Top Sony Gifts For The Holidays Under $300

There are literally hundreds of gift recommendations I could give for Sony products, but instead I will simply choose a few that are guaranteed to impress and are below $300. There are many great ideas here for digital imaging, audio, and some tips for the PlayStation 3 as well.

In this article, we provide links to SonyStyle and have pricing listed merely as reference. If the prices listed here still seem high, we recommend checking out other e-tailers selling these products. A great way to compare prices is to always check Amazon, Google Product Search, or SlickDeals (just put the product name in the search field). Great savings can be found for many of the items listed here in those websites, but SonyStyle is still able to guarantee Christmas shipping if you order as soon as possible.

Gadgets

While Sony sells many point and shoot cameras I really have to put all of my energy towards the DSC-TX5 ($279). It is one of the greatest portable compact cameras Sony has ever made. The TX5 is waterproof (up to ten feet), dustproof, shockproof (can be dropped five feet), and freeze-proof. I bought one for my girlfriend and we had so much fun over the summer shooting pictures underwater at the pool, shooting HD video underwater while making funny faces, and more. She took the camera on a girls beach trip and the pictures she came back with were stunning.

For many people, these type of features are a dream come true. Imagine dropping your camera and not worrying about it breaking, or being able to jump in the water with it and take great shots. The TX5 also has a 3.0″ wide touch screen, 4x optical zoom, “Exmor R” sensor, iSweep Panorama Mode, and 10fps (pictures per second) at the camera’s full 10.2 megapixels. The TX5 is easy to use – almost anyone can use its easy to understand touchscreen interface. There’s also five great colors to choose from, including red, pink, silver, green and black.

If you have not tried a 2010 Sony point and shoot camera, the pictures are seem so much higher in quality thanks to the Exmor R sensor. Sony also has some dynamite looking camera cases that are worth looking into.

A cheaper digital imaging gift is the versatile Bloggie Touch, which is a stylish 12.8 megapixel camera and 1080P video recorder. The Touch comes in a 8GB ($179, 4 hour video) or 4GB ($159, 2 hour video) models, and both will be more than sufficient for the Facebook or YouTube enthusiast in your life. The videos are recorded in an easy to upload format that can be transferred easily with the built-in USB stick. Did we mention it also has Auto Macro (for easy, close up shots and videos) as well as 4x digital zoom? Not too shabby.

There are a couple simple gift recommendations I can give for Sony audio products.

The first that comes to mind is the W Series Walkman ($59), which is a wearable one-piece audio player. The W Series is water-resistant, quick-charging, and comfortably wraps around your head and fits in your ear. There is 2GB of storage built-in to the device and is perfect for someone who runs or does other activities. We did a hands-on with this music player and it withstood some really tough workouts. It’s far superior than using your iPhone or iPod because it eliminates pesky headphone wires and is more durable.

If that didn’t really win you over, then at least give the gift of better sound. I cannot stand seeing people wear those tacky white iPhone/iPod earbuds knowing they are experiencing inferior audio quality. You wouldn’t believe the difference when you put on a nice quality pair of Sony earphones. Plus they just look amazing. Scout around in the SonyStyle earbuds section, or look further at Sony’s unique PIIQ line of headphones and earbuds, which has some really funky designs and poppy colors. You really can’t go wrong with this option and it’s a gift that will definitely be used over and over.

The Sony Dash Personal Internet Viewer ($149) is a cool gift for the geek that has everything, or someone who could use a little spice of tech in their life. The Dash has a 7″ screen that shows off everything from weather, e-mail, traffic, sports, social networking, movies, music, games and more. There are more than a thousand apps for it, including Netflix watch instantly and Hulu Plus. Can your alarm clock do that? The only downside is that it doesn’t have a dock for the iPhone/iPod.

