PicoProjector
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Optoma PK201 pico projector now shipping, PK301 up for pre-order
We're still holding out for the faraway 1080p pico projector, but for those who need a display in their pocket before 2023, Optoma's latest aren't half bad options. The PK201 and PK301, both of which made their debut at CES earlier in the year, now have product pages at Amazon, with the former being listed as in stock ($299.99) and shipping this very moment. The other guy is up for pre-order at $399.99, though you'll get an 854 x 480 resolution output with either. 'Course, you may want to hold out for the 301 and its 50 lumens of brightness if the 201's 20 lumens seem a little weak, but hey, the ball's in your court now, vaquero.
Microvision lets others sample its PicoP Laser Display Engine
We're guessing that if you haven't bought a pico projector by now it isn't because they're just too big, but Microvision is doing its part to help make 'em smaller nonetheless. The company has begun initial shipments of its PicoP Laser Display Engine, found inside the Show WX, for other companies who want to make their own projectors -- or rifles. The circuitry that's half the size of the tech in competing pico projectors while still managing WVGA (848 x 480) resolution and a 5000:1 contrast ratio. No word on cost but we're guessing there's a discount if you buy in bulk, and shipping ought to be cheap.
Apple patent application offers more evidence of projector plans
They're easily missed about the mass of Apple patent applications revealed each year, but the company has filed a few regarding projectors (pico projectors, specifically), and the latest one to be published has now offered a few more details on how they might all fit together. That application boasts the rather broad title of "projector system and methods," and basically describes a setup that would let various devices (including a laptop or phone) remotely interact with a projector, which could itself be built into a device like a phone. To do that, each device in question would be equipped with a sensor of some sort that would be able to receive data from the projector, and even allow you to do fairly advanced things like calibrate the projector remotely. The application further goes on to detail how the system could accommodate multiple clients -- letting folks overlay multiple images on a single presentation, for example -- and it would apparently be able to receive and broadcast audio between multiple clients as well. Does this mean you'll soon be able to control your pico projector-equipped iPhone from your sensor-equipped MacBook? Probably not, but it may not be quite as far fetched as some of Apple's other patent applications.
Aiptek PocketCinema Z20 packs pico projector and 720p camcorder
Watch out, Flip, because here's one tough guy that you don't wanna mess with. Joining Aiptek's family of pocket camcorders is the PocketCinema Z20 -- a fine mix of 720p camera (courtesy of a 5 megapixel sensor) and pico projector of an unknown resolution, powered by a two-hour battery (which we'll believe when we see it). Users will be spoiled by a long list of features: 2GB of internal memory, microSDHC expansion, built-in 2.4-inch LCD, HDMI output, composite video input (iPod adapter included) and remote control. Want it? You can pre-order now for €349 or about $476 ahead of its mid-April launch. Meanwhile, enjoy Aiptek's cheesy promotion video after the break. %Gallery-87611%
Microvision's Show WX laser pico projector available to buy today, will ship March 24
Okay, so maybe Microvision is a little late with the release of its pocketable Show WX pico projector, but we'd rather have a truly useful projector late than a useless one on time. This laser-based beaut will offer you infinite focus -- something we can vouch for having tried out the same technology integrated in a rifle -- which essentially means that no matter how much you twist or jerk the projector around, or how distant your projected surface is, the picture will remain in focus. An 848 x 480 resolution image can be scaled from less than six inches all the way up to 200, though you're most likely to stick with anything up to 30 in order to make the most of the 10 lumens brightness on offer. The contrast ratio is rated as being greater than 5,000:1 while the battery will last you up to two hours on a charge. The wallet damage is $549 for the standard edition, but the limited edition teased above jumps all the way to $999, for which you'll get a personalized splash screen, LE insignia, a certificate of authenticity, a VGA dock and some other trinkets. Come on, it has lasers inside, it was never gonna be cheap!
Acer rights its wrongs with K11 pico projector
Why hello there, Acer. Not only does this K11 DLP pico projector look sexier than its predecessor, but it's also been given some nice internal enhancements. Starting with display performance: the K11's resolution remains about the same at 858 x 600, but it's twice as bright at 200 lumens (while maintaining the same 20,000-hour lamp life) and has twice as much contrast ratio at 2,000:1. As for connectivity this machine now packs an HDMI socket (along with the usual VGA and composite AV ports) as well as an SDHC card reader and a USB port for opening music, video and picture files. Even with all these extra goodies, the K11's only managed to gain 0.13 pounds (reaching 1.34 pounds) while sporting a smaller body. All we need now is a price, launch date, a few friends and a destination for our road trip. Oh, and some content. Update: apparently an Acer representative hinted that the K11 will be available for about €500 ($685; translated page shows "$" instead of "€"). Yikes. Anyway, vielen Dank, Felix Fdot!
