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LightPad connects your smartphone to an 11-inch screen, expands up to a 60-inch projection

Despite Samsung's best efforts, perhaps you haven't found the perfect balance of pocketable size and capacious screen? Sure, it sounds pretty counterintuitive, but QP Optoelectronics may have exactly what you're looking for with the LightPad, a folio-styled peripheral that combines a keyboard with an 11-inch rear projection screen. The built-in pico projector lights up the screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 in the first generation model, with a future model promising the same display size at a high-definition 1280 x 720 resolution. The built-in projector also flips around to create a 60-inch display, and will play nice with any smartphone that has an available MHL or HDMI port. While that three-part footprint doesn't make it a particularly viable option for airplane viewing, office types may appreciate the two different form factors. We'll be staking a claim to a hands-on when it makes its debut next month at CES 2012. Until then, satisfy yourself with a brief video demo after the break.


QP Optoelectronics to Launch LightPadTM for Smartphones at CES

Suzhou, China – December 19, 2011. QP Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. announced today that it will be showcasing its novel LightPadTM product at the CES 2012 exhibition in Las Vegas, January 10-13, booth #37037 South Hall, Upper Level.

The patent pending LightPadTM technology is an ideal companion device to extend the functionality and user interface of smartphones, providing the user with expanded utility via built-in 11" high contrast rear projection screen, up to 60" screen in front projection mode, and a full-size keyboard.

Connected with a smartphone, The LightPadTM provides virtually all functions of a notebook computer for an individual. This is mainly thanks to a rebirth of rear projection using a pico-projector. The high gain and high contrast rear projection screen provides for a high quality display. Advantages of using a pico-projector for the display is power efficiency (over 500 nits for under 2.5 Watts), thin form factor and light weight – key factors for a portable accessory device.

Notebook sized displays are not sufficient for many applications including small group meetings where PowerPoint presentations are common. LightPadTM can produce up to 60 inch display in front projection mode with its super short focal length projection lens. It can be used as a big screen display/projector for meeting presentations, video/TV viewing, and big screen gaming.
Connectivity to all smartphone platforms with HDMI or MHL output (iOS, Android, Win, Blackberry) are supported.

Specification
G1 (2012)
G2 (2013)

Brightness in Rear Projection mode, 11 inch
Rear Projection Screen gain
Brightness in front Projection mode
Resolution
Battery life
Interface
Mechanical dimensions (closed)
Weight
Color Gamut
Supported smartphones
540 nits @ 2.5W
3.5
18 lumens
854 x 480
5 hrs
HDMI, MHL
257 x 207.5 x 12.0 mm
550g
100% of NTSC
All smartphones with HDMI/MHL output
540 nits @ 1.5W
3.5
50 lumens
1280 x 720
7 hrs
HDMI, MHL
257 x 207.5 x 6.0 mm
350g
100% of NTSC
All smartphones with HDMI/MHL output


"The smartphone is becoming the primary computing device for consumers and professionals." stated James Lupino, QP Optoelectonics' Vice President of Business Development. "But their small display and keyboard greatly limit their application for serious users, especially for those who are seeking to replace their notebooks. LightPadTM addresses the main drawbacks of the user-interface of smartphones by utilizing dual mode projection technology. With high quality image display, versatile screen size, and super portability, LightPadTM enables a super smartphone for all applications. We expect the LightPadTM will be adopted widely as a must-have for smartphone users."

QP Optoelectronics has partnered with Texas Instruments, a leader in DLP- based microdisplays. "We are very proud to work with QP Optoelectronics as it brings the LightPadTM to market", stated Frank Moizio, TI's Business Manager for DLP Pico Projection. "The innovative use of pico-projectors in the LightPadTM is a strong example of how TI DLP is enabling compelling large scale viewing experiences from the palm of your hand."
QP Optoelectronics plans for mass production of the LightPadTM in mid-2012 and is in the process of establishing channel partners including licensing partners.