If you’re looking for a great iPhone/iPod dock, Sony has several options. Some have a clock radio, and others are merely speaker systems. The ICF-CS10iP is a perfect example of having a speaker dock and clock radio combined. The audio quality of some Sony docks is actually surprising, and some can also get very loud. While we’re in our room, my girlfriend and I often listen to Jazz internet streams or other audio from my iPhone on the ICF-CS10iP and it sounds great. There is pretty much something for everyone in numerous price ranges all the way up to $250.

PlayStation 3

There are more gift options for the PlayStation 3 than ever before. If you know someone who has the console and are thinking of giving them a gift, this really may be your best bet.

If he or she doesn’t have a PS3, this is definitely the right time. It really is one of the greatest gaming systems ever released. And I’m not just saying that because I run Sony Insider. Most people who have really given the console some time would agree. Even though I play FPS games on the PC, there are several titles I have put many hours into on the PS3. The crazy thing is that the hits just keep coming for the console. Gran Turismo 5 is a perfect example of the true power of the PS3 with its access to over 1,000 vehicles and dozens of racetracks.

There are three official PS3 options, including the PS3/PlayStation Move bundle (320GB/$299), and regular PS3 (320GB/$349), and PS3 (160GB/$299) systems. You can find the 160GB model for less than $299 with some easy sleuthing. All the versions of the console come with huge hard drives, the incredible quality of movies and music on Blu-ray, 3D movie and gaming compatibility, free PlayStation network access, built-in Wi-Fi and so much more. It can be used as a device that can stream or playback numerous types of audio and has a lot of use as a networked device. The PS3 has access to a wealth of games, and also some really interesting content on the PlayStation store. They sell a variety of videos at the Store as well and it also has access to Hulu, Netflix, etc. Some people overlook the fact the PS3 also has a fully functional web browser with flash.

In a nutshell, the PS3 is a really great start towards building a media center for that LCD in the living room. It doesn’t necessarily trump the XBOX360 in every regard, but it still has several untouchable advantages.

Game gift recommendations are really easy – the biggest titles I can easily think of include Call of Duty: Black Ops, Gran Turismo 5, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Red Dead Redemption, NBA JAM, Uncharted 2, Super Street Fighter IV, LittleBigPlanet, and essentially anything else in this list. Any of those aforementioned games will provide dozens, if not hundreds of hours of enjoyable gameplay and have incredible replay value. Also, if they already have Gran Turismo 5, then just get them this PS3-compatible Logitech Driving Force GT Racing Wheel, which will seriously accelerate their experience from zero to awesome.

One of the easiest recommendations for a PS3 owner I can give is the PlayStation Move, which is an incredibly accurate Motion Controller for the PS3. The experience is like the Nintendo Wii, but more accurate and in HD. Sony has a $99 bundle that includes a PlayStation Eye camera, PlayStation Move controller and the game Sports Champions. That’s all you need to start. We’ve covered the Move extensively in a video hands-on earlier this year and it did not disappoint. I also own a PlayStation Move myself, and I can tell you it really put some interest back in the system for me. THe great part is that they also sell some interesting PlayStation Move games and demos on the PlayStation store, along with many great games that support the technology. The PlayStation Move, only in its infancy, has already transformed the potential for the PS3.

I fully expect second generation Move titles to be even more amazing than the first. Sorcery, one of many Move-compatible titles coming in 2011, is a great example of what I’m talking about here.

The Move has many accessories that goes with it, which is also a nice thing for someone giving a gift to a person that has it already. The official list of PlayStation Move add-ons includes several options. A second Motion Controller is an easy buy, and is useful in singleplayer and encourages more local mutliplayer action – reasonable at $49. The Navigation Controller ($29) is a smart purchase for someone who has games that require precise movement and will be essential for Move-based FPS games (like MAG, Killzone 3, etc).

A heavily recommended purchase is the PlayStation Move charging station ($29), which keeps the controllers fully charged and upright in a nice looking base. I bought this immediately when I got the Move because of the convenience. It’s much better than just leaving the wands laying around. If placed appropriately, they are always a conversation piece as well, which will lead to playing.

