Skip to main content

Acanvas streaming picture frame will recharge itself to keep your photos on display

In theory, digital photo frames were supposed to be the picture frame of the future. In reality, however, the tech has yet to actually break out, plagued by a constant need to be plugged in, painfully miniature screens, and an awfully poor UI.

Enter the Santa Clara-based production company Acanvas and its self-titled, cord-free streaming platform of the future, which launched today on Kickstarter. With Acanvas, no longer will anyone have to choose between hanging a Picasso or showing off their grandkids — the device allows its users to seamlessly change its display with but a few prompts on a smartphone. Now who said digital frames were lame?

IMG_6135-Edit
Acanvas
Acanvas

“We want to bring millions of pieces of art into the home, in a simple and elegant way, with a frame that is easy to hang and as customizable as the art it houses,” reads the Kickstarter campaign. “Acanvas is the art display for the home.”

Under the hood, Acanvas utilizes a unique companion application called Art Stations (essentially a Pandora for art) which has the ability to stream a variety of different artistic pieces across a handful of genres. Conversely, users also have the option of simply casting an image of their choosing onto the frame. In terms of aesthetics, the Acanvas is capable of being hung either by itself, with a black-brown or silver matted frame from the company itself, or any custom frame a user desires.

Perhaps its most innovative — and slightly creepy — feature is how the device boasts the ability to charge itself as its battery starts depleting. With its built-in, self-powered retractable cord, the Acanvas automatically lowers a charger into a companion charge station to replenish its onboard battery. Users have the option of setting this unique charge capability to operate while they are away or they can make use of the device’s darkness-sensing technology, which lowers the charge cable after detecting when the lights are off (aka everyone’s asleep).

IMG_6007-Edit with photo
Acanvas
Acanvas

“Acanvas’ self-charging system ensures the charger and the charging station always make a solid connection,” continues the campaign page. “We wanted Acanvas to blend into the background as a permanent piece of home decor, so the motorized system is quiet and moves smoothly and deliberately.”

As of this writing, the Acanvas campaign has raised just over $11,000 in funding toward its $100,000 goal. Early bird adopters have the option of purchasing this innovative frame for just $299, roughly $200 off the suggested retail value of the frame once it hits production. Moreover, Kickstarter backers also get one free year of the Art Stations service (a $120 value), which allows them to freely access the deep library of offered artwork anytime, anywhere.

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
7 things you didn’t know your Amazon Alexa smart display could do
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) side.

Everyone knows the Echo Show can walk you through recipes, drop-in to chat with relatives, and let you control your smart home with just a few taps of a button. But did you know that it has a lot of lesser-known features, too?

While these aren't exactly hidden features, they aren't as well-known as many of the mainstream features the Echo Show is capable of. You might find that your Amazon Alexa smart display is can do much more than you thought.
Alexa can make restaurant reservations
You don't have to navigate complicated audio menus or wade through incomprehensible websites to secure a table for date night. Thanks to the OpenTable Skill with Alexa, you can make restaurant reservations straight from your Echo Show.

Read more
How to use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show smart display
A Zoom conference on the Echo Show 10.

Zoom became such a household name during the past year of quarantine that it's almost a meme, but no one can deny the utility of the videoconference platform. There are even entire courses around proper Zoom etiquette -- or, as some people say, Zetiquette -- now.

Classes, business meetings, and even social gatherings have all been held through the platform. While it was quietly announced last fall, Zoom is now available to use on an Amazon Echo Show smart display. Don't worry, no additional licensing of any kind is required.
How to set up Zoom for Echo Show
Zoom has simplified the process of hosting or connecting to rooms through the Echo Show. You'll just need a few things to get started: The Echo Show 8 or Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen), the Alexa app on your mobile device, and a Zoom account. At the moment, Zoom compatibility is limited to these two devices, but we really hope other Amazon Echo Show smart displays also get this useful feature in the future.

Read more
5 ways to make your smart home display more useful while working from home
Nest Hub Max, using the touchscreen.

A smart display is more than just a way to check the weather, read up on the news, or control your smart home. It can provide you with quick information about specific subjects and streamline your day. Given how people are continuing to work from home, smart displays present themselves as the perfect deskside companion. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help your smart display be more than a simple tool -- it can be the centerpiece of your work-from-home experience.
Keep tabs on your schedule on the go

Many people think working from home is a more laid-back schedule, but it often involves juggling more tasks than you're used to. As a result, it can be tough to stay on top of your schedule, especially on particularly busy days. Your smart display can show your schedule at a glance and even alert you to upcoming meetings.

Read more