Aura’s Latest Innovation
Aura, renowned for its digital photo frames favored by many grandparents, is set to launch its first-ever frame equipped with a color E Ink display. This new model, called the Aura Ink, features a 13.3-inch E Ink Spectra 6 panel and is designed to hang on a wall for months without requiring a recharge.
During a week-long personal trial, I mounted the Ink frame on my wall and displayed family photos previously stored in Google Photos, which turned out to be a delightful experience. However, this innovative product comes with a hefty price tag of $499, making it $200 more expensive than any other frame in Aura’s current lineup.
Technical Achievements
Eric Jensen, co-founder and CTO of Aura, has aspired to create a cord-free frame for nearly ten years. Previous models utilized LCD technology, which, while offering vibrant colors, consumed too much power. “A backlit LCD is just nowhere close to being able to hang on your wall and stay alive for months,” Jensen explained in an interview with The Verge.
With the E Ink display, the challenge of creating a long-lasting, wireless picture frame finally became feasible. Jensen noted, “It’s the first one that’s capable of really showing home photos, normal photos like we all have sitting in our camera rolls.”
Display Specifications
The Ink frame can technically display six colors: white, black, red, yellow, green, and blue. It does this by arranging electrically charged particles to mimic the colors of any uploaded photo, akin to how images are printed in newspapers. Unlike LCD screens, the Ink display lacks a backlight but employs a subtle front light to enhance brightness; users reported that images appeared too dim without it. The frame also includes a motion sensor embedded in its white “mat” that switches off the front light to conserve power when not in use.
Features and Battery Life
By default, the Ink frame updates to a new photo daily, which helps conserve battery life and minimizes flickering during transitions. Users can specify automatic rotations of up to six times per day, and physical controls on the frame allow switching between images manually.
After four days of extensive testing and frequent photo changes, the battery remains robust at 92%. Aura estimates that with a single daily refresh, users can expect a battery life of up to three months, making it unlikely that a recharge will be required within the first month. Included with the frame is an almost 10-foot USB-C cable that can connect to an outlet without needing to move the frame. Additionally, users can choose between mounting it on a wall or placing it on a surface, although its dimensions of 11.5 x 14 inches make it quite substantial for a tabletop.
User Interaction
As with Aura’s other frames, interaction occurs primarily through an app, which proves to be user-friendly. The app facilitates photo uploads, setting adjustments, and allows users to like and comment on shared images. Importantly, Aura offers unlimited free photo storage for every frame, with Jensen affirming that the company will not place essential features behind a paid subscription.
Image Limitations
Aura’s unique approach to E Ink technology has led to certain challenges. The Spectra 6 display typically serves retailers and advertisers, but Aura has adjusted it for consumer photo display—a complex transition, given that most photos are designed for bright, high-dynamic-range screens. Jensen advised that photos exhibiting bright colors and strong contrasts work best on the E Ink screen. While some images, particularly those with soft tones or less contrast, can appear washed out, I found that bright blue skies and similar elements were represented vibrantly. However, skin tones can present challenges, occasionally resulting in a greenish hue in portraits of paler individuals.
Aura’s Market Position
Having reviewed consumer technology for over a decade, I have seen few companies dominate their market segments as Aura has. It has become the go-to choice for digital photo frames, often topping recommendation lists. For example, I purchased one for my parents when my son was born, prompting my husband to buy one for his mother shortly thereafter. In parent-focused discussions, the recommendation to “just get an Aura” is common for those seeking digital photo frames.
The Price Factor
Despite my longstanding appreciation for Aura, I have hesitated to acquire one for myself due to my discomfort with adding another illuminated screen to my home and the hassle of cords. While I envisioned printing family photos the traditional way, I have yet to realize that goal over the past four years.
The Aura Ink, however, aligns well with my desires as it offers a refreshingly low-tech aesthetic and convincingly substitutes printed photos. Yet, at $500, the cost is significant; I could produce multiple professionally framed photos for that amount. Although E Ink’s color capabilities are impressive, certain images can still appear flat. Jensen has acknowledged this pricing as a typical first-generation cost and referenced Aura’s historical pricing, noting that their first frame was priced at $399. In contrast, their recent Aspen frame is available for $229.
The decision to purchase ultimately rests on individual budget flexibility and the willingness to adopt early-generation technology. For those grandparents eager to see constant photo slideshows of family members, Aura’s traditional LCD frames remain an excellent choice. Conversely, for parents looking to declutter digital images from their devices, the Ink frame is likely a fitting option. For the rest of us, perhaps waiting for further developments in this technology—and printing some actual photos in the meantime—would be a prudent approach.
