Although we live in a world where we’re further apart than ever before, there are still ways to stay close. With more of us traveling to different places every year, working away from our hometowns, or moving further afield for college, it’s easy to become distant from the people we love. But what if we told you that there is a new, unique way to make and maintain family connections? Check out our guide on how to connect with family and how to stay in touch with long-distance family all over the globe.
How to Connect with Family
The go-to solution when we want to connect with family is to pick up the phone or send a quick text message. But sometimes even this simple action can slip through the net, making it difficult to touch base with everyone we care about regularly. It can be hard to check-in if you have a busy life or if you live on the other side of the country away from your family, especially if you have to factor in time differences and work commitments. It might be that you only have a five or ten-minute window each day to catch up with your mom or reach out to a friend. So, what can you do to let your loved ones know you’re always thinking of them?
A digital photo frame is the fresh new way to create family connections, and gives you the opportunity to make someone’s day, every day.
How to stay in touch with long-distance family
Building a family social network sounds great, but how does it work?
Meet the Bakers. After using Nixplay to create family connections, they can share special moments that go far beyond a phone call.
With Nixplay, you can send, receive, share and display photos and videos from anyone, no matter where they are in the world. You can link your frame up with Alexa, create personalized playlists with your favorite music and even connect your frame to Spotify, Instagram, Facebook and many more social channels. So, what does this mean for you? Put simply, you’ll be able to build your very own family social network, meaning you can wake up to a video message from gramps, or send a funny photo of your puppy to your mom. The perks of this? They can show off these priceless moments in their home, on a personal picture frame with a twist.
Gifts for Long Distance Family
Now you’ve discovered more about how to connect with family, why not get started on building your own family social network with Nixplay? Whether you’re looking for a gift for long-distance family, or you want to try it for yourself, a Nixplay frame can revamp your home in more ways than one. Check out our collection of Wi-Fi frames, and learn more about the smart ways a digital photo frame can enhance your lifestyle.
This is the third Nixplay WiFi photo frame that I have reviewed. I believe there is a good reason why the company is the global market leader for digital photo frames: They just have the best soft- and hardware in the mid-size frame segment that they are in.
In this review, I will take a closer look at the 9.7 inches Nixplay Smart Photo Frame, which is the 2K model of the “Smart” product line. This means that you can expect the screen to be tack-sharp.
What people expect from digital photo frames
With the Coronavirus in 2020, “keeping in touch” became a predominantly virtual matter for some time. Video conference tools gained in popularity because it gave us all a much better feeling of working together than just listening to group phone calls. And yet, easy to set up video-conference software has been around for over twenty years. But only now, they became fully accepted.
I’d like to think that the same is true for digital picture frames. They have been around for ages, but the quality of the hardware and the user-friendliness of the software left a lot to be desired. But recently, they seem to pop up everywhere.
Although different customer segments will have different requirements, the average consumer first and foremost expects ease of use. And since many photo frames are given as a present to parents and grandparents to keep in touch with the family, people expect a way to service them remotely.
This is where many sins have been committed. The software was an afterthought in many companies when it should be the first step in the design.
What Nixplay consistently does right
So it was no surprise that many companies have appeared on this market and quickly left again. The mid-size segment has been especially crowded with brands slapping their logo on some white label “China” frames with no genuine passion for photo frames.
Don’t get me wrong. The best electronics manufacturers are in China and other Asian countries. But if the objective is to bring down costs to the minimum, the quality will suffer.
I currently see only one brand that is starting to become a household name in mid-range wifi photo frames and that is Nixplay.
Personally, I am not even much interested in a digital picture frame that is smaller than 24 inches, and I like to build them myself. But when friends & family ask me which brand to buy in the mid-size segment, I recommend Nixplay.
There are two reasons for my judgement.
One the one hand, they overall have the best software for digital picture frames. It is (relatively) easy to use and has all the bells and whistles that you need. Especially, it can remotely control other frames, i.e., to add pictures and change the settings. This works as long as the other frame is connected to WiFi.
On the other hand, the hardware is solid. Nixplay has come up with a very clever patented solution for the cable problem of picture frames and turned it into a stand. And no USB card can break or is hard to insert. And third, the design is available in several styles, so everyone should find something compatible with their style.
There are two things that you have to be comfortable with: You need a WiFi connection, and your photos are stored in the Cloud. If you don’t like either, you have to look at non-wifi frame models. Nixplay also has those, but they are not available on their homepage but on Amazon.
Only the 9.7 inches version has the ultra-high-resolution 2K display. I guess this is why it’s also just as expensive as the 15.6 inches model which only has a display resolution of 1920 x 1080px.
