14 DAY TRIAL // Google's mobile operating system has managed to find its way into a large number of devices over the years, but few of them are more strange than the Parrot DIA wireless photo frame that was exhibited during the 2011 Mobile World Congress, which takes place right now in Barcelona, Spain.
A visual inspection of the 10.4-inch photo frame doesn't reveal too many details regarding the functionality of the device outside of the two USB ports and the SD card reader which are placed on the opposite sides of the frame.
This is because, the DIA relies heavily on tactile buttons for controlling the images displayed while its settings are changed via a trackball also used for surfing menus.
However, the simple design hides a highly capable device, one that comes with WiFi as well as with Bluetooth connectivity and allows for a wide number of applications to be installed.
Among these, one of the most interesting is called FrameChannel and can display various information such as the weather forecast, economic and financial news, road traffic, sport scores, and Facebook status updates, just to name a few.
In addition, the DIA also features a built-in Web browser as well as a POP3 and IMAP e-mail client which enables its users to send the photos they want displayed directly to the frame, via an e-mail.
"I have my own idea of the function of the photo frame, and what motivates me in what I do is to create objects with high technology. I am looking for designers who have very personal ideas,”explains Henri Seydoux, founder and CEO of Parrot.
I am not interested in design to rearrange a shape. I am looking for an expression, like a gesture, a movement," continued the company's CEO.
The Parrot DIA became available for purchase this February for a whopping $650 US.
