If there are two things Aiptek knows, it's cheap and small. Along with Foxconn and Honlai, Aiptek is introducing a pocket-sized projector over in Taipei, and it's being eloquently dubbed the PocketCinema V10. Reportedly, the device taps 3M's miniature projection technology to shoot up a 50-inch image, and if you don't have a bona fide source laying around, it can still entertain guests by reading from the 1GB of internal memory or 3-in-1 multicard reader. Furthermore, it packs a built-in battery and stereo speakers, but unfortunately, we can't tell you where or when you'll be able to purchase one of these unpriced wonders.

[Via AboutProjectors]

Although Computex has largely delivered a slew of netbooks to digest, a handful of new pico projectors have also managed to get a little face time. The latest is Foxconn's PD-W1001, which features a 0.3-inch Texas Instruments DLP chip, WVGA (854 x 480) resolution and 25 Lm -- all within a 55- x 46- x 26-millimeter package that weighs just 65-grams. In its current form, we can't see this being much more than a novel concept, but when these critters start inching closer to 1080p, you can color us very much interested.

[Via AboutProjectors]

It's no secret that Texas Instruments has been pushing to get its technologies into more cellphones for awhile now, and considering that even Nokia reckons that HD recording capabilities in mobiles is but a few years away, it's not too shocking to hear what TI busted out at Mobile World Congress. Reportedly, the firm has unveiled "a chip to support cellphones with mini projectors and another chip that would let users record high-definition video on their phones." After showing prototypes in the past, TI asserted that it had chips "ready for production" for pico projectors that could be integrated into a variety of handsets, while the OMAP3440 -- which would let consumers capture HD footage on the same device that gives those thumbs a workout -- will be available in Q2 for handset makers to test out.

We've heard our fair share of promises when it comes to embeddable micro-projectors, but it sounds like the gears may actually be turning in the race to crank out cellphones, PDAs and other handheld gizmos with integrated PJs. Displaytech, best known for its LCOS microdisplays, announced today that it is hooking 13 companies up with Ferroelectric-LCOS (FLCOS) displays that can be used in uber-small projectors within diminutive devices of all flavors. Unfortunately, no word was given on exactly what companies are placing orders, but Displaytech did admit that it expects to see "a number of ultra small projectors containing its FLCOS panels to be demonstrated at CES." We'll be on the lookout.

[Image courtesy of Displaytech]

Explay is apparently trying to ensure that its micro-projector doesn't become just one of the crowd, as it's trying to outdo the competition by showing off its oio at SID 2007. While we'd seen offerings from Explay before and even heard whispers of a 2007 launch, it looks like it'll be next year before the oio hits the hands of the general public. Nevertheless, the firm was off parading its accomplishment in Long Beach, California, dubbing its minuscule PJ the "first truly mobile and fully operational nano-projector." Of course, we're sure more than a few outfits would love to disagree on that very point, but Explay went on to praise the oio's ability to function in a variety of locales from a "dimly lit bar to a bright office." Notably, it sounds like the company will be aiming for more dollars than those held by mere gadget freaks, as the oio marketing team will be targeting "medical, security, and even artistic" fields whenever Explay can get these things out of the door. Click on through for a closeup of the oio itself.

[Photo courtesy of Explay]