PicoProjector
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Favi RIOLED-Q and RIOLED-V pico projectors launched: the future is bright, wireless
Looks like the world's still got appetite for some more pico projectors, as Favi's releasing a pair some time between late February and early March for prices yet unknown. First is the RIOLED-Q (pictured) which sports a pretty 800 x 600 native resolution at 50 lumens -- supposedly the best brightness in class (like the Optoma PK301), along with built-in SD / MMC card reader, battery, three-watt stereo speaker and an ever-so-handy digital keystone correction. Joining the party is the smaller RIOLED-V which is shy about its display specification, but proudly packs a card reader and WiFi to cater its various web apps for YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, Yahoo News, Weather, Email, Internet Radio and web browser. Too bad it doesn't do phone calls. %Gallery-82610%
Syndiant and Foryou break the low-res mold with 1,024 x 600 pico projector
We've already seen a pico projector here at CES that packs 1GB of internal storage, but Syndiant and Foryou have now finally announced a new device that has an upgrade where it really counts: resolution. Unfortunately, it's still just a prototype, and there's no word about pricing or availability, but the projector does use Syndiant's 1,024 x 600 resolution SYL2061 panel (pictured at right), and it still fits in a shirt pocket. Nothing else much in the way of details just yet, but this one's definitely the pico projector to beat when it comes to pumping out pixels.
LG eXpo projector hands-on
You'll be familiar with the LG eXpo and its specs already -- which include a slideout QWERTY keyboard and 1GHz Snapdragon under the hood -- but we thought we'd go try the handset out for ourselves and tell you what we thought. Construction on this little machine was plenty sturdy to withstand the bumps associated with its unusual shape, while the keyboard slider mechanism had a reassuring feel to it. On the whole our impression was that you've got a middle of the road modern phone with a sales hook that depends on just how into projecting your images you are. Trust us, the sharp and large picture you may hope for from this device is possible only in very limited circumstances -- even a moonlit night seems likely to mess with your enjoyment of the attached pico projector's output. For the most part, you'll have to be content with either watching 14-inch movies with the curtains drawn, or projecting ill-defined naughty pictures on the whiteboard while the teacher isn't looking. Even if neither of those sounds like your kind of thing, feel welcome to peruse the hands-on gallery below. %Gallery-81863%
3M rolls out MPro 150 pocket projector with 1GB of inbuilt storage
3M just got done pushing out its MPro 120, and here at CES we're already feasting our eyes on the MPro 150. For all intents and purposes, this is just an MPro 120 with 1GB of internal storage and a microSD expansion slot. We spotted it over at CES Unveiled, and while the VGA video wasn't anything special, the ability to open and display PDFs, Excel files and PowerPoint documents (in addition to the traditional movie and audio files) was indeed a nice add for the traveling salesperson. Hit up the full release after the break if you're thirsty for more details, and you should see it ship next month for just under $400. %Gallery-81594%
Optoma announces PK201, PK301 pico projectors
Optoma's been courting the bargain crowd with its pico projectors as of late, but it's going back after those with slightly deeper pockets with its latest pair of pocketables, which dial up both the model names and the price tags. Coming in at $299 and $399, respectively, the PK201 and PK301 each pack the same 854 X 480 resolution, but the latter packs a supposedly best in class 50 lumens of brightness, along with an optional battery bank for an extra two hours of use in bright mode. Otherwise, each will give you the same 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a microSD card slot, HDMI input, and a roughly similar form factor (though the PK201 is close to half an inch slimmer -- head on past the break for a shot of it).
Light Blue Optics unveils Light Touch: a 10-inch touchscreen pico projector based on lasers (video)
They promised us a device in 2010 and sure enough, Light Blue Optics just announced Light Touch. As the name implies, LBO's product is a laser projector that turns any flat surface into an auto-focused and image-adjusted 10-inch touchscreen with WVGA resolution thanks to its laser- (not LED) based pico projection engine dubbed HLP (holographic laser projection) and infrared touch-sensing system. Light Touch runs Adobe Flash Lite 3.1 and includes WiFi and Bluetooth radios, 2GB of on-board storage (with microSD slot for up to 32GB more), and a battery capable of about 2-hours worth of runtime. We'll be getting up close and personal with the mini projector here at CES so until then, feast your eyes on the simulated demo and usage scenarios after the break.
RoyalTek outs RPJ-2000 pico projector
Taiwanese company RoyalTek's just announced the first of what will apparently be five pico projectors it releases in 2010. The RPJ-2000 boasts 3M's second generation LCoS chipset, VGA and NTSC / PAL inputs, and 0.5 watt speakers. The projector can project a 65-inch image at 640 x 480 resolution with 14 lumens of brightness. Disappointingly, there is no onboard storage or media player on this little guy, but we're betting one or more of those other models RoyalTec is set to unleash probably will have those glorious extras. If you want to use this baby with a Mac, you'll need to purchase an adapter kit which runs around $43, in addition to the $315 pricetag of the projector itself. There's no word on sale of the RPJ-2000 outside of Taiwan as of yet, but we'll keep you posted.
