Pico projectors likely not headed to most smartphones until 2012

Over the past few days, rumors have surfaced that the upcoming Apple iPhone 5 will include a pico projector, but manufacturers have quickly quashed that, claiming the "related R&D is still not mature and demand from consumers has yet to appear."

The parts makers speculate smartphones will begin seeing mass produced pico projector modules in 2012.

Currently, pico projectors offer poor image quality, weak lumen rate and take an exceptional amount of power to run.

Samsung, LG and even RIM have each released phones with pico projectors, and other companies have integrated the projectors into their digital cameras, but sales volumes have been very low.

Current estimates say 1 million devices will ship in 2011 with pico projectors, as the prices still remain high. A DLP-based pico projector module still costs over $50 USD.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 26 Jan 2011 15:46

Serialluv

They need to sort this out sooner rather then later, even if it means having a high lumens output forces you to have the phone plugged in to use the projector. I want this functionality

29.1.2011 12:46 #1

Jerky1 (unverified)

Originally posted by Serialluv: They need to sort this out sooner rather then later, even if it means having a high lumens output forces you to have the phone plugged in to use the projector. I want this functionality Where would you use such a device? I am curious as to how this would be used? Is there any benefit of having a portable projector? Would a salesman be doing this in his car? If he is visiting someone at their office, they would obviously have power to plug into. I think that if it is designed to be portable, you would have to carry a screen, otherwise, you would be viewing it on the wall, a seat or something not too great for viewing.

7.12.2011 20:41 #2

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