OpenFrame 7 is an Atom-powered home remote

The Atom processor from Intel has found its way to more devices than just standard computers and notebooks. They’ve shown up in cars, robots and even a microwave! Here’s another new device, one that lets you control your home appliances more easily.

The OpenFrame 7 from OpenPeak, which just passed the FCC, looks like a digital picture frame but certainly does not act like one. It is a home automation device that can control appliances which are ZigBee compliant, has both a touchscreen and dynamic speakers, is bundled with numerous applications and is compatible with OpenPeak’s VoIP phones. The unit can also connect both via WiFi and ethernet and can monitor energy usage in your home. Some of the bundled apps are a RSS reader, a picture viewer (of course) and an instant messenger.

While it does look like a 7″ all-in-one, the underlying Linux OS with its apps looks quite attractive to use. Unlike a full-blown computer, this one is focused on just delivering content and controlling devices in your home with a simple interface. You won’t be having trouble using this in the kitchen for your recipes or in the workshop to show some how-to guides. The small footprint also makes it more ideal to use in other parts of the home, and it can also be wall-mounted.

With all the features in this device, I’m guessing it won’t come in cheap. There is no firm price on it yet and no release date but OpenPeak has partnered with GE so it is possible that the device will be sold by them or even through some other channels like utility or internet providers.

source OpenPeak via wireless goodness