Loop is a photo-sharing, video-conferencing tablet even grandma can use

By Lulu Chang Published October 11, 2017

Loop - Family Communication Device for the Home

Sure, you can be connected to everyone, everywhere in the world, but do you really want to be? For all your thousands of Facebook friends and Twitter followers, let’s be honest — you’re only interested in connecting with a handful of them. Here to capitalize on our naturally insular natures is Loop, a personal photo-sharing platform meant exclusively for you and your innermost circle.

The device was born out of a desire to easily send baby photos to a single recipient. When CEO Brian Gannon first created Loop, he simply wanted to share photos with his father. The very first iteration of the Loop was a simple Wi-Fi-connected screen that was connected to a smartphone app. And now, the same concept has been further developed to become a connected photo album that you want to show in your home. The Loop can be used to send photos and videos, videochat, and even connect to social media channels. Currently, you can display content from Facebook, Instagram, and Apple Photos (though the team notes that additional sources are in the pipeline).

Recommended Videos

The 10-inch high-resolution screen allows you to show off photos and videos to everyone in the room, and there’s also a built-in microphone and speakers for easy voice conferencing. Think of it as having a screen dedicated to Skype in your living room, but one that can also display your favorite family photos when not in use for video calls.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

A knob on the side of the device allows you to easily make or receive calls, or browse through other channels to curate your content.

While setting up the Loop requires a smartphone (you’ll have to connect the device with an iPhone or Android), once the display is up and running, you don’t need any mobile device for seamless operation. Of course, you can still use the accompanying app to share content with preselected contacts, as well as for remote operations.

“People are craving products that make life simpler,” Gannon told Venus Muse. “Loop is a purpose-built device that makes it incredibly easy for families to stay connected, whether they live around the corner or a continent away. It’s a Wi-Fi-connected communications platform that allows loved ones and friends to share pictures and video so everyone can stay in the loop. It’s like Facebook for the five people you care about the most.”

Now available for pre-order on the Loop website, these Wi-Fi displays are shipping this month to early bird customers. You can buy one Loop for $249, or buy a three-pack and save $50 per device.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

News

Digital Trends’ Top Tech of CES 2025 Awards

Top Tech of CES

Las Vegas is overrun. Every billboard in town is shouting about AI, hotel bar tops now sport a sea of laptops, and after hours The Strip is elbow to elbow with engineers toting yard-long beers.

That means CES, the year’s biggest tech bacchanalia, has come to town, and Digital Trends editors have spent the last four days frolicking among next year’s crop of incredible TVs, computers, tablets, and EVs. We’re in heaven.

Smart Home

Ring shows off new Kidde smoke alarms and free 2K camera upgrades at CES 2025

A person setting up a Ring Smoke Detector.

Ring made a big -- though rather surprising -- announcement at CES 2025, revealing that it has partnered with Kidde to launch a new collection of smart smoke alarms. Arriving in April, the collection includes the Kidde Smart Smoke Alarm and Combination Alarm, the latter of which detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. They’ll sync with the existing Ring app to send users alerts should anything trigger its sensors, and they should be an enticing option for folks who have already bought into the Ring ecosystem.

While customers will receive alerts via the mobile app, they can also sign up for the new Ring 24/7 Smoke & CO Monitoring Subscription for $5 per month. This is a professional monitoring service that lets a trained dispatch team keep tabs on your detectors -- and if they’re triggered, the dispatch team can automatically contact emergency services and send them to your home. That should provide more peace of mind than your normal smoke alarms, which might ring out loud and clear but can’t alert the fire department.

Smart Home

Jackery’s new solar panels are indistinguishable from your roof

jackerys new solar panels are indistinguishable from your roof jwholehome

When you think of solar panels on a home, what's the first thing that comes to mind? In most cases, it's the square, black photovoltaic cells. While those do work, they aren't the most aesthetically pleasing. This is an issue, especially in communities with draconic HOAs. The Jackery Solar Roof offers an attractive alternative that's practically indistinguishable from terracotta roofing tiles.

The Solar Roof has a conversion rate of over 25%. That might not sound like a lot, but the average efficiency rating of solar panels is typically between 15% and 22%, putting Jackery far ahead of the pack. These panels are tougher than a normal roof, too; they're impact and hail resistant and come with a 30-year warranty. That's right, 30 years (and the average lifespan of a normal roof is only 20 years).