There’s also the PlayStation Move shooting attachment ($19), which seems a little childish looking in comparison to the third party options out there. If your getting them a FPS game for the PS3 that has Move compatibility, then the gun is the way to go.

I hope some of these recommendations help you on your way to giving the perfect Sony gift these holidays.

CEDIA 2010: Sony Booth Pictorial/Video

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) is a global trade association of companies involved in the electronic systems industry. Founded in 1989, it has 3,500 members who specialize in home automation, networking, communication, security, lighting control, HVAC and entertainment systems. The organization influences public policy, provides referrals, promotes better business practices, educates members and provides other benefits. CEDIA hosts an annual trade show, the CEDIA Expo, to allow exhibitors to showcase the latest technological advances to industry professionals.

CEDIA Expo has been held in Atlanta, GA (my home town) for the last several years, and will transition to Indianapolis next year.

Sony had a healthy presence at CEDIA 2010, offering a robust booth experience that demonstrated their latest products in home theater receivers, Blu-ray, 3D gaming, 3D photography, LCD TV’s, and projectors. Sony’s big announcement during the show was the VPL-VW90ES, which is a $9,999 Sony ES 3D HD Projector With 240Hz. We also did a hands-on With Sony AV Receiver Remote App on an iPad, which was really cool.

On a side note, I was hoping to see some kind of demo for Google TV, but apparently it remains confidential until its October 12th unveiling in NYC.

Here is a video of various footage we caught during our time at Sony’s booth during CEDIA 2010, including VP of Television Chris Fawcett and VP, Home Audio and Video Brian Siegel talking about Sony’s refreshed Home Audio and Video lineup:

Here is our gallery of pictures taken at Sony’s booth during CEDIA 2010:

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IFA 2010: Sony Launches Two New Powerful Digital Multimedia Frames With AVCHD/MPEG Support

Sony has unveiled two new digital photo and video frames at IFA 2010: the DPF-XR100 (pictured above) and DPF-VR100 (pictured below), each with 2GB of internal storage that boast a generously-sized 10.2 inch WSVGA (1024×600, 16:10) LED backlight LCD screen for a big, beautiful view of your photos and videos. And it isn’t just lousy video support; Sony has raised the stakes by giving these new models the ability to play HD video with support for various formats.

This is truly the display for those of you who use high end cameras and video equipment and want to proudly show off your multimedia within the home or office. In a first by Sony, the S-Frame XR100 and VR100 can show your camcorder, camera, and DSLR AVCHD clips with clear, rich stereo sound. Maximum file size for AVCHD video playback is 2GB, which is quite impressive. The XR100 also has support for the Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, and MPEG-1 video formats and can display nearly any picture format. Pretty amazing this device can play HD and SD video.

An advanced image processor (BIONZ) inside the frames scales and displays content up to 256 megapixels, making these frames capable of handling footage taken with even the most advanced digital cameras or HD camcorders. Enjoy your video’s soundtrac or a choice of pre-installed background music tracks. Both models can play back the popular music formats MP3, AAC, and WAV through built-in stereo speakers. Alternatively, you can further enhance the mood of videos and slideshows by transferring your favorite music tracks to the frame’s internal memory.

The flagship XR100 adds TruBlack technology for even richer, high-contrast images with practically no reflection. Both products also feature an extra-wide viewing angle (160° x 160° degrees) which ensures that your photos and videos will be viewable nearly anywhere in the room. Sony has also brought back the popular auto orientation sensor, which automatically displays your pictures at the right angle when you change how the display stands.

Sony Launching New Digital Photo Frames With Stylish Options

Sony Europe and Japan are showing off some interesting additions to their digital photo frame line – a total of six new products are now coming throughout the Spring and Summer.

