Author: Mars Salazar Page 23 of 29

Marianne is Nixplay's Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

Nixplay’s Dynamic Playlists, Explained

By Mars Salazar

On October 18, 2018

In From The Nixplay Team

Not all photo subjects are created equal. Some people (like your baby niece), events (like your recent vacation in NYC), and animals (like your pet corgi) deserve to be snapped more than others, and rightfully so. But how can you easily gather all your similar photos into one album, and how can you display them easily?

Dynamic Playlists are the are the solution!

Earlier this year, we joined the Google Photos Partner Program in search of ways to make playlist creation easier. The result: Dynamic Playlists, which Google Photos has since referred to as “Live Albums.” Google’s Live Albums and Nixplay’s Dynamic Playlists both harness Google Photos’ ability to group pictures according to location, date, or subject, making image organization a breeze.

Learn more about Live albums here.

With dynamic playlists, the stress involved in sorting your images is now gone. This way, all the photos of your adorable niece will automatically be sorted into a single dynamic playlist you can immediately display on your Nixplay Frame, as long as they’re on your Google Photos account. The pictures of your cute dog or the shots you took during your last trip will also get the same treatment. Looking for photos of your favorite subjects has never been easier.

The best part? Every time you take a new photo of your godchild, the image will be instantly added to its corresponding dynamic playlist, which you can display on your Nixplay Frame. This way, your Nixplay Frame will stay automatically updated with your latest images. Now you can always have your favorite memories at your fingertips—no more manual tinkering needed.

Download the Nixplay Mobile App now to start creating your very own dynamic playlists.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

What To Consider Before Buying A Digital Photo Frame

By Mars Salazar

On October 17, 2018

In From The Nixplay Team

If you’ve never bought a digital photo frame before, you’ve probably got a few questions which need answering. As our homes become more integrated with technology such as virtual home assistants (Amazon Alexa comes to mind) and light bulbs which can be controlled from your smartphone, digital photo frames find their place at the intersection of sophistication and simplicity–a subtle piece of digital décor that elevates your home to new heights with its versatility and class.

Below, we answer five frequently asked questions from readers who are thinking about getting (and eventually got!) a Nixplay Digital Frame for their home.

1. How can you update photos on a Nixplay Frame?

It’s incredibly easy! Using your smartphone or laptop, you simply need to install the Nixplay app–for free! You can use the app to easily upload new images onto your Nixplay Wi-Fi Cloud Frame. It’s similarly easy for NIX Digital Frames: Just plug in a USB flash drive or a memory card loaded with your pictures, and you’re all set!

2. Can a Nixplay Frame play videos?

All Nixplay digital photo frames are able to play 15-second videos as well as display digital pictures, giving you endless digital opportunities to display your dearest memories.

3. What are the available Nixplay Frame sizes?

Nixplay Frames come in several sizes to suit different areas of your home, such as mantelpieces and bedside tables. Nixplay Frames range from 8” to 17” in diameter, and come in several colors and finishes to match your interiors.

4. Can Nixplay Frames be wall-mounted?

Some frames can be wall-mounted for your convenience and aesthetic pleasure. NIX Lux digital photo frames can be sold with custom wall mounts for the 8, 10, and 13-inch sizes. What’s more, the wall mounts come with built-in spirit levels, ensuring that your frame is perfectly aligned on your wall.

5. Where’s the best area to place a Nixplay Frame?

Anywhere you want, as long as it’s indoors! Nixplay Frames are sized to various dimensions and finishes, providing you with numerous options for displaying your photos proudly. The smaller 8” Nixplay Frames are ideal for bedside cabinets and desks, whereas the 13” NIX Lux frames can be mounted onto walls, giving you endless decorating options around your house. The 17″ Frames, meanwhile, will make a lovely centerpiece for your mantelpiece.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

Why You Shouldn’t Scrimp On Home Décor

By Mars Salazar

On October 16, 2018

In Lifestyle

When you move into a new home (or you renovate your existing one) you’re presented with a unique opportunity to design a space which is exactly suited to your tastes. However, decorating usually entails a lot of spending. Worse, it usually comes at the same time as a move or a renovation, two things which are not known for being easy on the wallet.

