Flashlights

During the last couple of years, digital photo frames have become an increasingly popular selection. They were one of the most popular gift items for Christmas of 2008. During 2008 there were some pretty big price cuts – in the first instance due to reductions in the cost of materials and components and, in the second half of the year, as a result of aggressive price positioning by the major 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.

Likewise, the technical advantages enjoyed are unlikely to account for the growing acceptance of digital photo frames into the mainstream. You can do slideshows – great. You can have theme music – great. You get a remote control – wonderful. It’s all good stuff – but is it a big factor for your mother or your granny? They are most likely to receive these frames as a gift after all.

Now that digital frames are no longer limited to early adopters and gadget junkies but have become firmly established in the mainstream consumer marketplace, they are much more presentable. Previously they did tend to be black and shiny metal constructions, but it is now possible to get detachable surrounds which can be switched to suit the decor in your house. That certainly increases their mass market appeal, but it still doesn’t explain their popularity.

The main factor that makes these frames ideal gifts is the fact that they are both customisable and can be easily updated in future – two very important selling points mowadays. Many people will take the time to load up a few snapshots of grand-children, children, family pets, recent social events etc. before handing their gift to Granny or Grandfather. They’re not just giving them some high tech gizmo; it’s a whole collection of memories in that nicely wrapped box isn’t it?

And it doesn’t stop there. For the next holiday, family celebration, anniversary or whatever, they can simply pass over a memory card with a whole bunch of new snapshots on it – a kind of photographic family news bulletin if you like. Many of the latest frames even have Wi-Fi capabilities so you can update photos without having to use a new memory stick. Back to the technology – but only insofar as it facilitates the really important thing, the sharing of memories.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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