Aura has unveiled its newest digital photo frame, the Ink Frame, priced at $499, bringing a 13-inch color e-paper display to its lineup. The frame uses Spectra 6 technology, the same found in devices like the Kindle Colorsoft, delivering six base colors (white, black, red, yellow, green, and blue) to simulate millions of tones with enhanced contrast and color depth.
Unlike Aura’s previous LCD-based frames, the Ink model’s e-ink technology allows it to run cord-free, making it ideal for mounting in spaces where visible cords might disrupt the room’s look. Aura co-founder and CTO Eric Jensen described the frame’s subtle front light as “a sixth of the brightness of an LCD,” allowing comfortable viewing even in dim lighting.
To improve image rendering, Aura developed a custom dithering algorithm inspired by old newspaper printing methods, optimizing how color dots blend to mimic natural hues. While the e-ink frame must occasionally recharge, it offers up to three months of battery life and uses motion sensors to conserve power when not in use.
The frame features a 13.3-inch display with a 1600 x 1200 resolution in a 4:3 aspect ratio. It includes wall-mounting hardware, a stand, and a USB-C charging port. Its refined graphite bezel, paper-textured mat, and glass front give it a traditional photo frame appearance.
Related: Chowdeck Raises $9M to Bring Quick Commerce to West Africa
Aura, founded by former Twitter engineers Abdur Chowdhury and Eric Jensen, has now sold “double-digit millions” of frames and boasts over 1 billion photos shared through its companion app. The company remains profitable and continues to explore software features that deepen private photo sharing among families and close friends.
The Aura Ink Frame is available for purchase starting today on Aura’s official website.
