AAXA

AAXA's Windows-CE pico projector, the P4 is now shipping for $339. Here's a hands-on video someone posted showing the P4 in action:

The P4 is a very bright (80 lumens) DLP (WVGA, 854x480) pico projector that runs Windows CE software. It has 2GB of internal memory (and a micro SD slot) and can run any Windows-CE supported application (such as Office, PDF, games and more). It also has an optional QWERTY wireless keyboard.

There's an interesting research over at Microsoft with handheld projectors - projecting environmentally aware augmented visions onto surrounding surfaces. The UI includes all sorts of nice tricks such as pinch functionality, icon selection and even painting. Microsoft is showing three hand-held devices - camera, room and SLAM models. They all include a pico projector, IR camera, measurement units. The room and SLAM models also include a Kinect unit.

Microsoft didn't say what kind of projector they're using, but if you look at Second 28 you can see that it's an AAXA projector, it looks like the L1 laser projector (here's our review of the L1, we didn't like it too much).

Laura Lee Coles from the School of Interactive Arts and Technology in Canada's Simon Fraser University is applying pico projectors to create projected art installations in natural outdoor settings. She says that "Interesting info emerging about a feeling of enhanced sensory awareness to nature through technology...some claiming it felt symbiotic". These guys are using AAXA's P1 Jr pico projector in two installations. The first piece (shown below) is called Water Words by Dinka Pignon projects images of human heads unto rocks on the beach:

The second installation (simply called the Hawaii Project) uses the projector to display still photographs of forest canopy and videos of live volcano lava flow and water dripping inside the Kaumana Cave in Hawaii.

A few days ago Syndiant sent us some updates from CES - a lot of new design wins. Today they have sent a lot more information. Syndiant says that the following impressive list of projectors were exhibited at CES, all using their SVGA (800x600) microdisplays:

• Philips Picopix line of pico projectors
• 3M MP160
• Foxconn ia2bp wi-fi projector
• ACTO (a WinCE based 1024x600 pico-projector)
• JC (ZHEJIANG JINCHENG SCI & TECH) micro projector
• AAXA L1v2 laser pico-projector
• Fujitsu set-top cable box with a built-in monochrome (green) pico projector (aimed towards emerging economies - this is basically a cheap large-size TV).
• Aiptek T25

Slashgear has posted a lengthy review (in 3 parts) of the AAXA L1v2 laser pico-projector. Their conclusion? This is a great projector that's worth its price ($425) and "if you want to be totally cool, buy the L1 v2 Laser Projector. Do it NOW!".

The L1 v2 is an update to the L1, with improved thermal and optical efficiency, and a cheaper price (but it's slightly larger). The L1 v2 is a laser-driven LCoS pico projector that offers 800x600 resolution at 20 lumens and focus-free images. It has an on-board media player (supporting videos, images and office documents). Inputs include VGA, A/V and USB. The battery is good for 1.5 hours. It is now selling on Amazon.com for $425.

AAXA's second-gen laser projector, the L1 v2 is now shipping from Amazon.com for $449 (ok, it'll actually ship in 6-10 days, but that's pretty close). The L1 v2 is an update to the L1, with improved thermal and optical efficiency, and a cheaper price (but it's slightly larger). The L1 v2 is a laser-driven LCoS pico projector that offers 800x600 resolution at 20 lumens and focus-free images. It has an on-board media player (supporting videos, images and office documents).

AAXA's P1 Jr. tiny pico-projector is now shipping for only $104.88 (down from $129). That's about the cheapest pico-projector you can get. The P1 Jr. offers 572x432 resolution (SD) at 10 lumens. And it includes a built-in MP4 (and an SD-card slot).

Buy the P1 Jr. now for only $104.88!