However, the screen size is only one difference. Just as important is the aspect ratio of these models.
The 2K model has a ratio of 4:3, which is typically what a photo that was taken with a mobile phone has. Since most of today’s photos are taken with a mobile, it makes a lot of sense to have the same screen proportions as otherwise too much of your image would be cropped in full-screen mode.
The 10.1 frame has a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is about what a DSLR (3:2) is at. The 13.3. and the 15.6 models both come with 16:9, which is great for videos but not so much for photos. I could talk about hours about this subject but let me just say, there are many reasons why I prefer 16:10 or 4:3 displays.
A tack-sharp display
The funny thing with high-resolution displays is that you don’t notice the difference immediately. But the more you look at a high-resolution (Apple calls them “Retina”) display, the more details you discover. And when you then go back to a low-resolution screen, you’re ready to go to the optician because you think there is something wrong with your eyes.
So, a word of warning here. Once you get used to a high-resolution display, there is no way back. Just try to take an Apple iMac 5K away from someone and give him a 1920×1080 monitor (which used to be considered HD!). Good luck!
The screen of the 2K is super sharp and you will discover many details on your photos. It is glossy but it is not prone to showing reflections.
This frame is currently the best in its class in terms of display quality. And the fact that it has an aspect ratio of 4:3 makes it ideal for family & friends photos taken with a mobile phone.
If you are a photographer and you need a small WiFi photo frame, you may be better served with the 16:10 ratio found in the slightly larger 10.1 model. But then again, in your profession, you would probably want a 40 inches 4K frame anyway.
The 2K screen comes at a premium of about $100. Is it worth it? Maybe not because the other Nixplay models also have great displays but, personally, I can’t have enough pixels!
The Nixplay software is still the industry benchmark
I have talked a lot about the Nixplay software and have even written two articles to get you started with a computer or a mobile device.
The good thing is that Nixplay hasn’t changed much in that software since I first published the articles in 2019. And why should they? It is very user-friendly and offers plenty of options the way it is.
What is especially well thought through is the initial setup process after you first unbox the frame. The only thing you need to have nearby is the password of your WiFi network. Once that is entered via the remote control, you can continue on your mobile phone.
The Nixplay software lets you manage all your Nixplay frames with one account and app. This means that you can share your playlists on all connected frames, regardless of where they are in the world. The only thing that matters is that they are connected to a WiFi signal. They do work without WiFi as the images are downloaded to the frame, but you need the signal for photo updates.
As far as the management of your photos goes, you can either access your phone’s photo app, the Nixplay Cloud Albums, or connect it to Google Photos.
The software still offers the same selection of beautiful image transitions and has many features for customisation.
If I could make a wish for one future software feature, it would be the ability to see the image that is currently being played on a remote frame. Sometimes you may want to share a particular photo with your family and with a feature like this, you could all be sure that you are looking at the same thing.
Conclusion
The Nixplay 2K Nixplay Smart Photo Frame has the potential to spoil you for all other photo frames. The super sharp display is something that you take for granted quickly.
The proven quality of Nixplay’s hard- and software remains the key recipe for the company’s market success. But before you buy, check which display aspect ratio is the right one for your needs. I would argue that this is even more important than pixel density.
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat mom and shower her with gifts to show her just how much you care. Flowers and candy are always a crowd-pleaser, but why not make it a little extra special this year with our selection of Mother’s Day digital gifts? There’s no time like the present to get hunting for that perfect gift!
The Best Tech Gifts For Mother’s Day
Looking for a fun tech gift to give to mom this Mother’s Day? From indoor gardens to jewelry, we’ve pulled together a list of 7 cool tech gadgets for mom that are suitable for even the less tech-savvy parents out there. With a mix of thoughtful, practical, and humorous goodies, you can’t go wrong!
Hydroponic Garden Kit
With hydroponic gardening, your plants grow faster without the need for messy dirt. Minerals and nutrients are added to the water so that the plants begin to produce delicious fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, spinach, herbs, and even strawberries. So you can grow your own food at home without the need for digging and weeding!
It’s a fun and quirky way to harvest your own greens, herbs, and vegetables at home that comes with all the benefits of growing your own mini garden – without all the hard work. Ideal for those looking to add a spot of color to their kitchen décor, or for apartment moms with no access to a backyard.
Smart Jewelry
A fun tech twist on the classic gift for mom. Combine fashion and functionality to create the perfect Mother’s Day tech gift. From watches and bracelets, to necklaces, rings and even sunglasses, there are a range of smart jewelry pieces available on the market. Smart jewelry devices offer several tech uses, from tracking your breathing, sleep, activity and monthly cycles, to smart alarms that gently wake you in the morning. Although not every piece of smart jewelry has the same capabilities, so doing your research and finding something to suit mom is your best bet.
