pico

Two 'pico' stories August 2011 - May 2012

PoP Video turns your iPhone into a $99 pico projector

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6jNJOd3muQg]

Not quite ready for the awesome Epson Megaplex iOS projector? Available for preorder right now, the PoP Video project from Micron Technology is a $99 pico projector with built-in 30-pin dock connector for your iPhone or iPod. The device works with iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, and third-generation and fourth-generation iPod touch, while providing two hours of playback at 960 x 540 pixel resolution. It comes with the following specs:

Size and Weight

(refer to the scale drawings of the PoP Video to the right)

Input and Output

Input: 30-pin dock connector

Video Output: qHD (960 x 540 pixel resolution)

Power and Battery

Battery: Built-in Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Playtime: Up to two hours with full battery charge

Charging: Micro-USB charging (1.2 compliant)

Charge time: Fast charge in about 4 hours

Package Contents

PoP Video

User manual

USB charging cable

Apple patents projector technology and “Shared Projected Workspace” concept for MacBooks and iOS devices

There certainly isn’t a shortage of Apple patents being published today (probably more fuel for a legal battle a year from now). We just told you about a new Map related (Placebase acquisition) patent, and now Patently Apple reports Apple has been granted a patent that will allow them to integrate tiny projectors into future mobile devices.

This latest patent describes, in rather clear detail, exactly how Apple could integrate projectors into iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. It even suggests Apple cameras will be able to detect gestures and “shadows and/or silhouettes” (Kinect-style iOS games anyone?).

The patent also describes what Apple calls a “shared projected workspace”. This appears to essentially be the ability for users to share content with one another over two projected displays. For example, if I were to project an image from one iOS device, and you from another, we could then share content (via gestures?) between both displays. The patent explains:

Expand
Expanding
Close