How would you like to own an iPhone/iPod dock that was capable of projecting stuff on your walls whenever you need it to? Well there is one available for you and it’s coming from Sparkz. Besides doing all the regular things you expect from a dock, the device packs a pico projector inside that is able to offer you a 640 x 480 resolution, a 60-inch viewing area, stereo speakers and A/V and VGA inputs. As you can see, the device can connect to various other gadgets and it can be yours for just $495. What do you say?
So a new brand of pico projector, the SHOWWX, has burst onto the scene and has already taken orders for the tiny devices. Microvision, the company behind the SHOWWX, has struck a deal with a European mobile phone producer to basically attach SHOWWXs to their line of phones.
This is actually a really impressive development. This is the very beginning of the era of the universal home theater, in which content can follow you and be exhibited anywhere under similar conditions to your own home theater.
See, the SHOWWX is intended for mobile devices, and so works well with streaming video, Flash video, and most anything you’d see on, say, YouTube or Hulu. But that’s not to say that the streaming from Netflix wouldn’t also work. And since the SHOWWX is designed to throw up an image measuring roughly two hundred inches across, they’re just perfect for home theater, even when you’re not home. Think about that–watching a movie in a hotel room the exact same way you’d watch it at home? Oh, sure, the SHOWWX isn’t a match for a 1080p JVC, yet, but this is just the beginning.
Ericsson has a weird but interesting computer concept for us. The Spider Computers doesn’t need a monitor or a keyboard as it projects them both in front of you. The tripod includes a full PC, pico-projector, laser keyboard, 3G and lots of other features. Unfortunately we won’t see such a computer in stores anytime soon. Current technology might make it impossible to build. Well maybe it could be build after all but we can’t expect it to offer spectacular performances at this point. In a few years when pico-projectors and PC components will evolve the Spider Computer might really become an alternative to netbooks and nettops. That’s when we will return with more news about this concept if Ericsson decides to keep it, of course.
Optoma has today announced a pico projector for those who are looking to spend the least amount of money possible. That pico projector in question is the PK-100, a device expected to retail for right around $199.
Of course, with such a low price you’re going to get a rather small set of features as the PK-100 features only 11 ANSI lumens, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, a 480 x 320 resolution and just one composite video input. Additionally, it’s capable of projecting an image up to 66″ but with such a lower resolution, who would want to do that?
What was one an isolated niche has quickly grown into a valuable asset for many projector manufacturers, pico projectors are on their way to taking the world by storm. While they definitely aren’t up to par with home theater projectors, offerings from Adtec, such as the Bit, are working to change that
The device you see above features a resolution of 640 x 480, 15 ANSI lumens, a 200:1 contrast ratio along with USB, VGA and comoposite AV ports for all of your electronics. Better yet, the Bit is capable of projecting an image up to 60-inches.
As of now, adtec only has plans to launch their Bit pico projector in Japan for about $350 USD. (more…)
Pico projectors are widely regarded as nothing more than a gimmicky piece of hardware that would never find its way into any one’s home theater. Well that may be a thing of the past at some point in the future and Aiptek’s T20 Pico Projector proves that.
The T20 features a 640×480 resolution, LED lamp, USB port and that’s about the extent of what we know as of now. However, you can pre-order the device for about $325 if you’re into this sort of thing.
AAXA has launched a new pico projector for you guys so now you can choose between AAXA’s older P1 pocket projector and the fresh P2 version. The P2 is a LcoS-based pico projector will offer you SVGA resolution, 33 lumen LED brightness, 1GB of memory, microSD support, a built-in battery capable of 35 minutes of continuous projection, VGA input and a mini USB socket. The P2 is now available for pre-order for $349 but you’d better think twice before getting it. Maybe a better update waiting around the corner.
Looking for a new projector? What about a really small projector from BeamBox? The Essential G2 weighs only 75 grams but it will offer get you up to a 73-inch VGA resolution projection. Other features include a 20 lumens brightness, USB connectivity, 1GB of integrated memory, and a remote control. The Essential G2 is waiting for you to pre-order it. The price tag? Around $250. Or if you’d rather wait then you can get it in stores starting with July 29.
Sure, pico/pocket/mini projectors (or whatever you want to call them) are nice and small, but imagine being able to project HD video straight from your smart phone. Years ago, this idea would have been laughed at, but now a days it is really starting to become a reality.
Micron technology has recently shown off their microdisplay technology which is still just a prototype at this point. If utilized correctly, this technology could be implemented into future smart phones that, just like I said, would be able to project high quality video on any service.
Of course, it’s still a long ways off until we see this technology appear in consumer’s hands but it’s nice to dream, right?
The new DigiLife DDV-JF1 is a combination HD video recorder and pico projector in one compact unit. The DDV-JF1 has similar features to other pocket video cams like the Flip Mino and Kodak Zi6. The DDV-JF1 shoots up to 720p at 30 fps and shows the video on its 2.5in. (6.4cm) LCD display. What makes this device unique (for now) is its built-in pico projector. By using the projector, your digital video or images can be screened up to 13ft (4m) away, with a maximum size of 50in. (127cm).
The DDV-JF1’s projector supports Q720P (640 by 360) resolution and has an LED backlight with a brightness of 8 lux. Pricing is not yet available. Life Technologies is still finalizing what type of pico projector technology will be applied in the final product, but the company says that it plans to begin shipping the DDV-JF1 by the end of the year.
The kickoff for Wowwee’s iPod-compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP Technology has announced its launch in the UK. The Cinemin “Swivel” pico projector will go on sale in the UK with a September 2009 retail appearance planned.
The Swivel is described as an affordable lightweight micro projector the size of a “candy bar”, boasting 3 hours of battery life for movie watching, full volume control, and an adjustable 90-degree hinge for ceiling projection. The Cinemin Swivel is configured to work with iPods and iPhones, as well as other “popular mobile devices” and will be priced at £349.