Smart Baby Monitor
Whether she’s a new mom or has a little one on the way, a smart baby monitor is the perfect gift. It connects to an app over WiFi, meaning you can easily monitor your baby from your mobile or tablet and unlike traditional designs, a smart monitor allows you to connect to multiple devices. Some smart baby monitors can also be paired to a home device like Alexa, so you can control the monitor with ease using your own voice.
You can monitor several children on one device by connecting to multiple cameras at the same time, which is ideal for moms who are juggling a busy household. A smart baby monitor is also the perfect gift if you’re working away from home and are missing your little ones – giving you a real-time view of what they’re up to.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you live in a busy household, this gift may also be a great way to give mom a break! Available in a range of sizes and styles, there’s a pair of noise cancelling headphones to suit every activity. As one of the best tech gifts for Mother’s Day, wireless headphones are ideal for night feeds, housework, exercise and much more. They’re also great when working from home, to block out the noise and focus on the task at hand. Choose this Mother’s Day tech gift and allow mom to sit back and relax.
Looking for an extra personal touch? Put together her very own personalized playlist with some of her favorite tunes to get her feeling motivated throughout the day.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Most of us have a love/hate relationship with household chores, so anything that can help us along the way is a bonus. Although a smart vacuum cleaner won’t take the place of your regular model, it can make your life a little easier throughout the week. A robot vacuum can also get into those niggly places that your upright vacuum can’t – like under the sofa or below the bed! Plus, prices range from $50 dollars to $2,000, so there’s something for every budget.
Virtual Home Assistant
Available at a range of price points, home assistants are perfect Mother’s Day tech gifts. As well as playing music and answering questions, a virtual assistant comes with several uses that are great for the whole family:
Telling your children a bedtime story: Turning bedtime into a slightly more enjoyable activity for the little ones. Creating a household intercom system: Making shouting the kids down for dinner that little bit easier. Playing games: A range of games are available to download, including quizzes, mysteries and some of the classics. Managing finances: From checking your balance to making bank transfers.
Home assistants are also compatible with a range of home appliances and devices, including smart photo frames – the next choice in our selection of cool tech gadgets for mom.
Smart Frame
What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a smart digital frame full of her favorite memories? The perfect way to share memories and make your mom feel extra special. Create a playlist full of your best family photos from over the years and get it set up ready for the morning. Better yet, why not pull together a selection of Mother’s Day photos from over the years to reminisce?
Available in a range of classic designs, there’s a Nixplay digital photo frame to suit every home décor and style. This Mother’s Day we’re also offering up to 30% off on selected frames until May 10th – find out more about how to treat your mom to the best tech gifts for Mother’s Day with Nixplay.
And that’s our list of 7 cool tech gadgets for mom! Now you’re all set to pick up the perfect Mother’s Day digital gifts to celebrate with the family. And don’t forget to share and display your Mother’s Day memories on your Nixplay digital photo frame. With the Nixplay app, using your frame has never been easier.
Mother’s Day is coming up, and if you’re like us, you’re probably going to spend it at home, away from your loved ones. But you can still make it memorable for mom despite the distance! Here are some easy ways to do so.
Give her a call
Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures that make the biggest difference. Pick up your phone and dial your mom to ask how she’s doing in these trying times. Tell her about your pup’s latest antics, ask for her special beef stew recipe so you can recreate it, and have the kids greet her a happy mother’s day over the phone. Think of it as a preview of your conversations when you get to see each other again in person!
Send her flowers
Flowers are a surefire way to brighten up someone’s day! A bouquet of mom’s favorite blooms should have her smiling from ear to ear in a jiffy. A houseplant would also be a good idea, while potted herbs would make a great present for the mom who enjoys cooking.
Set up an online party
Thanks to technology, you can easily celebrate with mom at the same time even if you’re miles away from each other. Simply set up a video call on a video conference program like Zoom, agree on a certain time, and dial in. You can even plan family activities, such as a cooking demo, as well as games, such as Pictionary and Charades, to make your call more fun!
Have her favorite food delivered
Yes, you can treat mom to a great dessert or meal even if you’re thousands of miles away! See if her favorite restaurant or bakery delivers and order a dish she loves in time for Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to request for food pictures! Speaking of which…
Send her photos
Delight mom with the most thoughtful gift: a trip down memory lane via a compilation of photos of her favorite moments! Gather as many photos as you can: snapshots of mom being a heartbreaker in her teens, her wedding photos, pictures with you and your siblings growing up, and images of her with her grandchildren.
