PicPak: This color e-ink display runs for 400 days and can show pictures, news and other info

The PicPak is an e-ink-based smart display that is currently available at a significant discount. Specifically, backers can reserve a unit for $49, but prospective buyers should carefully review the shipping terms beforehand. Additionally, the usual financial risks of crowdfunding campaigns apply. In the worst-case scenario, the product is never delivered and money is lost. Discounts are available for users who order multiple smart displays, and first deliveries should arrive in January.

With that out of the way, the PicPak is quite compact and thin as it measures 3.9 x 3.6 x 0.24 inches and comes with a 550mAh battery. A standby time of 400 days is advertised, although that battery life will heavily depend on how often the content on the smart screen is changed. In any case, the gadget has enough internal storage for 500 to 600 pictures.

Therefore, the PicPak can be used as a compact smart display for showing pictures like a digital photo frame, but the device is also portable and intended to display more than that. For instance, it can show news or a summary of health data generated taken by smartwatch. This data can be transferred wirelessly via WiFi, but it should be mentioned that such features are expected to be added later on with a software update.

As a possible alternative, check out the Bigme digital picture frame on Amazon.