Profits projected

By Li Qiaoyi Source:Global Times Published: 2014-4-18 5:03:03

For tech-savvy urbanites, the latest must-have accessory to a smartphone or tablet device may well turn out to be the new range of mini projectors, which can change an ordinary device into a mobile cinema in an instant.

Connecting via Wi-Fi to a device, or in the case of some tablets, integral to it, these pocket projectors can play back videos and project them onto any handy surface.    

Unlike external battery packs or protective cases, these mini projectors are less likely to be seen as essential; but for many in China, the largest global market for smartphones and tablets, there is likely to be a healthy demand, given the increasing number of wealthier individuals who desire new experiences, industry analysts said.

It could help revitalize the projector market, which according to a research report released late last year by US-based market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) could be reaching its peak after several quarters of stable shipping.

The US conglomerate, 3M Company, a major brand-name global projector vendor, has announced its discontinuing all models, "3M will no longer be selling projectors," the company said on its website, casting a shadow over the prospects of the projector sector.

As part of efforts to rejuvenate the business, projector vendors have in recent years moved toward portable products incorporating the latest mobile Internet technology.

Some are making even bolder moves by launching products combining the functionality of projectors with tablets themselves, a move which is aimed at gaining a foothold in the burgeoning tablet market.

A number of Chinese manufacturers have indicated they are especially eager to put out projector tablets, which include the LumiTab announced last year by Shenzhen-based Promate Technologies and the Projector Pad P100 from Taiwan-based Aiptek International which hit the shelves in late 2013.

Tablet makers also tout versatile projector-tablet combinations  aiming to make a splash in the crowded tablet battlefield; Anhui-based tablet maker SmartQ being one of the most high-profile with its built-in tablet models.

"The market [for projector tablets] has great potential, but it has yet to impress. Projector tablet technology remains immature so far," Zhang Yi, CEO of Shenzhen-based Internet research firm iiMedia Research, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Top tablet makers such as Apple and Samsung have so far not outlined any plans to enter this niche market, an indication that the technology is not ready for mass production, he said.

MicroVision SHOWWX+ HDMI

 



Redmond-based display and imaging products maker MicroVision Inc was a pioneer in the mini projector arena. 

Instead of the typical LCoS or DLP methods, the plug-and-play projector is laser-based, boasting a contrast ratio of 5,000:1, up to two hours of battery life and high brightness of 15 laser lumens. The machine claims a projection distance of between 200 and 2,500 millimeters, being capable of projecting image sizes ranging from 150 to 2,500 millimeters.

The device packs a body of 118 by 60 by 14 millimeters, weighing only 122 grams. It features an image resolution of 848 by 480 pixels. The projector is compatible with most of Apple's lineup including the iPhone and iPad.

This year also appears to mark a turnaround in fortunes for the company, which saw its shares nearly double on the NASDAQ stock exchange on February 20, following an announcement earlier in the day by Japanese technology giant Sony Corp.

Sony said in the announcement that it is working on a pico projector module which incorporates the PicoP technology created by MicroVision. A combination of this module with Wi-Fi components and a battery can result in a pocket-sized projector for image projection connected to smartphones or tablets. The news served to pull MicroVision back from the brink of being delisted, as MicroVision said in March that "it has received a letter from NASDAQ confirming that as of March 6, 2014 the company has regained compliance with Listing Rules."

Vivitek Qumi Q7

 



Taiwan-based Vivitek Corp has quickly established its footing in the market for pocket-sized projectors, since it entered the pico projector segment in early 2011 with the introduction of its LED-based Qumi projector lineup.

The Qumi Q7, the latest member of Vivitek's family of projection devices, may not fully live up to its claim of being portable, given its weight of 1.4 kilograms and a frame size of 238 by 180 by 40 millimetres. But it is truly a high performance device worth its price tag of roughly $1,000.

Boasting an image resolution of 1,280 by 800 pixels, the Qumi Q7 is capable of delivering up to 800 lumens of brightness, featuring a contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and up to 30,000 hours of operation with an LED light source. In addition to being 3D-ready, the projector enables standard and Blu-Ray 3D playback as well, based on DLP technology by Dallas-headquartered Texas Instruments.

The device also comes in with built-in document reader for Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF. Touting an on-board memory of 4 gigabytes, the device is compatible with a wide range of gadgets that include smartphones and tablets.

Aiptek Projector Pad P100

 



 
In addition to a variety of pico projectors out there in the market, there are other new projector tablet devices, which put the functionality of a projector into a tablet catering to the on-the-go lifestyle of modern consumers.

Taiwan-based pocket beamer vendor Aiptek International became one of the companies venturing into the niche market by taking the wraps off its first projector tablet at the IFA trade show in Berlin in September 2013.

The tablet packs a built-in DLP projector which delivers 100 lumen of brightness which can enable a mobile cinema, according to the company.

The tablet's image resolution for projection is 854 by 480 pixels, touting a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and a capability of producing images of up to 300 centimeters. 

It features Wi-Fi-enabled projection, thanks to the tablet's built-in Wi-Fi connection. The projector is also detachable and capable of being used as a standalone device.

The tablet runs on Google's Android 4.2 operating system, also known as Jelly Bean, featuring a quad-core 1.6-gigahertz processor, 16 gigabytes of memory and 1 gigabyte of RAM. It packs a 7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1,280 by 800 pixels.



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