The concept behind the Netgear Meural Canvas II is not entirely novel. The idea of integrating a flat screen into a picture frame to display images in a manner that evokes the feel of “paintings” rather than simply “images” has been explored before. However, previous iterations have often fallen short of delivering a truly convincing experience. Samsung’s The Frame, for example, while garnering attention, largely resembled a television displaying a picture, irrespective of the surrounding frame.
Netgear is primarily recognized for its routers and networking solutions. However, the company maintains a diverse product portfolio (although their surveillance cameras, Arlo, are now a separate entity). Through the acquisition of Meural, Netgear incorporated the Canvas concept of digital frames into its offerings. The Canvas II, the second-generation frame released in late 2019, features 5 GHz Wi-Fi, is available in 21.5″ or 27″ sizes, offers four frame color options, and carries a significant price point (approximately 8 000-10 000 SEK, depending on the size). Furthermore, content access requires a paid subscription. The question is, does it justify the cost? The answer, for those seeking a concise summary, is a resounding yes.
An Artistic Impression
The Canvas II is a substantial device. The 27-inch model we evaluated weighs nearly nine kilograms. When mounting it on standard office plasterboard walls, we opted for molly screws (expansion bolts) from a reputable hardware supplier to ensure secure installation.
The Canvas II includes a mounting bracket with an integrated spirit level for easy wall installation using two screws. This bracket supports both landscape and portrait orientations. Netgear also offers a rotating mount, which we highly recommend. Given that art and photography exist in both formats, the rotating mount offers a more seamless transition compared to manually re-mounting the frame.
Cable channels effectively conceal the power cord, resulting in a visually appealing installation. The Canvas II comes pre-loaded with complimentary sampler playlists featuring approximately 100 artworks and photographs. Users can also curate their own playlists using personal digital photos, all easily managed via the Meural app.
Meural Canvas II: World-Class Art on Display
The display quality of the Canvas II is immediately impressive. Its strengths lie not only in its contrast depth, brightness, and accurate color reproduction, but also in its ability to realistically recreate the illusion of texture found in original artwork, such as the subtle variations in surface height present in oil paintings. From a distance, differentiating it from a genuine oil painting can be challenging. The updated Full-HD resolution LCD panel offers a wide viewing angle and effective anti-glare properties. Brightness is adjustable across a broad range, although it cannot be completely disabled. The integrated ambient light sensor dynamically adjusts the display’s brightness to match the room’s lighting conditions, making it ideal for living spaces where light levels fluctuate throughout the day.
The Meural Canvas II boasts an exceptionally curated collection of art and photography. It provides access to over 30,000 masterpieces from renowned collections, museums, artists, and photographers globally. The opportunity to closely examine works by artists like Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn, allowing for deeper engagement, is a distinct advantage. The collection encompasses a wide range, from Da Vinci to Rembrandt, van Eyck, Vermeer, Pollock, and Monet, among many others. Photographic works include those of Ansel Adams, and artistic styles range from Renaissance and Modernism to Digital Art, Impressionism, children’s art, and local art from China. While some omissions exist, such as the absence of Salvador Dalì and, notably, Picasso (partially due to copyright restrictions), the collection’s breadth surpasses that of many world-class galleries.
The subscription service, priced at approximately one hundred SEK per month or 850 SEK annually, provides access to a vast library of artwork, continually updated and categorized by experts. A portion of the subscription fees also supports contemporary artists. While this represents an ongoing investment in addition to the initial frame purchase, it offers an accessible means of experiencing renowned masterpieces. (An interesting note: Acquiring the physical artwork included in the subscription would cost an estimated 30 billion SEK.)
Certain artwork and collections are not included in the standard membership and require separate purchase. This is unlikely to affect most users, given the extensive catalog, but individual pieces can be acquired digitally for a nominal fee (ranging from tens to hundreds of SEK), granting perpetual access within the Meural ecosystem.
Meural: Functionality and Shortcomings
The Meural Canvas II incorporates 8GB of internal memory, sufficient for storing several hundred personal images. An SD card slot provides additional storage for larger collections. Supporting 5 GHz Wi-Fi, the frame facilitates rapid playlist downloads, especially when paired with Netgear’s RAX120 router. The Canvas II also supports video playback, enhancing the viewing experience with select animated artworks.
The Meural app offers comprehensive functionality, enabling users to create playlists, manage content, configure display settings (such as image duration), and automate frame behavior (e.g., automatic shut-off in darkness, or displaying a random artwork each morning). The iOS version of the app exhibits a more polished design compared to the Android version, potentially indicating a prioritization of Apple users.
The primary drawback of the Canvas II is its motion sensor, which exhibits inconsistent performance. The intended functionality allows users to navigate artwork, access information about the displayed piece and artist, and adjust settings via hand gestures. However, the sensor’s unresponsiveness can lead to frustration. While a tutorial video exists, the gesture control should ideally be intuitive. The app provides a more reliable alternative, offering comprehensive control and navigation. Despite this shortcoming, the motion sensor’s limitations do not significantly detract from the overall value of the product.
Future iterations could benefit from integrated casting functionality, such as Airplay or Chromecast support. This would allow users to easily stream content from mobile devices or platforms like Google Photos, enhancing the family viewing experience.
Is the Meural Canvas II a Worthwhile Purchase?
For individuals with an interest in interior design, art (whether paintings, photography, or personal creations), the answer is a definitive yes. The Meural Canvas II represents the most compelling digital frame currently available. While displaying art may appear ostentatious, the resulting atmosphere of peace, tranquility, and fascination with human creativity is undeniable. While visiting museums like the Louvre or the Uffizi Gallery is enriching, the ability to contemplate artwork in a personalized setting, accompanied by preferred music and refreshments, offers a unique experience. Moreover, given the current global situation, the accessibility of experiencing world-class art from home is particularly appealing.
Even for those who do not consider themselves art enthusiasts, experiencing the Meural Canvas II firsthand is highly recommended. Its selection of masterpieces and exceptional display quality can cultivate an appreciation for art. Particularly during the darker months, the Canvas II provides a comforting oasis. Although a significant investment, and not universally accessible, the Meural Canvas II stands as the premier choice for those seeking a digital frame that excels in both displaying digital photographs and showcasing artwork. It is a clear new reference in the digital frame category.