First off, there is the DPF-X85/DPF-X95 (pictured above), which has absolutely stunning picture quality with huge memory capacity and smart, easy to use features. The X85 features a 8″ WVGA 16:10 LCD, with TruBlack screen technology for a delicious view of your pictures that will be noticeably different than other photo frames. Unique to Sony, TruBlack technology boosts contrast while reducing screen reflections for rich, deep blacks and sparkling highlights. For an even bigger picture, the S-Frame X95 showcases the benefits of TruBlack technology with a larger 9″ WVGA screen.

Just slip in your camera’s memory card or connect S-Frame to your computer via USB, and enjoy a generous 2GB internal memory inside the S-Frame X85 (pictured below)/95 which roughly gives you storage space for up to 4,000 images in Album mode. New ‘X’ models are also able to display large image files up to 48 megapixels: this makes them ideal for showing off the highest-resolution images from your DSLR or compact camera.

A smart orientation sensor on the X85/95 – and all S-Frame models –automatically rotates images so they’re always displayed the right way up, whether the frame’s in landscape or portrait position. As an extra refinement, the X85/95 (and D85) feature an illuminated Sony logo that disappears automatically when the frame is oriented vertically in portrait position. Both X series models also feature an Auto dimmer function that saves power while ensuring comfortable viewing in darker environments.

Then there is the DPF-D85, which is virtually the same as the X models (and has all of its memory card options including SD), but only has 256mb of built-in memory and doesn’t have Tru Black technology.

The value-packed E75 and E73 that make an ideal gift for someone special because it has such cool interchangeable faceplates. The European E75 and E73 come supplied with three interchangeable colored bezels that make it easy to personalize your photo frame whenever you wish. Europeans will be able to pick from a choice of black/red/brown or beige/moss green/white colors to match your interior or mood.

We noticed the E models have a smaller screen at 7 inches, but is still 16:10. The E75 is margianlly better than the E73 since it has a higher pixel density, Clear Photo LCD mode, and 128mb of additional storage amongst other minor details.

Then there are some colors we noticed in Japan for the E models. It appears that pastels will be in bloom with these interesting color options such as pink, white, and green:

Lastly, we have the DPF-A73, which is basically identical to the E73 in specifications but doesn’t have interchangeable faceplates.

Here are the full specs:

Update: Sony Digital Frame with a Built in Printer

Well, you did not think that Sony would stop at just creating mere photo frames without any other bells and whistles in those? We are still waiting on the release of a digital frame that Sir Stringer showcased at CES 09, however this one DPP-F700 will be happy to show off your latest vacation as well as print out some shots for your Mom if she noticed someone really special on the slide show. I have owned a number of different Sony printers from DPP-SV88 (believe it or not that thing cost $700 when it was released back when) to a cute and portable DPP-M1 which I still like.

Edit by Christopher – check out this cool introduction video of the DPP-F700 by Social Media Evangelist Sukhjit Ghag of Sony Electronics:

This new DPP-F700 picture frame/digital photo printer can do the following tricks (straight from the press release):

