Aura has introduced the Ink, a fully wireless digital photo frame featuring an E Ink screen that stylizes photos like newspaper prints. This portable device offers up to three months of battery life and eliminates the need for constant plugging in. Reviewers praise its realistic look and mounting ease, though note limitations in brightness.
The digital photo frame market has seen little innovation in recent years, with most devices relying on LCD screens and requiring constant power. Aura's Ink changes this by incorporating an E Ink Spectra 6 screen, which uses only six color pixels: white, black, red, yellow, green, and blue. This results in a sepia-toned, newspaper-like representation of photos, achieved through a custom algorithm that converts images while preserving details like sky gradients or hair shades.
Brighter photos perform best on the 13-inch display, as dimmer ones appear even darker due to the screen's muted nature. A built-in front light, similar to those on Kindle devices, provides gentle illumination, though it reaches only about half the brightness of the Kindle Colorsoft. Physical controls include three side buttons for navigating photos and checking battery status via an LED.
The E Ink technology enables true portability, with a promised battery life of around three months on a single charge—comparable to the Kindle Scribe's duration. Power consumption mainly occurs during photo transitions, which involve a series of flashes and take less than 30 seconds. By default, changes happen once overnight to conserve battery and reduce eye strain.
Unlike previous Aura models like the 2017 Classic or the recent Aspen, which required cords that cluttered wall mounts, the Ink is fully cordless. It includes a simple mounting kit with two nails and a hook, allowing easy integration into gallery walls. The frame detaches for charging via a side port.
While impressive for its realism—blending seamlessly as if printed—the Ink's higher price and dimmer display in low light are drawbacks. It suits well-lit spaces and showcases of high-quality, bright photos, appealing to those seeking a clutter-free digital display.