Computers

Zmartframe brings touch capabilities to old monitors

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The Zmartframe brings touch screen capabilities to non-touch PC monitors
When switched to Android Mode, the Zmartframe transforms a monitor into an oversized Android "tablet"
The Zmartframe attaches to regular monitors and transforms them into touch enabled devices
The Zmartframe brings touch screen capabilities to non-touch PC monitors
The idea for the Zmartframe came from watching millions of PC monitors get replaced with touch screens and carted off to e-cycling stations
The Zmartframe is easily mounted over the existing monitor and secured down via straps on the back
The Zmartframe, compatible with Windows 8, 7, XP and Vista, features a Dual Core Cortex A9 1.2 GHZ CPU and 1Gb DDR and 8 GB of internal memory
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While touch screens are an option when buying a new all-in-one PC or monitor, Hong Kong-based Gowin Technology is offering an alternative for those after touch capabilities who don't want to trash their existing monitor. The Zmartframe is a touch-enabled frame that attaches to a monitor to bring touchscreen capabilities to a Windows PC or transform it into a standalone Android touchscreen computer.

Designed by Anthony Ng and his team at Gowin Technology to help reduce the problem of e-waste, the Zmartframe essentially fits over existing monitors like a glare shield and is secured in place via straps on the back. Designed to fit 16:9 monitors with screen sizes of 19, 22 or 24 inches, the Zmartframe adds 17 mm of thickness to said monitors and boasts a touch response time of 8 ms with an accuracy of plus or minus 2 mm.

For use with a Windows PC, the device is connected to the PC via USB and calibrated by running Windows-based software that prompts users to touch designated spots on the screen. After calibration, the Zmartframe provides two-point touch capabilities to the PC.

When switched to Android Mode, the Zmartframe transforms a monitor into an oversized Android "tablet"

The team also took the smart device’s interactive capabilities one step further by embedding an Android system into the frame. When switched over to Android Mode and connected to a monitor via HDMI, the Zmartframe transforms the monitor into an oversized "tablet" running Android 4.2.

This is thanks to the 1.2 GHz Dual Core Cortex A9 CPU, 1 GB of DDR RAM and 8 GB of internal memory embedded in the frame. In Android mode, the Zmartframe also gives the monitor two USB ports and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n connectivity. While the device is powered via USB when in WIndows mode, the lack of an internal battery means it needs to be plugged into the wall in Android mode.

Ng and his team have taken to Indiegogo to help get the devices into production, with US$130 the minimum pledge tier to stake a claim for a 19-inch Zmartframe if all goes to plan.

The Zmartframe video pitch can be viewed below.

Source: Zmartframe

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4 comments
Kerby
so now i can turn my 22inch screen to 22 inch tablet))
Anthony Ng
Kerby ,
It's easy , what you need is a 22inch Zmartframe, attach it to your monitor , connect them with HDMI and power up the Zmartframe , then your screen will immediate transform into an all-in-one Android touch PC - a big Android tablet that you can freely enjoy apps and games from Google Play !
Anthony Ng Inventor of Zmartframe
pmshah
I have seen these kind of add on frames some 25 years ago. Thing different is the connection mode. Those earlier ones connected through serial port, I believe.
Anthony Ng
Hi pmshah,
Your are correct ! 25years ago , the add-on frame for CRT monitor is to reduce the radiation which protect our eyes !
Yes , When we develop Zmartframe we also study those old-day frame structure but whats more is we add the most advanced optical touch technology and Android system in it to make it as a standalone "computer" system , so as to transform most of our existing LED/LCD monitors into an all-in-old Android Touch PC !
We truely hope that Zmartframe could help everyone to extend their monitors' life with update functions and features add-on , to reduce eWaste !
Anthony Ng Inventor of Zmartframe