• Sony Electronics is launching a stylish multitasking S-Frame® digital photo frame with printer (model DPP-F700).
• The sleek, all-in-one device allows photo viewing and printing for picture lovers who enjoy displaying and sharing copies of their special memories.
• Showcasing your favorite photos in vibrant color and crisp detail, the DPP-F700 features a 7-inch (measured diagonally) (16:10) LCD display with WVGA (800 x 480) resolution.
• The device prints 4 x 6-inch professional quality 300 x 300 dpi photos instantly in just 45 seconds.
• Allowing you to edit images before printing, the device’s options include enlarge, reduce, crop, date stamp on/off, border/borderless (for single prints), and brightness, contrast, hue, and sharpness adjustment.
• In Creative Print mode, you can make a calendar with pictures (more than 30 templates), print an ID photo, and create a “layout print” with multiple images on one sheet.
• Using Screen Capture, you can print exactly what is displayed on the screen during a slideshow.
• The frame-printer device features about one gigabyte of internal storage capacity with an auto-resizing adjustment that downsizes photos to let you store up to 2,000 photos.
• Image transfer is a snap with direct USB input from your PC, as well as support for most memory cards, including Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Secure Digital (SD), SDHC, Multi-Media Card (MMC), Compact Flash®, and xD-Picture Card™ media.
• Whether the device is set vertically or horizontally, the Auto Orientation sensor automatically rotates your photos into portrait or landscape format according to the placement.
• A wide range of view and print modes and many other functions can be managed from the included remote control.
• Multiple playback options offer flexibility to display photos as single images, as thumbnails for easy searching, or as a slideshow with ten built-in transitions.
• The new S-Frame model supports JPEG, TIFF, and BMP image file formats.
• Supplied accessories include a paper tray, AC adaptor, CD-ROM (print driver, PMB), operation manual, cleaning kit, and stand.
• Optional print packs include compatible SVM-F series: SVM-F40P (40 sheets of photo paper and cartridge), and SVM-F120P (120 sheets of photo paper and cartridges).
• The DPP-F700 digital photo frame-printer will be available for about $200

Sony’s New DPP-F700 Digital Photo Frame Has A Printer, Too

I’m seeing some information pop up on the web about the upcoming Sony DPP-F700 digital photo frame, pictured here in black. Slated for a November release, the DPP-F700 is proof that Sony is really trying to unionize their hardware where possible and offer unique, stylish multitasking gadgets. Adding a printer to a digital photo frame is really an amusing principle. 10-15 years ago a photo frame was where a picture was immortalized and hung on a wall or sat on a desk somewhere in your home/office. Today, Sony’s vision of the photo frame has a 7 inch (16:10, WVGA 800×480) screen, 1GB of memory, the option of showcasing time/date in up to 21 different templates, and can print pictures. It would be cool to have this in your house somewhere common so friends could print out their favorite pictures while visiting. I can see some people saying that this device is too fancy, unnecessary when you can just go to the drug store and so forth to get pictures, but this is a smart device. It’s also an electronics company consolidating resources into a single product that can satisfy more consumers. Sony already had a similar portable printer line earlier this year anyways and this evolution makes sense.

Its also compatible with both Windows and Mac via USB, and the DPP-F700 digital photo frame has multiple direct inputs that support a wide range of card storage formats such as Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, SD Card, SDH Card, CF Card, and xD-Picture Card.

The DPP-F700 allows users to print photos instantly at professional quality through Dye-Sublimation in 4 x 6-inch printouts at 300 x 300 dpi. Integrating TruFast technology, printouts are resistant to fingerprint marks, water, as well as discoloration when exposed to light, allowing them to easily preserve vivid memorable moments. With a simple touch of the button, users can also print pictures from the frame in under a minute. Compatible color print packs include SVM-F40P, F120P, F40L1, and F120L. Simple editing functions such as rotating, zooming, and cropping photos are available on the DPP-F700. Additionally, the supplied remote control makes it easier for users to highlight specific pictures by searching for them via folder or marks. Users can also personalize their photos with more than 30 Calendar and Layout designs available, or print ID photos (with or without borders) for use with formal documents.

However, there is no Alarm, no auto dimmer, no HDMI (and therefore no PhotoHD TV compatibility), and several other items of interest. Read the complete specifications for the DPP-F700. A german website who saw spotted it way early at IFA 2009 quoted “200 Euros” for the price. With it listed in Asia Pacific as well, it’s a good indicator this could be a worldwide product coming to America/Europe around November or CES.

Information gathered from Sony Singapore, Sony New Zealand, and heise Foto.

Sony Pimps Out Its Digital Frame With Swarovski Crystals

Are you getting tired of boring design that shows up on digital frames? Can we call it a design at all? Black, white, grey colors…Well Sony decided it needs some Swarovski beauty and they graced a special edition frame with a pretty design to match it. Check it out for yourself and see if it is something you would like to have on your desk, however you will not see any advanced features like Internet accessibility, built in Bluetooth, RSS and weather…just a pretty frame, you know.

