WiFi digital photo frame offers instant messaging

20007 The functionality and versatility of the digital photo frame platform continues to expand with this latest example - the new Wireless PIXXA frame from Ality - incorporating Wi-Fi connectivity, instant messaging, automatic news flash and weather reports plus multiple user accounts allowing each member of the family to set-up their own multi-media libraries and personalize display preferences.

The slim-line, 8-inch digital LCD photo frame enables photos to be sent directly via the web - either direct from a computer or from PIXXA to PIXXA frame - using the instant messenger application which also supports a chat function.

The Live Calendar feature enables users to synchronize their schedules with online calendar websites without the need for a computer and photos can be attached to special dates.

Live News™ facilitates a customized wireless feed direct to the PIXXA digital photo frame for news, sports, weather, traffic, entertainment, horoscopes and stock quote updates.

The frame also makes it possible to send greeting cards and invitations digitally and Ality offer an online account for photo-sharing services that includes 50MB of photo storage and the ability to automatically resize photos to suit a variety of digital photo frame settings.

Ality will showcase the Internet connected Wireless PIXXA digital photo frame at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show next month. Market release is slated for the first half of 2008 with pricing expected to be around USD$299.