REVIEW – This past year, I have tested and reviewed several digital picture frames that all performed well, and they offered both similar and different features. One of the features that I am always concerned about is cloud storage and the possible security risks, especially when some digital frames make that the only choice. The Aluratek 8 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame with Touchscreen IPS LCD Display and 8GB Built-in Memory offers local storage features and options while still allowing you to send pictures to the frame from anywhere in the world. Let’s see if it keeps its promises.
What is it?
The Aluratek 8 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame with Touchscreen IPS LCD Display allows you to instantly share your photos by connecting the picture frame to any WiFi network and binding it to your Facebook or Twitter accounts or both. You can also use the IOS/Android Photo Partner app to send photos from your mobile device directly to the picture frame from anywhere. An FTP function is available to send photos from your PC.
What’s in the box
1 x 8 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame with Touchscreen IPS LCD Display
1 x USB 2.0 Cable
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Quick Start Guide
1 x Installation Manual (English)
1 x Installation Manual (French)
1 x QR Code Card
1 x Warranty Card
1 x Contact Card
Design and features
Specifications:
- Memory: Built-in 8GB / SD, SDHC memory cards up to 32GB
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB 2.0, SD/SDHC Card
- Resolution: 1024 x 768 (4:3 aspect ratio)
Features:
- Touchscreen IPS LCD display
- Connects to any WIFI 802.11 b/g/n wireless network
- Photo sharing from Facebook and Twitter accounts directly to the frame using a smartphone or tablet
- 8” TFT true color LCD at 1024 x 768 resolution (4:3 aspect ratio)
- Built-in speakers
- Photo slideshows can play in various display and transition modes set to background music
- Connect a USB flash drive or SD card to easily access and share your favorite pictures, music, or videos
- Transfer and store files quickly and easily from your personal computer to the frame’s 8GB built-in memory with hi-speed USB 2.0
- Includes built-in clock, calendar, alarm and weather apps with auto on/off timer
- Security slot – securely lock your frame to prevent theft
- Frame adjustable for vertical orientation
- Wall mountable
The picture frame is a sleek black frame with a glossy finish and no buttons on the front. The screen is a touchscreen.
On the back of the picture frame, there are the controls, the security lock and the mounting options for the stand and for wall mounting. The diagram below illustrates the manual control functions.
On one side of the frame, there are the connectivity options. As shown below from left to right they are the SD/SDHC card slot, the headphone jack, the USB 2.0 port, the mini USB port, and the AC power adapter port.
On the bottom right-hand corner at the back of the frame, there is a mount that the stand connects to.
Performance
This digital picture frame is very sleek looking and setup from beginning to end is very easy. The instruction manual provides clear instructions for binding the frame for use with your Facebook and or Twitter accounts and you can also use the IOS/Android Photo Partner app to send pictures from your mobile device to the phone. In addition, there is an FTP option to load pictures from your PC. The FTP option is the only one that I am still playing around with and trying to get right. I downloaded the Filezilla FTP client and was able to see the frame and send pictures to it. However, I could not do so when I tried from a different network which is strange. It is likely that there is something that I missed and I will provide an update when I figure it out.
I also do not like the design of the stand that is round and only supports one side of the frame. If you accidentally bump the frame, it falls over very easily.
The following are some photos of the various screens that you encounter are you go through the settings:
The next set of photos show the screens after you load your pictures including individual pictures of the slideshow:
The last photo below is a screenshot of one of the screens on my cell phone as I selected the pictures that I sent to the frame:
If you would like to read more about this digital picture frame, click here to read the manual.
What I like
- The sleek look of the frame
- The build quality
- The features
- The connectivity options that include local storage option
What can be improved
- The stand
Final thoughts
The Aluratek 8 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame performs very well and it is very easy to set up and get going. The features make it easy to share pictures and the display is quite nice. Other than the design of the stand and my pending issues with the FTP file transfer for a different network, I have no complaints and I do like this frame very much. Considering that some of the other frames that I reviewed are 4 times the price of this one, I do think that is is a good bang for the buck. Nicely done!!
Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Aluratek and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Aluratek.
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Can it get full of pictures and more cannot be put on. Our children gave us one a year ago and have been putting pictures on. Recently, they tried to put some on and said it was successful, but we never got them.