Press release below:

Sony Electronics is launching a stylish holiday limited edition S-Frame® digital photo frame (model DPF-D72N/BQ) made with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements.

• Embellished with beautiful CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, loose cut crystal glass manufactured by Swarovski, the frame’s elegant design is sure to accent any space.

• Share your favorite photos in vibrant color and crisp detail on a 7-inch (measured diagonally) wide (16:10) LCD display with WVGA (800 x 480) resolution.

• The frame features about one gigabyte of internal storage capacity, with an auto-resizing adjustment that downsizes photos, to let you store up to 2,000 photos.

• Image transfer is a snap with direct USB input from your PC, as well as support for most memory cards, including Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Secure Digital (SD), Multi-Media Card (MMC), Compact Flash®, xD-Picture Card™ media and SDHC.

• Set the frame vertically or horizontally and the model’s Auto Orientation sensor automatically rotates your photos into portrait or landscape format according to the placement. For added versatility, the frame can even be mounted on a wall.

• Clock and calendar modes provide added convenience for your home or office.

• The frame has a wide range of view modes, along with many other functions that can be managed from the included remote control.

• Multiple playback options offer flexibility to display photos as single images, as thumbnails for easy searching or as a slideshow with 10 built-in transitions.

• The new S-Frame model supports JPEG and RAW (SRF, SR2, ARW) image file formats.

• The DPF-D72N/BQ digital photo frame will be available for about $150 in October and can be purchased online at http://www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Interview With The Designers Of The Sony Digital Photo Frame (S-Frame)

Sony has pioneered and pushed the boundaries of digital imaging for years. “S-Frame” has proven to be another popular product in this tradition since these digital photo frames were introduced in 2008. The line aptly frames the designers’ ideas about the essence of photos and the potential of digital photo frames, their starting point in this project. This great interview courtesy of Sony Design shows you that this isn’t just a simple digital photo frame after all.

Daisuke Ishii, Senior Producer,Creative Producer, Sony Marketing (Japan) Inc.

Katsuhisa Hakoda, Senior Designer

Shingo Kurokawa, Designer

Koji Arai, Designer

Miho Akita, Designer

Ishii: The “S-Frame” line was created in 2008. For us it was a long-awaited launch. After all, Sony was one of the first companies to anticipate the fun of digital photo frames. We had released the CyberFrame (PHD-A55) back in 1999. Digital cameras were not as prevalent then, though, and the frame’s internal components were costly. The product was ahead of its time, so we had to wait a while before resuming development.

Now, digital photo frames are no longer unusual. Unfortunately, the materials of most frames on the market are hardly attractive, and they’re presented as novelties of technology. Most notable, none of them is better than a simple photo viewer, for playing images. Under the circumstances, our first step before relaunching Sony frames was to rethink what digital photo frames should be. We ultimately decided that because photos are the next best thing to memories themselves, we wanted our frames to be a way to revisit those moments and remember how you felt, instead of merely viewers for looking at digital photos. On a practical level, this involved a little ingenuity in the user interface, which offers clocks and calendars. “S-Frame” design thus stems from guidelines that integrate this user interface design nicely into the overall industrial design.

Industrial design for the frames introduced last year was determined after a related design competition at Sony. A key concept from the competition was that after all, what should play the leading role in digital photo frames is digital photos. To showcase the images presented, we sought frames of the simplest, most minimal forms. We expressed this by covering the front of the frame with a single clear panel. This gives an appearance more like a black glass panel than an ordinary picture frame. In V series frames, a semi-reflective coating is applied outside the image “window.” This created our desired effect of images appearing to float on a mirror. The style is also used in this year’s X series frames, and it defines the visual identity of the “S-Frame” line.