AAXA cranks up the brightness on M1 micro projector
We can't say with any degree of certainty that AAXA's recently announced M1 "micro projector" truly is the brightness of the miniaturized bunch, but it's certainly brighter than the vast majority we've had the displeasure of seeing ourselves. Most pico projectors pack between 8 and 12 lumens, and up until now, AAXA's own P2 was widely consider the best for using in partially lit rooms due to its 33 lumen rating. The M1 doubles up on that figure, bringing 66 lumens to the table along with a native SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, 1GB of onboard memory, an SD card reader and optional iPod, PSP and DVD cables. Said display is up for pre-order as we speak for $299, while the M1 Plus -- which supports VGA and composite AV inputs -- will set you back $359.
Microvision's PicoP laser projector meets rifle-shaped motion controller, mayhem ensues
How do you spice up the traditionally unexciting projector market? You take your finest laser projector, with its "infinite focus" skills, pair it with a weapon-styled motion controller, and you offer FPS gamers the opportunity to get out of their seats and perform their murdering sprees as nature intended. So Microvision thinks, and we've no doubt that the prototype being demonstrated over at the Intel Extreme Masters will be fulfilling a few fanboy dreams, but we're more interested in how it all works. If you remember the GameGun (and who could forget that mullet?), this'll be familiar territory: the projector reacts to movements of the controller so that the game view tracks your real world view, lending the experience a bona fide 3D feel. Microvision won't spill the full details just yet, but a video demo awaits past the break. [Thanks, Tony]
AAXA P2 pico projector gets tested and lauded
The first batch of pico projectors weren't exactly world-beaters; the resolution was low, lumens were lacking and MSRPs were startlingly high. Such is life on the cutting edge. But AAXA's P2 is riding the second wave, boasting a higher-than-average 800 x 600 resolution, 33 lumens of brightness, 1GB of onboard storage, a microSDHC expansion slot, VGA / AV inputs, a built-in speaker and an integrated media player to boot. Our good pals over at Gadling just got their paws around one, and they seemed duly satisfied with the performance. Unlike many first-generation units, this one managed to throw up a respectable image even in dimly lit rooms, and while the 40-inch image was understandably the best, it did manage to toss up a 100-inch visual when pressed. Hit the source link for the full writeup, and if you're planning on buying in now, it's available for a sale price of $319.
LG's projector-laden eXpo smartphone gets demonstrated on video
The projector phone mishmash idea has been around (and even demonstrated) for quite some time now, but only recently have we seen one of these two-pronged, hunchbacked monsters land on a major US carrier. LG's eXpo is carrying that crown (or burden, depending on perspective), and while we're itching to get one into our own labs for testing, we'll happily pass along what looks to be the world's first real good look at this handset in action. Make no mistake -- the DLP-based beamer affixed on the back adds quite the bulge, but the actual video performance looks about as good as any dedicated pico projector that we've seen to date. Have a peek past the break to see for yourself.
Yinlips YDP800 projector PMP teases your wallet with video
We're not sure what's taken so long, but the Yinlips YDP800 pico projector PMP is finally available to the US, courtesy of online store Ownta. The good folks have released a demo video of the projector in action -- not quite at the maximum 80-inch picture that Yinlips boasts, but hey, we've just about done it before on another pico projector. For around $270 including delivery this feature-packed PMP seems to give a good run for your money, especially when compared to the $299 WowWee Cinemin Swivel. No sign of any sample pictures or videos from the 1.3 megapixel camera yet, so for now just enjoy the video after the break.
WowWee Cinemin Swivel iPod and iPhone pico projector review
The first time we saw a pico projector some of us thought: "Err... What's the point?" Slide show presentations from your phone? Doubt it -- not powerful enough for practical use. Cinematic experience in the toilet? Maybe, but you'd want a built-in projector on your PMP instead of a separate brick. Funky dance? Only in Japan. Finally, WowWee took a break from robotics to give us the answer with its foldable Cinemin Swivel pico projector: for watching videos on the ceiling while lying in bed, obviously. Still, we have our doubts about image quality, portability and practicality -- especially for $299. Read on to find out if this little guy is worth it.
WowWee Cinemin Swivel pico projector shocker: available now!
If you're like us, you've been marking the days off until you could get WowWee's Cinemin Swivel -- or, the pico with attitude, as we like to call it. We've been keeping our eyes on it since CES 2009, so we can sympathize. Well, looks like the wait is over -- it's popped up on Amazon and we hear you can grab one up at Brookstone, too. The DLP pico, which boasts a 480 x 360 resolution, an adjustable 90-degree hinge (for projecting your Richard Marx video collection onto the ceiling) will run you around $299.