Skinput: because touchscreens never felt right anyway (video)
Microsoft looks to be on a bit of a hot streak with innovations lately, and though this here project hasn't received much hype (yet), we'd say it's one of the most ingenious user interface concepts we've come across. Skinput is based on an armband straddling the wearer's biceps and detecting the small vibrations generated when the user taps the skin of his arm. Due to different bone densities, tissue mass and muscle size, unique acoustic signatures can be identified for particular parts of the arm or hand (including fingers), allowing people to literally control their gear by touching themselves. The added pico projector is there just for convenience, and we can totally see ourselves using this by simply memorizing the five input points (current maximum, 95.5 percent accuracy), particularly since the band works even if you're running. Make your way past the break to see Tetris played in a whole new way.
AAXA L1 laser pico projector hands-on by Mr. Murkycam (video)
Oh, you haven't been introduced to Mr. Murkycam? He's the darker, more mysterious cousin of Mr. Blurrycam; his services occasionally called upon to show off products like the new AAXA L1 laser pico projector. The device just started shipping and, according to the video, this is the first one captured in the wild. AAXA promises perfect focus on any surface, even curved ones, and while it's a bit difficult to tell from the video we've embedded below it certainly looks to do a decent job. The L1 also features built-in media player functionality and even includes a 2GB thumb drive for you to load up with whatever you like before slotting it in the side. Photo and PowerPoint performance seems a bit mediocre, and sadly the video doesn't show the thing playing any footage, but it does look like it works as advertised -- as it should for that $599 MSRP.
Texas Instruments unleashes new nHD DLP chipset, now with more pico
We didn't think it could be done, but the fine folks at Texas Instruments have just unleashed a tiny, tiny beast in their all new DLP pico chipset. The nHD DLP chipset, as it's known, boasts 640x360 resolution, a contrast ratio of "better than" 1,000:1, RGB LED wide color gamut (which should more faithfully reproduce colors), a new, and a lower powered processor. Overall, the package is 20 percent thinner and 50 percent lighter than the current generation DLP chipset. We hear the chipset should be available in the second quarter of 2010. The full press release is after the break.
Samsung Beam (Halo) Android projector phone hands-on
Well here it is, Samsung's pico projector phone live and in the flesh here at Mobile World Congress. And surprise surprise, it's running Android 2.1 with a TouchWiz 3.0 skin just as we heard. The only difference is the name: Halo is the codename, the official product name announced today is Beam. As a smartphone with integrated pico projector it's very impressive. However, as you can see from the pictures and video (it's coming), the 6 lumen brightness struggles even under the semi-controlled lighting demonstration set up here on the show floor in Barcelona. Samsung tells us that the TouchWiz implementation is nearly identical to what you'll find on Bada with "very small" differences. Unfortunately, the people we spoke with on the show floor weren't able to articulate exactly what those were. To us, having only used the two devices for a short period of time, they do look identical. Beam features a nice pass through trick that allows it to project the image seen by the 5 megapixel camera through the TI pico. Not sure how we'd use that in real life but it's a neat trick nonetheless. Now click into the gallery and prepare to be amazed at just how thin a smartphone with integrated projector can be while we wait for the summer launch. Update: Video is now after the break. %Gallery-85517%
No-name Mini USB pico projector now the cheapest you can buy
It was fun while it lasted, but Sanwa's once $119 pico projector is now selling for no less than $179, which means that it's no longer able to hold the prestigious title of "world's cheapest pico projector." As far as we can tell, that honor now belongs to this impressively boxy model known only as the "Mini USB 2.0 LED Projector w/Tripod," which is now available at various online retailers for $159.99. Specs are as basic as can be, of course -- but, hey, it comes with a tripod.
AAXA intros L1 laser pico projector / media player
It's claim on the title of "world's first laser pico projector" might be a tad dubious, but AAXA Technologies' new L1 projector may just be the first to hit the market, with it set to start shipping on February 12th. Like other laser-based models, this one promises to always stay in focus, and even project images (800 x 600, up to 50-inches) on curved surfaces with ease. Somewhat uniquely, you'll also get a built-in media player, along with the usual USB port, memory card slot, and composite and VGA inputs to actually pump media through the device. Just don't expect the same low, low price seen on some other pico projectors lately, as this one's set to run a hefty $599.
Sony working to wedge laser-based pico projectors into its compact cameras?
Nikon's Coolpix S1000pj camera/pico projector combo hasn't exactly taken the world by storm, but we're guessing it took a little while before Reese's Peanut Butter Cups became a global phenomenon, too. If reports from DigiTimes prove to be true, Sony wants to be front and center to meet the eventual demand for such cameras, working with Opus Microsystems to license its laser-based scanning mirror chips, projector tech that sounds similar to Microvision's Show WX. Word is that other camera manufacturers are working with Texas Instruments for the development of their own pico-packing cams, relying on TI's DLP-based tech found in the S1000pj and a variety of other devices. Which will rule the roost? We'll take lasers over LEDs any day of the week.
