Aura’s newest photo frame is even better and more affordable than last, TechCrunch reports

A smaller, lower-priced Ink frame

Aura’s new Ink frame measures 10 inches and is on sale for $349. It follows the company’s 13-inch Ink model, which costs $499. The cordless frame uses an e-ink display, designed to resemble a printed photograph rather than a typical digital screen. Aura co-founder and CTO Eric Jensen said the company had wanted to make such a frame since it began, but the technology was not ready then.

More color for photo details

Both Ink frames use E Ink’s Spectra 6 display, which can show six colors. Aura applies a proprietary dithering algorithm to create patterns that the eye perceives as smoother gradients.

For the 10-inch model, Aura worked with E Ink to add three proprietary colors: off white, mustard and orange. Jensen said the additions smooth edges and help render details such as faces more naturally. The display still shows less-saturated colors than a printed photo.

Designed for family pictures

Aura says it carefully calibrates skin tones, since family photographs are a common use for its frames. The 10-inch version comes only in a black frame with a dark grey linen-textured mat; Jensen said the dark finish was chosen to reduce contrast with the display.

The frame connects to Aura’s app, where owners can upload photos and invite family and friends to contribute. Jensen said an average of about four people share photos to each frame.

Battery life and daily updates

Aura recommends setting Ink frames to update once a day because changing images uses battery power. The package includes hanging hardware, a stand and a USB-C charging cable.

Aura claims the 10-inch frame can run for three months on one charge. The writer’s experience with the 13-inch frame was about a month, possibly because it was placed in a bright area where its front light was used more often.