Microvision

Karl Guttag posted an interesting article in which he answers several questions people asked - regarding lasers, Syndiant's technology and business, how Microvision's technology and LBS lasers in general compare to Syndiant's LCoS solutions, and more. Well worth a read!

MicroVision announced today that they are closing their online store - which is already down - with suggestions where to buy their products via resellers (such as Amazon.com in the United States). According to Microvision, this was decided because of "high demand for MicroVision products across the globe and their ability to leverage strategic distribution networks in over 120 countries worldwide".

Here's a nice video showing Microvision's new PicoMagic interactive (touch) laser pico projector platform:

And here's a photo showing the actual device (opened):

Update: we've got a nice photo and video of the PicoMagic

Back in June 2011 Microvision mentioned that they are working on a reversible pico projector, and today they have officially announced PicoMagic - a demonstration platform that enables focus-free interactive (touch) and 3D displays. The PicoMagic is powered by Microvision's new PicoP Gen 2 HD engine.

Microvision will offer PicoMagic "applications" (interactive images and 3D displays) to OEMs - aimed towards business users, educators and gamers.

Microvision officially announces and unveils the PicoP Gen 2 HD laser pico projector module. The Gen 2 is based on direct green laser diodes, a new MEMS mirror and features 720p resolution. Microvision will demonstrate the PicoP Gen 2 with brightness ranging from 15 to 25 lumens. They expect to begin shipping early samples for testing and evaluation in Q1 2012.

Microvision didn't say when it expects mass production, though. Obviously this depends on the laser diodes production...

Karl Guttag launched his blogs just 2 weeks ago, and he's already stirring up some troubles (and I mean good troubles - as we all want more information and some good discussions). He posted a post about Direct Green Lasers (DGL) - basically saying that while DGLs may be available in 2012, he doesn't think it's possible that those lasers will have good enough performance, and be produced in large quantities and cheap prices.

Microvision didn't like Karl's comments, and posted an interesting post on their own blog. They say that three companies (Nichia, Osram and Soraa) are planning to release commercial DGLs in 2012. Microvision says that these lasers will be more simple to produce then synthetic green lasers and will be cheaper and made in larger quantities. Microvision also says that they expect Pioneer to be their first OEM customers for the Pico-HD module (which uses a DGL) and they have already shipped samples to them. Other OEMs will get samples starting in Q1 2012. Microvision also plan to write a series of blog posts discussing DGLs.

Microvision announced that they completed the public offer successfully, and raised $9.8 million (after expenses). Microvision sold 17,948,716 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase 8,974,358 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $0.585 per share and accompanying warrant, as well as warrants to purchase 1,251,092 additional shares sold upon exercise by the underwriter (Oppenheimer).