Engadget: Hands-On with Texas Instruments' Cellphone Projector

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/20/engadget-checks-out-tis-cellphone-projector/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/...hone-projector/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"It's not ready for prime time just yet, but Texas Instruments (among others) appears to be getting closer to a projector that'll cram inside a phone with enough brightness and clarity to make it usable. How cool is that? Granted, this isn't a real phone here that we got to play with -- but it's phone-sized. You get the idea."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20070924-ticellproj.jpg" /><br /><br />We're guessing it's simply a matter of time before we see this implemented in a Windows Mobile device. Would any of you have a use for it?

[dmdfreak]

I would love to be able to project my TV shows off my PDA anywhere. Would be a great added feature.

[Steven Cedrone]

Wonder how much the replacement bulbs will cost? 8O

[RogueSpear]

Wonder how much the replacement bulbs will cost? 8O
I'm sure that the projection is done with a fairly bright LED which should last the life of the device. The problem is that when you get that bright, LED or not, it's going to suck up some major juice. Couple that with decoding an H.264 stream and I think the main roadblock to this technology is battery life.

But damn, that sure would be a killer feature to have in something like a TyTN II.

[Brad Adrian]

Battery life wouldn't worry me. Plugging in a power cord would be a small price to pay for not having to lug around a projector and laptop. I doubt this will be bright enough for a huge screen, but the photo makes it clear that it's good enough to share a view with several people around a small table.

[phut60]

Think how effective the projector would be if the projection implementation allowed the user to be seen by the Video Conferencing Cam at the same time. The business conference would then be viewable by a small group rather than just the user on a 2.8" screen.

And while on that business trip, what a treat to see you kids projected on the wall and them seeing you in the same manner on Mom's phone.

[hoffman]

I personally think what would be more beneficial is to be able to project internet and general usage on pocket PCs and smart phones to overcome the small screen which deters many users of pocket PCs and smart phones from using their devices for serious business or office work.

Regards Brian

[azhiker]

I can imagine using this for several minutes ands it could really heat up. (If the bulb is not a diode). TRry putting that phone in your pocket and it could burn a hold right through to your leg! Or place a call and burn your ear off! :lol:

Actually, I'd much rather see this kind of technoloy in a laptop!

[SteveHoward999]

I have been watching this technology for almost a year. I first saw it here:-

http://www.microvision.com/

and here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSTxv0kqyVw


I am excited by this. Even if the first iteration is crappy, in short order we will be able to use our phones as full-on computers while on the road - from watching movies and presentations, to browsing the web and editing documents.

Our PocketPCs, SmartPhones, Nokia S60 devices etc are already almost as powerful as our desktops were a decade or so ago, but with such small screens we cannot really utilize much of that power. These micro-projectors are one tool that will help to change that. Add a BlueTooth keyboard and mouse, and we are in business ;-)

[palur]

I have been following this since it was announced by Texas Instruments and microvision. I love this feature. I could give a powerpoint presentation to a small group of students anywhere or show of photos without a need for laptop or tv. It would be a great addition to HTC x7500 and probably Imate ultimate 7150 series.

[r90a22]

I think that quite a few people would find it very useful, it would be much better than trying to view it from the small screen on the device. I don't think it's intended to be used for 5hr presentations. As for myself I could find it useful if the feature wouldn't make the device heavier... or bigger.

[EmporerEJ]

I'm all for it.
And it wouldn't matter if they made my device a bit bigger.
For a PDA, there is no need to make it the size of a toothpick.
smaller than the axim X5, but larger than my MDA would be good.
(Damn thing is too small for my big clunky hands as it is!)
I need a decent sized device, which would allow for these features, and a larger battery.

PDA designers, are you listening?

[k1darkknight]

Me?
I'm waiting for a cell phone with a holographic projector!



May the Force be with you! ;)