Nonetheless, we’re here to tell you that, while you should always strive to decorate your abode within your budget, there’s still no harm in splurging on particularly exquisite pieces every now and then. You shouldn’t scrimp on home décor, and here’s why!

Happiness

Above all else, your home should be your own space – a space which makes you happy. As a result, you should aim to buy things that truly make you feel comfortable and “at home.” The devil is in the details when it comes to home décor, and spending a few extra dollars on a piece you love instead of going for a cheaper option could spell the difference between feeling content and feeling like something’s missing.

For example, if you’re putting up posters in a room, you shouldn’t feel bad about spending a couple of dollars more to have them framed. This small move instantly elevates your home décor and makes your walls look classier. Worth the splurge, don’t you think?

Quality

You get what you pay for, and this applies to your décor too. If you’re looking for high-class furnishings which will stand the test of time and still be usable in a decade, then you’re going to have to spend some decent money. Of course, there’s a balance which you need to strike between price and quality. We’re not suggesting that you go from IKEA to an Eames Lounge and a Fabergé Egg, but you should feel free to invest in some nice objects which last for a long time without breaking or looking tired.

That “Wow” Factor

If you’re like most people, you’ll be “house proud” to some degree, looking to show off your digs to any visitors. Investing in decent home décor helps give your home a “wow” factor that can be so important in making you feel proud of your home.

One great way to do this is by investing in a digital photo frame. Rather than print a bunch of regular pictures and have them gathering dust on the mantelpiece, why not have a couple of Nixplay Wi-Fi Cloud Frames displaying photos of your loved ones? A home décor investment such as this makes for a great conversation piece, giving your home brilliant talking points and an undeniable “wow” factor which will impress friends and family alike. Get a Nixplay Frame now!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

4 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Mental Health

By Mars Salazar

On October 10, 2018

In Lifestyle

There’s some stigma attached to mental health problems, but the fact remains that these are issues which a surprisingly large portion of the global population deal with. Fortunately, it’s a topic that is garnering more and more attention in recent years, and for good reason.

Although serious problems require professional help, these four easy ways to instantly improve your mental health should help brighten your spirits in times of woe. Read on.

1. Exercise

Exercise is a natural endorphin-releasing activity, and although you may not always feel like going to the gym or doing strenuous exercise, you’ll naturally feel much better after doing so. Generally speaking, the better your body’s health is, the better your mind’s health becomes. Exercise for at least 20 minutes a day and track your progress to make it a part of your daily routine.

2. Take pictures

If you’re looking for a hobby that is relatively easy to pick up, photography is always a great choice. Whether you’re taking snaps on your smartphone or capturing long-exposure shots with a high-end DSLR camera, producing and retouching photos is one of the most calming hobbies out there, especially if you’re in a beautiful natural environment. You could even display your images on your Nixplay Wi-Fi Cloud Frame to remind you of your favorite memories. Your Nixplay Frame can also serve as a portfolio of sorts, helping you gain pride in your accomplishments.

3. Don’t be shy to ask for help

Whether you need serious help or you just need to get some problems off your chest, suffering in silence is sure to lead down a slippery slope if you’re not careful. When you feel like you’re not coping well with life, it’s best to talk to someone who can help you. It doesn’t have to be a psychologist–a close friend or family member whom you can confide in can still do wonders for your mental health.

4. Make time for yourself

We all need a little time to ourselves, no matter how much we love the people whom we surround ourselves with. Whether its 30 minutes in a nice bath or a couple of hours on Netflix, it’s important to unwind by yourself from time to time. This simple act of self-care goes a long way in keeping your mental health and stability in check.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

nixplay amazon customer testimonials september 2018

Amazon Review Roundup: September 2018

By Mars Salazar

On October 9, 2018

In Customer Testimonials

Here at Nixplay, we value your feedback. Here are some of the reviews that really touched our hearts last month.