TI's OMAP4 prototype drives three independent displays without breaking a sweat
It's been a long, long while since we've seen any life from the OMAP4 labs at Texas Instruments, but with the sudden resurgence of the tablet, now seems just about right for the company to start showcasing the platform's prowess once more. TI is expected to have a mind-bending showcase at Mobile World Congress later this month, but Slashgear was able to get a sneak peek at what's to come at the outfit's Dallas office. The device you're peering at above definitely piqued our interest, as it's some sort of twin-screened handheld that can actually support a third independent display courtesy of an integrated pico projector module. We're told that OMAP4 will bring along dual 1GHz ARM A9 cores, patently ridiculous battery life figures (145 hours of MP3 playback with a 1,000mAh battery) and support for 1080p output via HDMI. Naturally, TI has no intention of ever bringing this piece of hardware to market, but it'd certainly love if some other firm stepped in and did so. Here's hoping we're overrun by potential suitors in Barcelona -- given that the show kicks off on Valentine's Day, we'd say the timing would be just about perfect.
LG eXpo Mobile Projector hands-on
As Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets go, LG's eXpo on AT&T is very near the cream of the crop -- it's got Snapdragon and a biometric scanner, after all -- but we all know that the spec sheet doesn't tell the whole story with this one. Really, people care about this phone because of the trick $179 pico projector that you can optionally bolt underneath. Besides being insanely cool, the concept makes sense considering the eXpo's target demographic -- business users probably want to be able to share documents and PowerPoints on the go, right? %Gallery-83710%
HP launching tablets and notebooks with integrated pico projectors this year?
The details are few at this time, but DigiTimes is reporting that Hewlett-Packard is working on busting out some pico projector support in its laptops and tablets in 2010. Currently the wee beamers haven't found much of a home in the pockets of consumers, but integrating them into these devices might just make sense. There they could serve as additional displays without adding the bulk of some of the other solutions we've seen in the past. HP's VP of Personal Computing Systems Monty Wong indicated that the projectors would be placed on top of the screens on notebooks, where a webcam would traditionally be found -- though presumably pointed the other way 'round. It remains to be seen what kind of bulk this would add to a traditional laptop lid and what kind of a cost premium, but we're at least vaguely intrigued by the idea.
3M's MPro150 pico projector now shipping to highly-mobile presenters everywhere (update: not quite yet!)
We caught a quick glimpse of 3M's MPro150 at CES a few weeks back, and while the performance of this pico projector didn't exactly blow our minds, we were quite intrigued by its ability to give PowerPoint presentations without a laptop or, indeed, any wires at all -- assuming your speech will be through before the thing's 90 minute battery is. It has 1GB of internal memory, plenty for slideshows filled with the most tacky of sound effects, and 3M even includes a 2GB microSD card to boot. But, for the $395 asking price, we're thinking that was the least it could do. Update: Seems someone jumped the gun a bit, and 3M has clarified that shipments have yet to begin. Should be soon, though.
Sanwa's ultra-cheap pico projector available, probably worth the money
We're kind of fans of pico projectors around here, even if finding a way to justify spending big cash on them is occasionally a little hard. Sanwa's just unleashed a cheap little pico that may just be worth the money. There's nothing terribly standout about the Sanwa 400 PRJ-001 -- a Himax LCoS projector with a 640 x 480 resolution, USB connectivity and the little guy weighs in at only 85 grams. The best part of the story here, is of course, the price -- for $119, well, maybe we'll grab two. We can't be sure it's the cheapest pocket projector in the history of micro projecting, but it's pretty close. Hit up the source link to buy one for yourself.
Pico projectors caught in the wild, one on a camcorder, one in Samsung's W9600 cellphone (video)
Yeah, we know: you haven't bought a pico projector and you really have no plan to do so. Still, it's kind of fun to see them doing their thing, beaming little, dim images onto walls from improbably small boxes. The folks at PicoProjector-info are happy to oblige, posting two videos of DLP picos in action at CES. The first is a Texas Instruments model that's been stuck atop a camcorder (presumably with bubblegum), pointing backward to splay the image of whatever it's filming into the wall -- and to temporarily blind whoever dares pick up said camcorder. Next up is a demonstration of the Samsung W9600, which we spent a bit of time with ourselves at CES. Now you can see how it looks in motion, as both videos are embedded after the break.
Microvision laser projection gun hands-on
You didn't think CES was over, did you? Saving a true gamer's delight for last, we went along to meet with Microvision's reps today and were introduced to its PicoP laser projector and gun gaming peripheral. The projection tech employed here is unique, as each pixel (848 x 480 resolution) is itself an RGB laser reflecting off a mirror which flips 60 times a second. What that results in is a permanently focused projection, no matter how much you wiggle, jiggle or maneuver the projector. The whole thing fits within 6cc and was designed to be embedded into phones. We snapped a few pics of the standalone projector and then moved on to the rifle gaming controller. Come along after the break to check out our hell-raising skills on video, as well as some more in-depth impressions of the hardware. %Gallery-82625%
