Ceiva Logic has announced its new Ceiva Pro 80 Digital Photo Frame, a new entry in its line of well-received consumer photo frame and service. In some ways the Pro 80 is an ordinary digital photo frame, storing images and enabling users to add load via USB or even off their home network. But the Pro 80 has one other interesting twist: users can send new images to it from their phones using MMS messaging.
The Pro 80 features an 8-inch VGA resolution display, and has a multi-in-1 media card reader that supports a wide range of formats, including Compact Flash, SD, miniSDm, Memory Stock, xD, Microdrive, and more. The frame also includes Wi-Fi connectivity and media server support: just pop it onto your existing home network and it’ll act as a media server client for Windows Vista and Macs (at least, if they use some additional media server software). But perhaps the most innovative feature is Ceiva’s PicturePlan service, that enables the frame to automatically display new images sent to it from computers or camera phones. Friends and family can send images from anywhere, and a blue indicator lights up on the photo frame when new images are available. Of course, users have control over who can send images to the photo frame. Users can also send images from an iPhone application, or directly from Picasa or Facebook. The PicturePlan service is free for one year, and available for $6.95 per month for a multi-year membership.
The photo frame also offers a simple onscreen menu, interchangeable faceplates (black and wood, with additional designs available via skinit.com); the frame also offers free “Ceiva channels” like ABC News and ESPN Sports.
The Ceiva Pro 80 Digital Photo Frame carries a suggested retail price of $179.99, but will be on special for the holiday season at $147.99.