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Jun 06, 2023

Netgear Meural Canvas II Review: the Best Digital Picture Frame

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Honestly, if I could count the times I've convinced myself that I would print and frame the photos that didn't make it onto my social media feed, I would lose track. From planned holiday photos with family to selfie sessions with friends to even reminiscing on scenic pictures from an unforgettable vacation—my phone is filled with memories that never see the light of day! But, I found the solution to seeing my favorite photos on a regular basis: the Meural II.

I've been able to review multiple digital picture frames and the Meural II takes things to the next level by serving as a work of art, too! I have access to a diverse library of over 30,000 images from history's greatest artists and up-and-coming creatives. The frame is everything you need to reflect your personality by adding color to your walls and showcasing precious moments.

Read on to learn why the Canvas II is the secret to keeping special memories and art alive.

Considering how long it took me to build a gallery wall, I knew I had zero business lifting a 15-pound digital frame and installing it myself, so I called Task Rabbit to hang the Canvas II. It took about 30 minutes (the first ten consisted of figuring out if it was positioned correctly) to hang the 27" display in my living room. The box includes an 8' power cord, wall anchors, a wall mount, and a cleaning cloth. Designed to look like a canvas, I chose the frame in white to blend in with my existing color story and decor. The Canvass II isn't bulky and the matte screen blends in with my wall even when it's off.

You can choose to have the Meural hung up horizontally or vertically, as your images will adjust to the direction of the frame. Once the frame is installed with the anchors and screws, you must plug it in and press the power button on the side (there's a dock for an SD card and USB input). One downside to the appearance is that the wire runs straight down the wall unless you run the wire through the wall.

To get started, download the Meural app, connect your frame to the app, and choose a stable WiFi connection that'll allow you to upload images or explore the impressive art library. The app will take you through a tutorial on what I find to be the coolest feature of the Meural: gesture control. With one flick of your wrist, you can swipe through photos, learn more about artists, schedule the display, and change app settings. Your Canvas II remains smudge-free and your family and friends can share their favorite images.

Navigating the app is pretty straight forward. I allowed access to my phone's camera roll and quickly created a playlist. I can freeze images or specify the duration for each photo. It appears in perfect color, without any hiccups.

It is important to note that while the frame retails for $699 (the 16x24 frame is $599), full access to the Meural art library requires a subscription. You can explore museums, National Geographic archives, a variety of art movements and styles, exclusive artist interviews, and so much more. A subscription is not required to upload images from your cellphone.

The subscription is $69.95 a year, or you can pay $8.95 monthly.

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The photos are 1080 full HD and the display automatically adjusts to the lighting in the room. It's an eye-catching addition to my living room that I can admire daily.

I am incredibly close to my family and it's heartwarming to see their pictures the moment I open my front door. When I can't remember where I took a photo, swiping up will reveal where and the year. Our family group chat consists of requests and invites to collaborative photo playlists sent to Canvas II instead of the great debate on which photo looks better. The outstanding display makes everything look better, and zero editing is needed. Plus, I don't feel FOMO for the times I'm not around!

It's simple to navigate using Canvas II and curating playlists that make for instant conversation starters. I like to choose a playlist featuring new photography on the app and images of my friends sprinkled in between so they don't see it coming. Guests constantly ask about the Meural or the story behind the image. Poppy Simpson, Head of Content and Curation at Meural was motivated by the desire to make art a part of people's daily life. "The Meural is not in competition with your T.V. It's about displaying something that is in the moment meaningful and compliments how you are feeling," she explains.

While the price of the frame and subscription isn't ideal, the opportunity to revisit memories with loved ones or fall in love with art from around the world makes it a worthwhile investment. The Meural Canvas II is an experience you don't have to leave your home to enjoy.

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Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.

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