I added this transparent smart display to my desk — and it gives me the info I need without the distractions

Gone are the days of constantly pulling out a phone to check the time or weather. Smart displays have been my go-to for quick, distraction-free information while working at my desk. However, these screens can become distractions themselves if not managed properly. Initially, I experimented with Google's Nest Hub Max and Amazon's Echo Show 8, but found them to be more complex than necessary.

Enter Divoom's Times Frame, a $159 (formerly $169) smart display that bridges the gap between a digital photo frame and a retro desk screen. Its standout feature is a transparent 10.1-inch IPS display, allowing customization through hundreds of pre-made clockfaces, pixel art, family photos, and more. There's no monthly subscription fee and it runs on a single USB-C cable, making setup and power management a breeze.

Unlike traditional smart displays, the Times Frame features a transparent display with ambient backlighting around it. Its design eliminates the need to touch the screen, as all interactions are done through knobs and buttons, or the companion app. A strip of RGB lighting wraps around the left side, adjustable in color and effect, or it can be set to react to music. If this seems too distracting, the feature can be easily disabled.

The Times Frame's portrait orientation makes it a conversation piece that fits well on the side of a desk. With its 10.1-inch display, it offers ample screen space for viewing clockfaces and other information. Pre-made clockfaces include options like the bright and colorful Memphis design, featuring shapes, time, and temperature. Customization extends to widgets, the Divoom app, and even creating your own clock faces.

To set up, download the Divoom app and connect the device via Wi-Fi. From there, users can adjust screen brightness, configure the RGB lighting, and set up various tools like a Pomodoro timer. The Times Frame proves to be a versatile and customizable alternative to traditional smart displays, offering a unique blend of functionality and analog charm.