smart photo frame for Valentines

The old saying goes that a picture is “worth a thousand words.”

This February 14, why not speak volumes to the ones you love, with a smart photo frame chock full of high-definition snapshots that can be changed and shared remotely? Sure, your friends, family and loved ones would certainly always prefer to have you and your sparkling wit around in-person, however for those times in-between personal appearances, or for long-distance relationships; let me show you how smart photo frames bridge the distance on Valentine’s Day.

Difference Between Digital and Smart Photo Frames

The times certainly have changed from simple, old photo frames where you stick a printed picture behind glass and wood, then nail it to a wall. Today, digital photo frames allow you to load in dozens of high-quality photos (and often videos, too, depending on the model) from your smartphone, tablet or DSLR camera, and run them in a continuous slideshow. It’s like having one magic picture frame that shows a new picture almost every time you look at it.

Typically, these digital picture frames have you plug in a USB stick or memory card that’s been preloaded with your digital memories, although I have seen some with internal memories, as well. And, even some of the most inexpensive digital photo frames allow a level of editing or manipulation (like the option to choose from a variety of transition effects from photo to photo).

Smart photo frames are another level entirely.

These intelligent and connected frames offer a variety of features, such as tracking the temperatures inside and out, giving you the local forecast, and all while showcasing your favourite digital memories in any way you choose. The best of these on the market today also offer the amazing capability of letting friends and family update the images remotely. Imagine, gifting someone one of these cool photo frames, and then being able to change up the images from anywhere, sharing all those precious memories almost instantly.

Here are a selection of smart digital photo frames you may want to check out:

Nixplay Seed

smart photo frame for ValentinesThe Nixplay Seed Wifi Digital Photo Frame comes in multiple colours and in both 7-inch and 8-inch varieties. Using the Nixplay Mobile App for iPhone or Android smart phones, you can instantly display images on the frame, or email them directly. You can also access all your favourite photos on Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, Flickr and Google Photos, or upload new ones to create dedicated playlists on the safe and secure free Nixplay Web App. The frame’s flexible power cord also doubles as a stand, so the viewing angle can be adjusted exactly to your liking. It also sports a motion sensor, so it is only on when people are in the room.

PhotoSpring 10.1″ 16GB Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame

smart photo frame for ValentinesThe PhotoSpring 10.1″ 16GB Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame lets you automatically store and display photos and videos from your smartphone, and all in sharp 1280 x 800 resolution. Invited friends and family can upload their own photos for your to view. The touchscreen makes this smart photo frame a breeze to use, allowing you to browse photos, watch videos and choose the ideal format for display. It features 16GB of built-in memory, plus it offers a charging stand to power the rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery for handheld use.

Aluratek 17.3 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame

smart photo frame for ValentinesThe Aluratek 17.3 inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame is wickedly versatile and packed with features. It has 8GB of built-in storage, memory card reader and USB support, plus it connects easily to any WIFI 802.11 b/g/n wireless network, so you can share photos and videos from your Facebook and Twitter accounts directly to the frame using a smartphone or tablet. You download the Aluratek WiFi Frame App found in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store, and through it can easily access and share all your best and latest digital memories. This frame delivers exceptional quality, with incredible image clarity in rich and vibrant colours all on the TFT true colour IPS LCD at 1920 x 1080 resolution at an ideal 16:9 aspect ratio. It also sports an easy-to-use touchscreen. This 17.3 inch stylish frame also features a built-in clock, calendar, alarm and weather apps with an auto on/off timer. And, this smart digital photo frame can either sit on your desk, or it can be wall-mounted. That’s some picture frame, right?

Sure, no picture is going to be a true substitute for having the real you around, especially on Valentine’s Day. But, a smart photo frame tells someone you care enough to want to share your life and memories as they happen, even if there is distance or time spent away. That’s one of the best things about our Wi-Fi connected world. It allows us to instantly connect and share in so many new ways.

And hey, these smart frames aren’t just for bridging the distance on Valentine’s Day. These are great for 365 days a year, and for everyone. Wouldn’t it be nice to be sitting at work, when suddenly the image changes on your desk’s frame to something goofy and adorable your kid did just moments before at home, uploaded courtesy of your significant other? These frames also seem like an ideal way to keep the grandparents content with new pics regularly. I know my mom would love one of these, as she doesn’t “do the email” and misses out on all the digital snapshots we take and share.

So, have a look at all the digital photo frames available at Best Buy, and start sharing those memories now.

Steven Hill
I am an award-winning writer, freelance journalist and blogger who is a self-confessed geek and tech lover. When not playing the latest video games or salivating over the newest gadgets, I enjoy cooking for my family, mountain biking or snowboarding the deep powder on Whistler Mountain.