Set up the photos on a Nixplay Frame so you and your family can keep adding to her album! Get up to 30 percent off on selected bestselling digital photo frames, only until May 10!
For most pet owners, showing appreciation to your furry friends comes naturally. After all, they help to make us feel happier every day. Although life can get pretty busy, so time isn’t always on our side when it comes to giving our pets the attention they deserve. That’s where National Pet Week comes in – a whole seven days dedicated to our pets – and it’s just around the corner! That’s why we’ve been conjuring up a plan to help you celebrate this special occasion with your furry friends, and it’s another 7 Day Photo Challenge.
This time, we challenge you to pull together a mixture of witty portraits and candid shots of your pet – but be sure to get their good side…
Day 1: Doing a trick
The ultimate dog photo challenge! Start with a bang and show off your pet’s skills with a snap of them doing their best trick. Whether that’s of them up on their hind legs, shaking hands (or paws), rolling over or another fun pet trick. If the photos are turning out blurry, try taking them in burst or live mode to try and get the best shot. And remember, with the Nixplay smart frames you can display both videos and photos – so don’t worry if you can’t get the perfect still shot, choose video instead!
Pet can’t do any tricks? No problem! A cute snap of them looking their best is just as good.
Day 2: Fresh air
Whatever the weather, we want to see a picture of your pet enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re off on your daily walk, at their favorite outdoor spot or you’re trying your hand at a mini photoshoot in the back yard. Maybe your pup likes to prance around in the puddles or bask in the warmth of the sun – either way, capturing them in their element is sure to produce a happy photo that’s worth sharing with family and friends.
Day 3: Smiling for the camera
It’s no secret that an adorable photo of an animal smiling into the camera can pull on the heartstrings. So why not share a snap of your pet showing off their best smile? Simple yet effective, you could even use a black and white filter for a timeless and ‘pawfessional’ look.
This one might be a bit tricky, but we’re sure a little treat wouldn’t go unnoticed…
Day 4: Favorite toys
It’s day four and we want to see your pets with their favorite friends. From squeaky toys and cuddly animals, to tug of war ropes and bouncy balls, every pet wants to show off their favorite toy and this is the perfect opportunity to do it. So why not capture a quick shot of them playing with or even cuddling their favorite toy as they sleep?
Day 5: Dinner time
Serving up their favorite treat for dinner? Share a snap of them indulging on gourmet meal for day five. While a candid shot will work, you could also style it up to create a comical scene of your pet politely sitting at the dinner table. Better yet, take a different angle and show off your furry friend in a chef’s hat “preparing” dinner!
Day 6: Playing dress up
Dress them up in their Sunday best or a comical costume for a fun twist on today’s photo challenge. From fake glasses to jumpers and hats, there’s a range of pet clothes out there to try – although don’t force them into it. If they’re not feeling comfortable, simply set them up in a comical scene instead! Whether that’s reading a book, sitting at a computer or having a drink on a deck chair in the back yard.
Day 7: Pets and owners
For this last day, we ask you to take a photo with your pet. National Pet Week is all about promoting and encouraging responsible pet care, which is why we want to see you and your pet together. Whether that’s a selfie, an old portrait or a snap of you lounging in the local park. (We can also answer the age-old question of whether pets look like their owners…)
Pet Photography Tips
Wondering how to take good pet photos ahead of National Pet Week? Pets are unpredictable and often move about quite quickly, so capturing the right moment might be tricky. So, here are some of our top pet photography tips to get you started:
Take your pictures in burst mode: If they can’t sit still, shooting a burst of photos in one go will increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. Look for the best light: As with any image, good light is everything – especially when it comes to pets with darker fur. Offer a reward: Putting them through this many mini photoshoots most definitely deserves a reward! A few cuddles or treats should do it.
But the most important tip is to always remember to keep your pet safe, because putting them in danger to get the “perfect” photo definitely isn’t worth it.
Discover our top 4 pet photography tips to find out more about how to take good pet photos to prepare for your 7 Day Photo Challenge.
Sharing Your 7 Day Photo Challenges for National Pet Week
Remember to share your daily photo challenge updates with your friends and family. Upload your National Pet Week challenges to your social media profiles with the hashtags #NixplayNationalPetWeekPhoto Challenges and #NationalPetWeek and showcase your snaps. Better yet, share your photo challenges with other Nixplay users and connect your digital photo frame to your social media accounts! Create the ultimate pet photo frame with a loving slideshow of your favorite furry friend photos. Sharing memories has never been easier.