Fujitsu's splitting F-04B cellphone gets tested, found to contain no Energon cubes
Sometimes you want a phone with a physical keyboard. Sometimes you want one that fits in the back pocket of your skinny jeans. And sometimes, when you're feeling really crazy, you want one with a pico projector. Impossible dream? Not if you're Fujitsu, who have made official the bizarre splitting F-04B first showed as a prototype last year, and AkihabaraNews has managed a hands-on. Both the touchscreen and keyboard portions operate independently and connect via Bluetooth, as does the 854 x 480 projector that can clip on in place of the keyboard. Overall impressions are good, the phone said to be a bit too bulky with the keyboard attached but quite fit with just the screen, and though that LCD didn't get high marks for responsiveness, the 12.2 megapixel camera did. If you're looking for price or release info you're out of luck, but we'd advise against getting any hopes up. We know, it's hard.
Sparkz projector / dock for iPhone displays your videos, empties your wallet (video)
If you're in the market for an Apple handheld-friendly pico projector, you're in luck. Sparkz is a bulbous white dock that will play nice with your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPod video, as well as your favorite A/V and VGA sources. Featuring 640 x 480 resolution, a 60-inch viewing area, and stereo speakers, it can be yours for the low, low price of -- $495? Well, it will charge your iPhone. And it does come with a tripod. And, to be honest, a 60-inch viewing area is none too shabby. If you think it's worth it, by all means hit that read link and snatch one up. In the meantime, we'll content ourselves with watching the video of the thing in action. It's after the break, and it's free.
FPS hopelessly leaps into pocket projector game with Pearl M3
The world needs another VGA pico projector about like it needs another ton of plastic goop swirling in the Pacific, but thanks to FPS, that's exactly what we're getting. (The former, just so we're clear.) The LCoS-based beamer puts out an image between 5- and 66-inches and packs a native resolution of 640 x 360; there's a composite input, stereo output, USB socket and a microSD expansion slot. You'll also find a one-watt internal speaker and a 2,500mAh battery for projecting on the go, while most every file format you can think of is supported. If, for whatever reason, you've found yourself overcome with want (and you can't hold off for Microvision's laser-based SHOW WX), it's available to purchase right now for $219.[Via PicoProjector-Info]
Green laser for microprojectors developed, microraves soon to follow
Japanese company QD Laser has apparently developed a green laser which could up the ante in the HD pico projector market. The laser -- which is just 5.6mm in diameter and outputs a 532 nanometer, pure green light -- was shown off as a working prototype at CEATEC. QD says their green laser (the hardest type to make) will be well-suited to gadgets like cellphones and laptops because of its low power consumption and wide operating temperature. Mass production is seemingly planned for next year, with the hopes that each little laser will run $10, cheaper than the one currently available, which is manufactured by Corning. You know what we always say: rave on.
3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video)
3M's MPro 120 didn't really add a whole lot of spice to the currently drab pocket projector lineup, boasting a simple VGA resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio and image quality suitable for presentations alone. Granted, the 12 lumens and 4 hours of battery life both trump figures on the decidedly impressive SHOW WX (which has 10 lumens and 2 hours of life), but in the wide world of beamers, it's the picture quality that matters most. We took a peek at the latest MPro here in Japan, and while the results were less than impressive underneath the lights, the sub-$330 street price in the US is definitely admirable. If you'll recall, the laser / PicoP-based SHOW WX is slated to retail right around $500, while this bugger can be found right now in trusted e-tailers for over a Benjamin less. 'Course, 3M might want to inform its booth attendant of this little matter, as the (erroneous) $600 price quote we got from a certain someone definitely shocked us momentarily. Video's after the break.%Gallery-74851%
Microvision's laser-based SHOW WX pico projector shines at CEATEC (video)
Microvision just struck a deal to start shipping its PicoP-based SHOW WX pico projector in Asia, and while the size may not blow any minds, the image quality just might. With a native 848 x 480 resolution (WVGA), this one pumps out more pixels than pretty much any other pico projector on the market today, and with enough darkness, it can actually spit out an image that's around 100-inches in size. We stopped by the company's booth here at CEATEC in order to have a look at what makes the world's first laser-based pico PJ so special, and we can honestly say the picture was pretty stunning (considering the device we're talking about). We got a lecture on just how amazing the innards actually are (hear for yourself after the break), but it's the estimated $500 price tag and 2010 US ship date that really had us intrigued. The company also confessed that it's toiling away in an effort to miniaturize its PicoP engine even further, and while it wouldn't come right out and say it, we got the feeling that it was jonesing to get that very device into all sorts of other gizmos in the near future. In the meanwhile, you can expect the SHOW WX to ship with support for pretty much any input via a composite adapter, while an iPod / iPhone connector is apt to be bundled in as well. There's also a 3.5 millimeter audio passthrough, 10 lumens of brightness, a 60Hz refresh rate (trust us, the lines you see in the video aren't seen by the naked eye) and a built-in battery good for two hours on a charge. Oh, and this thing doesn't even have to refocus as you move it closer and farther from the wall -- pretty swank! %Gallery-74752% %Gallery-74870%
