by Tokenframe is building a strong reputation as one of the best NFT frameworks for displaying digital art and video. Display brand NFT has made a splash by offering NFT collectors and art galleries digital art frames for all uses.
I sat down with the founder of Tokenframe to dig a little deeper into this new approach to NFT art displays. To learn more, read our guide to the best NFT displays. As Samsung moved into this space with The Frame and LG will support NFT on all of its new OLED TVs using its app, LG Art Lab, NFT displays are becoming a mainstay of homes, galleries and offices.
The difference between Tokenframe and those global tech brands, according to Tokenframe founder Damian Medina, is that their NFT display is for NFT collectors, designed by an NFT collector. Medina tells me that he buys NFTs regularly, even daily, and collects from “OG NFT artists,” as well as spotting new artists who have “credibility.”
Tokenframe specifications
• 10 -55 inch screens
• anti-glare coating
• Both 16:9 and square aspect ratio
• 1080p – 4K display, depending on size
• Automatic change orientation, rotate 90 degrees
• detachable stand
• Built-in speakers
• Wood finish including oak, redwood and mahogany
Medina tells me that his idea for Tokenframe came about in 2001, shortly after Beeple sold his NFT artwork for an auction record $69.3 million. “Tokenframe is based on 100% authenticity at all times,” says Medina. “Tokenframe does not allow you to display any uploaded media files, it will only allow you to display the NFTs you hold in your wallet.”
This approach means that the Tokenframe is one “for top NFT collectors” where only verified NFTs can be streamed to the screen. This is not like The Frame or other digital art displays that allow you to send any digital image to a screen. The Tokenframe finish is tactile and has a wooden frame; a traditional feel that hides its Web3 technology, and for good reason.
“I think it’s something that reflects the traditional feeling of art,” says Medina. “When someone who doesn’t know what an NFT is walks by your house and sees one of these things, they understand that this is art.”
Tokenframe: software
The Tokenframe is controlled by a custom application. This allows a user to connect their crypto wallet and stream a collection to the digital screen. It makes Tokenframe a personal and unique gallery for a user and her art collection. The NFT display is run from one dashboard and NFTs can be sent to multiple Tokenframes; it can display selected streams, schedules and the display can be adjusted from the app (this even includes power saving settings).
This ease of use across many verified displays is what makes Tokenframe ideal for galleries, but also a great option for the home. Sizes range from 10 to 55 inches, in 16:9 and square aspect ratios, from 2K to 4K, ensuring a mix of sizes. The screens have an anti-glare coating to offer a matte and tactile finish.
A fancy new feature that puts Tokenframe at the heart of Web3 digital displays is the option to share your screen with other NFT collectors. You can add anyone, from anywhere in the world, to your screen as a guest and allow them to send their NFT to your Tokenframe.
Medina enthuses: “Here we have a really robust system that is integrated with Web3 technology, authentication is done through the wallet login. That’s what allows you to remain 100 percent verifiably authentic, we don’t allow you to broadcast nothing else, there is no way to issue anything else other than an NFT.”
Tokenframe: gallery usage
“I think we’re the only product that has real wood frames, even Samsung’s The Frame, they have nice looking frames but they’re plastic, and it’s a big differentiator if you’ve seen it in person. You can feel the sturdiness of the product and the quality.” Medina says.
I have been lucky enough to see a Tokenframe in a gallery. A visit to the NFT Gallery (opens in a new tab) in London revealed how these NFT displays fit perfectly into an environment that mixes digital and traditional NFTs. In this case it is a new NFT collection by photographer William John Kennedy (opens in a new tab).
NFT Gallery co-owner Lilien Hornung-Mary tells me that she “loves Tokenframes” and has been using them since NFT Gallery opened in June. The frames have a white mat around the screen and this fits snugly into a real wood frame, and blends in perfectly with traditional frames in the gallery space.
The gallery’s co-owner cradles a little dog, an adorable little animal who seems excited to be here. “Tokenframes are very easy to use,” explains Hornung-Mary as she reaches out a hand and begins to rotate a large 55-inch Tokenframe from portrait to landscape. The dog in her arms doesn’t move, not one iota.
At the end of the street, the restaurant London Mayfair IT (opens in a new tab) has multiple Tokenframe displays installed showing NFT art by 3D artist Aitana Basquiat (opens in a new tab) and the painter Silia Ka Tung (opens in a new tab), which has audio/video artwork displayed. We go for a walk, Hornung-Mary brings with her the dog from the gallery, a lively puppy who is excited by everything. At TI, I see how Tokenframe can work in a busy and noisy environment: the art is vibrant and clean.
Tokenframe: now what?
“NFTs as a technology will exist for the rest of our human existence,” says Medina. “As long as computers continue to exist, and the Internet is just a way to verifiably prove that a digital asset is owned by a certain person; and also allows you to trade, sell, transfer that digital asset, […] So now we can own digital things […] And that’s not going anywhere.”
As for what types of NFTs will exist in the next few years and be popular with collectors and all sorts of users, “that may change,” says Medina, explaining, “They may not be art NFTs; they may not be goofy pictures.” of cartoon animals. In the future, it’s possible that the deed to your house will become an NFT, with a photo attached, and you can show that.”
Medina continues: “We’re positioning ourselves in line with the future of NFTs and not necessarily with the boom that everyone thought were stupid NFTs like dumb animal pictures. But yeah, the technology, that’s not going anywhere.”
If you’re new to NFTs, read about them in our guide, “What are NFTs?” or try creating one yourself in our feature, ‘How to make and sell an NFT’.
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