Bring your memories to life with CURA, the DIY digital photo frame solution. This guide will walk you through the process and costs of creating a stunning and immersive photo display using affordable tablets and clever power solutions that we have tested so far: ( Also a quick cost comparison vs more traditional products)
Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Tablets *
- Style meets affordability: Choose two tablets that complement your décor, one in portrait and one in landscape orientation. We recommend the Amazon Fire HD 8″ ($65) and 10″ ($95) for their sleek design and budget-friendly price tag. Alternatively, explore comparable Android tablets for around $54 (8″) and $74 (10″).
Step 2: Power Up in Style *
- Discreet and elegant: Ditch the messy cables with 90-degree Type C USB cables ($10 each) for a clean look. Connect them to USB C Female to USB Male Adapters ($7.00) to power both tablets from a single outlet using a Splitter Adapter Dual USB 2.0 Power Cord Extension ($6).
- Showcase your style: Elevate your display with tablet stands ($7 for 2 plastic or $7 each metal) that match your aesthetic. Wall mounts from $16
Step 3: Effortless Setup with CURA
- Create your CURA account: It’s quick and easy to get started.
- Link your displays: Group your tablets together in a virtual room for seamless photo distribution.
Step 4: Curate Your Memories
- Personalize your collections: Use CURA’s intuitive interface to organize your photos from your phone, PC, or Google Photos.
- Assign collections to rooms: Display specific memories in designated areas for a thematic experience.
Step 5: Immerse Yourself in Memories
- Sit back and relax: CURA automatically distributes matching photos and videos to your displays, creating a dynamic and captivating slideshow.
left to right: 8 in C-idea ($40), TJD 10.1 in ($74), Fire 8HD ($60), YQSAVIOR/10 in ($60), Fire 10 HD ($95)
Side view showing how neat the 90 degree Type -C adaptor make it, and the built in stand of the 10 in TJD, the wire and the plastic stands
How the 2 to 1 USB adaptor save on plug space
Cost Comparison:
- CURA DIY: $214 (2 Fire tablets) or $183 (2 Android tablets)
- Nixplay: $290-$275 (2 frames)
- Aura Digital Frames: $300 (2 frames)
- Frameo app frames: $150-$200 (2 frames)
CURA offers a compelling alternative:
- Affordable: Achieve comparable display quality at a lower cost.
- DIY flexibility: Customize your setup with your preferred tablets and stands.
- Seamless integration: Manage photos from various sources with ease.
Ready to create your own CURA photo frame experience? Let’s get started!
Additional Tips:
- Explore creative tablets or other larger CURA display placement for a unique visual experience.
- Experiment with different photo collections for personalized viewing experiences.
- Invite friends and family to contribute their photos for a shared memory wall.
With CURA, the possibilities are endless. Turn your memories into a captivating and ever-evolving art piece that brings joy to your home.
*Note we do not have any relationships with the products listed or linked above, but we may get a small commission if you use and buy items the supplied links.
| Brand/Model | Cost | Notes: (all use USB-C) |
| Amazon /Fire HD 8 tablet | $60 | 1280 x 800, Battery life: Up to 13 hrs. |
| Amazon/ Fire HD 10 tablet | $95 | 1920 x 1200, Battery life: Up to 13 hrs. |
| $49 | 1440 x 1080, Battery life: Up to 6 hrs. | |
| TJD/Android 11 Tablet 10.1 Inch/ MT-1025 | $74 | 1280 x 800, Battery life: Up to 8 hrs., comes with a great built-in stand. |
| C idea/8 Inch Tablet with Android 13/ CM825-B | $40 | 1280 x 800, Battery life: Up to 4 hrs. |
| YQSAVIOR/10 inch Android 13 Tablet/ CP20 | $63 | 1280 x 800, Battery life: Up to 8 hrs. |
| Dragon/Touch Android 10 inch Tablet/ MAX10 | $110 | 1280 x 800, Battery life: Up to 5 hrs. |