refined aesthetic, featuring a graphite-inspired bezel, a paper-textured mat, and a glass front, resembling a conventional photo frame rather than a mass-produced tech gadget. This quality aligns with the frame’s price point.

Technical Specifications

The frame measures 13.3 inches diagonally, with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The package includes wall-mounting hardware, a stand, and a charging cord. The Ink frame can be displayed in either portrait or landscape orientation, measuring 14.1″ x 11.4″ x 0.6″ overall.

It also features a USB-C port, a status indicator light, and physical buttons for navigating photos. Alternatively, the frame can automatically cycle through photos overnight based on preconfigured settings.

Color Reproduction and User Experience

Testing revealed a more subdued color palette compared to existing Aura frames, which surprisingly enhanced its integration with printed photographs. The e-ink display may not be immediately discernible from a distance.

The photo-loading process involves a flashing yellow light, which some users may find distracting. However, Jensen notes that photos are updated overnight, minimizing exposure to this transition.

“The transition is noticeable, representing a compromise inherent in this technology,” he acknowledged. “While adjustments are possible up to 12 times daily, this impacts battery life. More frequent changes naturally consume more power.”

Impact on Photo Selection

Aura anticipates that users may become more selective in their photo choices, potentially focusing on a single image for extended periods, only changing it when desired.

Company Growth and Future Outlook

Aura secured $26 million in funding in 2022, following the sale of 1 million frames and an app utilized by 3 million users. Earlier this year, the company received $60 million in growth capital from LAGO Innovation Fund. Currently, Aura has sold “single-digit millions” of frames and operates profitably. The app has facilitated the sharing of over a billion photos.

Despite the founders’ origins at Twitter, Aura’s current focus lies on fostering private social connections between friends and family through its app and devices.

“We believe the realm of sharing – not just photos, but connecting with loved ones – is significantly underserved and poorly monetized by advertising,” Jensen stated. “The combination of a hardware device and this space presents a viable business model.”

Continued Innovation

Aura remains committed to innovation, actively developing new products and exploring enhancements to the Aura app beyond frame management.

“We’ve extensively prototyped software applications independent of frames,” he noted. However, the company is cautious about pursuing a standalone private photo network, citing historical challenges in establishing a sustainable business model.

“Our hardware product offers a clear value proposition: no subscription, unlimited photos. This complements the private photo network effectively. Many companies have attempted standalone private photo networks without success,” Jensen explained.

The Ink frame is available for purchase today on Aura’s website.

Updated to correct “double-digit” to single-digit millions for profitability.