Over the last couple of years, the popularity of digital picture frames has shot up. They were one of the most frequently chosen gift items during the 2008 festive season. During 2008 there were significant price cuts - initially due to reductions in the cost of parts and materials and, in the second half of the year, as a result of price positioning by the larger manufacturers. However, whilst the lowered pricing was undoubtedly a significant factor in the popularity of these frames it does not fully explain the increased uptake.
It also seems unlikely that the technical advantages on offer would account for the increasing acceptance of digital frames into the mainstream consumer market. You can have background music - that's good. You can use slide shows - also good. You get (for some frames at least) a remote control. Fantastic - it's all good stuff - but is it really that important for your mother or grandmother? They are the group most likely to receive these frames as gifts.
Now that electronic frames aren't just the preserve of gadget junkies and early adopters but have been adopted into the mainstream consumer market they are considerably more presentable. Whereas they were previously black and shiny metal constructions it is now possible to get removable surrounds which can be changed to suit the decor in your home. That certainly goes some way toward increasing their mass market appeal, but it still doesn't explain their popularity.
The critical factor that makes these frames ideal as gifts is the simple fact that they can be customised and updated in the future - two highly valued features nowadays. A lot of people will take a little time to store a few photos of grandkids, children, recent holidays, family pets etc. on the frame before handing their gift to Granny. They're not just handing over some high tech gizmo - it's a personalized collection of memories in that nicely wrapped gift box.
And don't forget the update options. Following the next holiday, family reunion or anniversary, all you have to do is pass over a memory stick with some new photos on it for a kind of photographic family news bulletin. Many of the new frames even include Wi-Fi - so you can add new photos without the need for a memory card.
Back to the technology - but only insofar as it facilitates the really important thing, the sharing of memories. - 30452
It also seems unlikely that the technical advantages on offer would account for the increasing acceptance of digital frames into the mainstream consumer market. You can have background music - that's good. You can use slide shows - also good. You get (for some frames at least) a remote control. Fantastic - it's all good stuff - but is it really that important for your mother or grandmother? They are the group most likely to receive these frames as gifts.
Now that electronic frames aren't just the preserve of gadget junkies and early adopters but have been adopted into the mainstream consumer market they are considerably more presentable. Whereas they were previously black and shiny metal constructions it is now possible to get removable surrounds which can be changed to suit the decor in your home. That certainly goes some way toward increasing their mass market appeal, but it still doesn't explain their popularity.
The critical factor that makes these frames ideal as gifts is the simple fact that they can be customised and updated in the future - two highly valued features nowadays. A lot of people will take a little time to store a few photos of grandkids, children, recent holidays, family pets etc. on the frame before handing their gift to Granny. They're not just handing over some high tech gizmo - it's a personalized collection of memories in that nicely wrapped gift box.
And don't forget the update options. Following the next holiday, family reunion or anniversary, all you have to do is pass over a memory stick with some new photos on it for a kind of photographic family news bulletin. Many of the new frames even include Wi-Fi - so you can add new photos without the need for a memory card.
Back to the technology - but only insofar as it facilitates the really important thing, the sharing of memories. - 30452
