Aura’s new e-paper 'Ink' can run for three months on a single charge, and could be the future for…

3 min read Original article ↗
Aura E Ink digital frame on a wall
(Image credit: Aura)

  • Aura Ink has a 13.3-inch six-color natural display
  • Unlike digital photo frames, it doesn't need continuous power
  • It costs $499 (UK and Australia pricing TBC)

Aura just branched out from making the best digital photo frames such as its Walden, to a completely new and power-efficient color e-paper type – the Aura Ink.

Announced and available from today for $499 at Aura Frames (UK and Australia pricing TBC), the Aura Ink is able to run for three months on a single charge, which means you can ditch ugly cables for a clean display on your wall or sideboard.

The E Ink Spectra™ 6 six-color display can render millions of tones for life-like color photos, with what Aura says is the 'warmth and subtleness of a printed photograph'.

A first for Aura, the Ink e-paper frame has a 13.3-inch display that's just 0.6-inches thick and is surrounded by a generous and attractive mount and frame.

Ink is supported by Aura's superb subscription-free app for remote image uploads. Having tested many digital photo frames, I can say that Aura's is one of the easiest apps to use.

Aura E Ink digital frame on a wall
(Image credit: Aura)

The future of digital photo frames?

Aura says it has advanced e-paper tech in the Ink with richer color and smarter lighting, which overcome the pitfalls of e-paper displays, namely images otherwise appearing dim.

Aura's dithering approach expands the six-color system into a vast number of tones, which are further boosted in contrast by a subtle built-in front light.

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The result is a natural and bright paper-like display that gives off the feeling of a printed image, without the glaring glow of a standard digital photo frame.

And unlike digital photo frames, the Aura Ink is extremely power efficient – it'll run for up to three months on a full charge, so it can be placed without ugly trailing cables.

I already have my hands on the Aura Ink – it's certainly a high-end frame. Check back in soon for my full review for a classy frame that looks set to trouble our best digital photo frames guide.


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Aura Walden frame on white background

Tim joined the TechRadar team as Cameras Editor in 2023 and has enjoyed more than 15 years as a tech journalist specializing in camera gear. He's previously worked at Amateur Photographer, for a photo accessory manufacturer and as a freelance photographer and video producer, with clients including Studio 44 and Canon. He also started a media team in Nairobi, Kenya, where he lived for a few years volunteering for a faith-based organisation. Tim is married, father of three children, and loves being active, primarily running since hanging up his football boots.