Hakoda: We were already into our second year of “S-Frame” models developed from these concepts. How could we maintain the minimalist aesthetic while expressing a sense of freshness and innovation? That was my task when managing industrial design for 2009 models. New X series frames would also be thicker, from the high-definition LCD panel. To keep the frames looking sleek, it would be critical to apply effective design. We resolved all these issues at once in the X series by creating surfaces that taper toward the edges. You can notice this when comparing the new and old frames from an angle. Besides demonstrating minimalist style in a compact body, previous models have clean, chiseled edges. This would make the X series look quite thick, so we took the opposite approach. We deliberately stretched the bezel outward, making the edge thinner, which asserts a sense of presence while slimming down the frame. The outer edge defining the frame is also narrow, and rounded. Ambient light captured along the edge further accentuates the frame’s slender profile.

X series frames alone have a front panel of glass instead of acrylic. It was a logical choice. We wanted a smoother front surface, and we needed a material strong enough to withstand being sealed to the screen with resin (to prevent glare). Using resin sealing for an LCD panel this large is probably unprecedented, but the benefit is clear. It reduces glare dramatically. Images look as clear as if they were taped to the glass surface of the frame. And the smoothness of the glass enhances the general feeling of quality, enabling a luxurious finish.

Hakoda: If you like using frames in portrait orientation, you’ll appreciate X series design. You may not have realized it, but if a frame is designed to match the aspect ratio of the screen, it looks surprisingly narrow and unstable in portrait orientation. Even I was startled by this, when I saw the first rough mock-up. We examined successive frame prototypes as we fine-tuned the ratio of frame height to width, 2 mm at a time, until we had a reassuring, balanced proportion.

On back, the memory card slot is neatly concealed behind the cover. This helps keep the slot free of dust even when the frame is in portrait orientation. As for the stand, it simply screws in. When hanging the frame on a wall, unscrew the stand and store it on the back of the frame, where it’s held by magnetic force. This prevents the stand from being lost when not in use. In a way, it’s more reliable than a hinge.

Kurokawa: Equally important as industrial design in the “S-Frame” is the user interface. As mentioned, we wanted to demonstrate how photos represent memories, and the most direct example of this in the photo frames is probably the “Time Machine”* slideshow mode. In this mode, time is virtually “rewound” to past moments as the frame switches from one image to another. This animation and the pause at each moment invites viewers to reminisce about when the photo was taken.

Time Machine and other slideshow modes are neat and classic in appearance. We want the frames to be a welcome addition to any room. Rather than distracting owners with an attractive frame, we sought an unobtrusive appearance that blends in perfectly. For the same reason, the effects are by no means flashy or dazzling. Transitions are gradual and natural, because the photos are most important. The thinking behind these slideshows is different from our approach in “Cyber-shot” slideshows, which we hope capture your interest with effects and music.

How the display looks without images was also something we were sensitive to, a sign of customary Sony dedication to design. Full-screen display of clocks or calendars is possible. Probably few products on the market can be changed into clocks as an alternative mode of operation. During this interface work, I imagined what Sony clocks would look like. In the past, our pursuit of a screen that blends into the background led to simple interfaces. But 2009 models expand the frames’ repertoire, introducing some engaging interfaces with effective animation, so you now have more display options.

We did face the issue that the same interface gives a different impression at various screen sizes and resolutions. To compensate for this, we made subtle adjustments for each model. We could not compromise in the clock and calendar design just because the product is primarily a digital photo frame; we considered these primary functions, too. I was delighted to hear that owners like these features.

Arai: Other new features can also be found in the user interface of the 2009 line. I helped implement a feature that turns the frame on and off automatically.* You can program when the frame goes on and off each day of the week. For example, there’s no need to keep a frame in your living room on overnight. Or on weekends, having a frame on your office desk automatically switched off is better for the environment. For users who value eco-friendly products, I think it’s a thoughtful, convenient feature.

