Aura Ink: 13‑Inch Color E‑Ink Frame Is 0.6″ Thin and Lasts ~3 Months per Charge

Aura unveiled the Ink, a 13‑inch color e‑ink photo frame that’s just 0.6 inches thick and designed to blend into a gallery wall or stand on its own. Thanks to e‑ink’s low power draw, the frame runs on a rechargeable battery that the company says lasts for around three months per charge.

Because current color e‑paper panels offer a limited native palette (roughly six base hues), Aura says it built a proprietary dithering algorithm to simulate “millions of tones,” aiming to deliver the look of full‑color photographs. There’s also an integrated front light to boost contrast; it auto‑adjusts with ambient light and turns off at night.

Key features

• 13‑inch color e‑ink display in an ultra‑thin 0.6″ chassis
• Battery life: About 3 months per charge (usage dependent)
• Image processing: Dithering algorithm to expand perceived tones beyond the six‑color ink system
• Front light: Auto‑brightness and nighttime shutoff
• Mounting: Includes wall mount and tabletop stand
• Price: $500

Why it matters

Digital frames often struggle with visible power cords, high energy use and glare. E‑ink solves much of that with a matte look and low consumption, making it a strong fit for living rooms and gallery walls. The trade‑off: color e‑ink’s gamut and refresh rate can’t match LCD/OLED. Aura’s dithering approach is meant to close that gap for still photos.

Consider before you buy

• Color expectations: Dithering improves perceived depth but won’t reach OLED‑level saturation.
• Content type: Best for static images; e‑ink refresh is not ideal for video or rapid slideshows.
• Battery life: Real‑world results depend on update frequency, brightness and usage patterns.

More info:
Aura Frames (official) ·
Announcement coverage

Bottom line: Aura Ink emphasizes design and cord‑free placement, offering months‑long battery life and a matte, paper‑like look—at a premium $500 price.

Discussion: Would you trade vivid OLED color for a battery‑powered, glare‑free e‑ink frame that blends into your decor?