[IT동아 남시현 기자] A digital picture frame is a product that uses an LCD display in the form of a picture frame. It allows unlimited changes to photos whenever desired and also supports video playback. The appeal of printed media cannot be ignored, but demand is steady thanks to the ability to immediately apply photos that match the atmosphere or interior. However, most digital picture frames require images to be transmitted using micro SD or USB or built-in data, and only high-spec models support smartphone transmission and touch screens.
Camel Cloud Digital Frame CPF1310IPS (left) and CPF1010IPS (right) / Source = IT Donga
Camel Group, which covers everything from advertising displays to digital signage, office and gaming displays, has released the Camel Cloud digital picture frame that eliminates this inconvenience. Camel’s 10-inch Cloud Digital Picture Frame CPF1010IPS and 13-inch CPF1310IPS receive data based on Wi-Fi, so there are no restrictions on physical transmission distance, and they are equipped with a touch screen so anyone can easily operate them. We took a first-hand look at Camel’s two types of digital picture frames that have further increased usability based on the cloud.
Lightweight 10.1-inch, quality-considered 13.4-inch digital picture frame
Camel Cloud digital picture frame has an Android-based interface and operates on a touch screen / Source = IT Donga
Camel CPF1010IPS is a digital picture frame equipped with a 10.1-inch HD (1280×800) resolution display with a 16:10 ratio. The size is 301x220x32mm, about the size of a book, and the weight is 651g. The CPF1310IPS is equipped with a 13.4-inch QHD (2520×1680) display with a 3:2 ratio, and is slightly thinner and larger at 319x227x23mm, the size of A4 paper, and 740g. You can choose between black for the 13.1-inch model and black and white for the 10.1-inch model.
When using it, place it on the back stand horizontally or vertically, and the screen will automatically rotate horizontally and vertically depending on the angle it is set at. Even photos that are out of proportion during playback are automatically cropped and played back. There are also nail holes on the back, so you can hang the screen on the wall like a real picture frame.
Size comparison between the 10.1-inch model and the 13.4-inch model / Source = IT Donga
The actual size of the two products is similar; the 13.4-inch model has a thin bezel and a large display area, while the 10.1-inch model has a wide bezel. The 13.4-inch model is also thinner, and the 10.1-inch model has one speaker and the 13.1-inch model has two speakers. This is because the 13.1-inch product has high-end specifications, but if price/performance ratio is a priority, the 10.1-inch product is also attractive. If you want fuller, clearer images and videos, the 13.1-inch model is more suitable.
The interface for device connection includes a USB-C type terminal, USB-A type terminal, power, micro SD, and reset button / Source = IT Donga
Although it is a digital picture frame, it is equipped with CPU and memory for video playback, file management, and network connection. The 10-inch model has 1GB of memory, 32GB of storage, and Android 4.4, while the 13.4-inch model has 2GB of memory, 32GB of storage, and Android 11 operating system.
As for terminal specifications, both models have a USB 2.0 A port, a USB-C terminal, and a micro SD slot, so data can be transferred to a smartphone or USB. There are two types of audio, 2W for the 10-inch and 2W for the 13.4-inch. The specifications themselves are lower in the 10.1-inch model, but there is little difference in actual use that focuses on photos. If you need high-resolution videos or frequent photo changes, the 13.4-inch model is more suitable.
‘Cloud transmission’ exceeds expectations, highest level of convenience
Download the ‘Camel Cloud’ app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store and transfer data / Source = IT Donga
The reason why people do not use digital photo frames often is because of the inconvenience of photo transfer. Older products connect via USB, and newer products only use short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. However, as the device itself supports Wi-Fi, the inconvenience of transferring photos and videos has largely disappeared. This point alone reveals the true value of the cloud picture frame.
For example, if you install it at your parents’ house in your hometown, you can send and view photos and videos using Camel Digital Frame instead of KakaoTalk. The large screen makes it easy to view, and you can keep sending photos to fill up the list. Up to 30 people can connect, and there are no location restrictions, so it doesn’t matter if the recipient and sender are overseas.
To transmit data, the frame and smartphone must be linked / Source = IT Donga
Pre-setting is required prior to the transfer process. Download the ‘Camel Cloud’ app from the Android and Apple app stores and connect by entering the QR code or device-specific code on the app. Additionally, the installed picture frame must be connected to Wi-Fi. Once this process is complete, you can send images from your smartphone to the device.
You can send up to 50 photos at a time, and videos can be sent up to less than 200MB. In the case of video, it is automatically compressed and delivered in the app. Both products have a built-in capacity of 32GB, but the capacity can be increased with micro SD. However, the app cannot delete or manage data stored in the frame, so you must erase photos from the frame whenever necessary.
The interface can be operated based on a touch screen. It provides photo and video playback as well as music, notification, clock, and weather settings, and you can also control connected devices and Wi-Fi through settings. In the settings, you can set the slide show, auto play, sorting criteria, sleep time, etc. in detail. If you press the bottom during playback, you can also set zoom in and out, stop, delete, slide show play, etc. Additionally, when transferring data to the app, you can add a short description to the photo.
Increased usability, great for interior design and unique gifts
You can also send messages with photos and videos / Source = IT Donga
The usability of the Camel Cloud frame exceeds expectations. The process of transferring media is very simple, and you can send it anywhere. If you install it well, the fun of delivering photos increases. In addition, with the Android operating system, you can use various functions such as video playback, alarm, and time, and product updates are also supported from time to time.
The price is around 129,000 won for the 10.1-inch model and 239,000 won for the 13.1-inch model, which is more than 1.5 times more expensive than products that do not support Wi-Fi. However, unlike regular digital photo frames, it is valuable simply because it allows you to send photos and videos remotely. If you still send photos to your parents via KakaoTalk every weekend, how about sending the data more conveniently and efficiently with Camel Cloud Digital Frame?
Written by / IT Donga Nam Si-hyeon ([email protected])