You might not think the feature is needed, particularly on X series frames, which have physical buttons you can use to control the power. But besides improving energy efficiency, the feature resolves the matter of whether owners will take the time to turn the frame on again, once it’s off. We might have an impulse to turn on a television or stereo, but for digital photo frames, it’s a different story. Even I never really knew whether I would make the effort to turn my frame on every morning. But without a doubt, I’m happier when images are already playing when I wake up, and it makes my day a little more enjoyable. By chance, I notice images I didn’t really have a chance to see, and I reminisce. It also inspires me to take more photos. Now there’s an effortless way to enjoy these photos and memories every day. That’s the true value of the auto on/off feature.

Here’s another nice touch: settings can be adjusted in portrait orientation. After you take the frame off a wall, for example, there’s no need to rotate the frame. You probably won’t be changing the settings on a digital photo frame as often as you adjust other products. But those rare times you do, we wanted to support you with user-friendly design, so we made the extra effort.

Akita: A few color options are available in the “S-Frame” line. Black, white, and brown are offered in Japan. Overseas, it’s also offered in red. Each color was carefully chosen to complement most interior decor.

Although they’re all traditional colors, there’s a reason for this. The “S-Frame” line is especially popular as gifts, and when shopping for others, people tend to avoid colors that are likely to please some people but not others. This was our foremost consideration when deciding the colors.

But picking a color should also be enjoyable. Brown and red frames go well in many settings and expand your options, in consideration of personal tastes. The color palette also matches “Cyber-shot” cameras, for a sense of consistency throughout the experience of shooting and viewing photos.

In each color, we were meticulous about achieving the ideal hue. Cut corners in color design, and you wind up with products that look “heavy” and cheap. Instead, we had specific finishes in mind. Brown and red with a luxurious sheen and depth. Porcelain white. The hue and balance are adjusted through several coats.

Ishii: We mentioned that the frames are popular as gifts, so I should add that the packaging was developed with gift-giving in mind. Remove the outer box, and you’ll see another box inside. We did this so that people can buy a frame and add digital photos to it before giving it to a friend or loved one. And because the gift box reflects the sentiment of the giver, we include protective cushioning made of molded, colored recycled material instead of cheap cardboard.

When the “S-Frame” is used or given as a gift, it ceases to be just another product. For some people, it represents memories, and for others, a message of gratitude or encouragement that can’t be expressed in words. Maybe what we actually sought to design here was these intangible experiences.

Sony Adds Two More Photo Frames

Today at the PhotoPlus International Conference and Expo taking place in New York City, Sony showed off two more digital photo frames – DPF-D100 and DPF-D80. The 10 inch and the 8 inch models have high-quality SVGA resolution (800 x 600 pixels) LCD screens. They are Sony’s first digital photo frames that offer a 4:3 aspect ratio.

“These digital photo frames offer a great way to enjoy and share photos,” said Koba Kobayashi, marketing director for digital imaging accessories in the Digital Imaging Division at Sony Electronics. “Industry demand for digital photo frames is still growing, and consumers are looking for quality products from trusted brands like Sony.”

Both frames have an advanced image processing feature that quickly decodes and displays images. The digital photo frames will dispay images that are up to 48 megapixels or files that are up to 100MB.

I did not really noticed any advanced features that differ from Sony’s previous photo frame offerings. Come on Sony, you could have integrated some Wi-Fi goodness into these like in your VAIO photo frame…or do the two divisions not share those secrets between each other?

VRD-MC10 Release Date Pushed Back

The inevitable has occured once again; Sony has announced a product and it will not be released on the date in which it was supposed to. According to Sony Fan, Sony is going to delay the release of the super functional VRD-MC10 portable DVD burner by up to three months. The software set to be included with the device is apparently on the fritz and they are working hard on stabilizing it accordingly. I wish Sony would have done that for their Minidisc players.

It’s possible this writer will hit shelves by November, but there aren’t any absolute dates and we may have to wait till January 2009. Read our introduction post about the VRD-MC10 here.