“Worth the money”

Product: Nixplay Original 15 Inch
Reviewer: Anonymous
“I really love my Nixplay frame! I’ve had it for about a year and it works perfectly. I love that I can view the pics I choose from years past as well as recent pics. I have 3 small kids and I don’t have time to scrapbook or make albums anymore, but of course, I have so many pictures of my family that I enjoy looking at. This frame has been the perfect way for me to do that with minimal effort. There are many ways to get your pics to Nixplay, but what I do is store all my pics on Google Photos and add my favorites to an album on Google Photos and just transfer that album to a playlist on my frame. You can have many different Nixplay albums, too. I am very happy that I got the 15″ frame. I like the larger size and feel it was worth the money. I find my children watching the frame and trying to [guess] who the baby in the picture is! I also got a frame for my parents and love that I can upload pics straight to their frame from my own home. Also, I recently discovered that Nixplay has excellent customer service. I just chatted with Joey through online and he was quick and very helpful!”

“The sensor is another great feature”

Product: Nixplay Seed 10 inch Widescreen
Reviewer: A. Mora
“An excellent product. Many options to choose from on your phone. Easy uploads from your device. You can upload photos from your phone, whenever. A nice clock option when asleep. The sensor is another great feature as well. As soon as you walk in the room it [begins] to shuffle. The only improvement it could use is a better way to stand the frame. The cord provides a decent stand, but it could be improved. Definitely worth the buy. I would purchase another.”

“I find myself often stopping to watch it”

Product: Nixplay Seed 10 Inch Widescreen
Reviewer: Danny
“I have had my Nixplay Wifi Photo Frame for about three years and absolutely love it. It now contains a wide variety of family pictures essentially creating a digital history of about three generations of our family. I find myself often stopping to watch it change to picture after picture, each with a special memory to offer. It performed flawlessly until recently when it suddenly failed to load after a power outage. I contacted Nixplay support today and was very ably and pleasantly assisted by Joe, who quickly diagnosed the problem and proceeded to lead me through its resolution. If you are looking for a convenient way to store and enjoy your photos, with the added benefit of being able to update them on-line, I would certainly recommend Nixplay.”

“My most favorite things in my home”

Product: Nixplay Seed 12 Inch
Reviewer: Robert Voiss
“I love my 3 Nixplay Frames. They are my most favorite things in my home! They all play continuously displaying both long ago memory photos as well as current photos allowing me and all my friends and family to [reminisce] about all the great times we’ve all had in the past!
My girlfriend and I give Nix-play frames as our go-to to gift for birthdays, holidays and any chance we get, love’em!”

“Very easy to set up out of the box”

Product: Nixplay Original 15 Inch
Reviewer: Rumata2003
“This is the third Nixplay frame I bought (gave one to my parents and another to my in-laws).

PROS:

Very easy to set up out of the box. Only took 10 minutes from unboxing to the moment when photos started displaying on the frame (though it will take longer if it’s your first frame: you’ll need to upload photos to the cloud and create playlists).
Works consistently and without any glitches as long as connected to wi-fi
The interface is user-friendly for users with multiple frames: you can create and drop specific playlists onto specific frames you own. So even though our frame, my parents’ frame, and my in-laws’ frame get fed from the same cloud, they all display different playlists that I had set up.
You can control settings for each frame separately. For instance, my parents and in-laws leave in different time zones from us–I can set up from my account when the three frames wake up and go to sleep based on the respective time zones
I LOVE the integration with Dropbox–so convenient! You can just drop new photos into a designated folder on your laptop, which will update the corresponding Dropbox folder, which then will send new photos to the frame. So you actually don’t even need to get into your Nixplay account to get new photos to play on a frame
The motion sensor works well. From my experience, it will turn the frame on if it detects motion as far as 10-15 feet away within a field of vision of 120-150 degrees (no clue if these are the actual specs–my guesstimate entirely).

CONS (very few):

I believe the account comes with only 10GB of space on the cloud. In this day and age, this is nothing. I have close to 20,000 photos saved on my hard-drive. 10GB is only enough for about 10% of that. I think a more reasonable amount of space would be 100GB–storage is so incredibly cheap these days.
The frames are NOT cheap, but worth the price

Overall, VERY happy with these products.”

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.