Apple to Add Micro Projectors to iPhone and iPod Touch?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/06/apple-to-add-micro-projectors-to-iphone-and-ipod-touch/)

In a brief note, DigiTimes reports (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090706PD205.html) that Taiwanese firm Foxlink is currently developing micro projectors for use in mobile phones, with Apple being one of the companies expected to launch devices with built-in projectors later this year. The projectors would allow the iPhone and possibly the iPod touch to directly project video output onto an external surface.International brand vendors, including Nokia, Samsung Electronics and Apple, reportedly all plan to launch handsets with built-in micro projectors by the end of this year, indicated the sources, adding that Foxlink is likely to benefit from the emerging trend due to its strong business relationships with Nokia and Apple.Foxlink has long been a supplier for the iPhone and iPod, providing the proprietary connectors used in many of Apple's devices.

Micro projectors are just making their way (http://www.intomobile.com/2009/07/04/samsung-mbp200-micro-projector-goes-on-sale-in-europe.html) into phones, although the resulting products are relatively bulky by mobile phone standards. Introduction of a new iPhone containing a micro projector by the end of this year would also be a significant deviation from Apple's usual product cycle that has seen the company release new iPhone models on a yearly basis each June or July.

Article Link: Apple to Add Micro Projectors to iPhone and iPod Touch? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/06/apple-to-add-micro-projectors-to-iphone-and-ipod-touch/)

[talkingfuture]

That would be cool, don't know how much I would use it but it would be impressive.

[Don't panic]

it seems something that would make more sense as an accessory, rather than a built in feature.

[Lesser Evets]

I would like to see what this really means.

There hasn't been a projector I have met which was worth more than hand full of pennies. Projection TVs-garbage. Video projectors-laughable. Xenon bulb movie projectors-good enough, but touchy and have troubles lurking up constantly needing persistent maintenance.

[Josso]

As long as the price don't go up, I'm on it. :D

[Niko03]

Adding bulk to the iPhone? Not likely going to happen.
(just think about the battery sucking capabilities of a projector, even a small LED one.)

Mid year product?
I'm sure this will go into the rumored iTablet.

[peterdevries]

Although definitely cool, I don't see this happening in the next iPhone, Touch release next year.

AFAIK the tech is not yet mature enough and wouldn't fit in the form factor of the devices.

[Sambo110]

These devices are getting so much stuff in them, it's amazing they can all fit in. What will be added next.

[Schtumple]

Why would you need a really crappy projector in a phone/portable media player, seriously, the whole in built projector thing is such a gimmick...

[Warbrain]

So pointless in a phone and especially pointless in an iPod.

Build it into a notebook and we'll talk.

[Donz0r]

I don't see this happening this year. The iPod touch is way too thin to fit something like this in, and they're not going to make it thicker for this. Plus, these picoprojectors are too 'gimmicky' for apple imo. we'll see what happens though.

[eawmp1]

Actually next year they will have 3D holographic projection so we can all walk around in a world of our choosing (tangerine trees and marmalade skies)! :rolleyes:

[B1gMac]

I would only really want this if it was implemented very well. Fortunately, Apple has a lot of good insight about when to implement maturing technologies without cheapening the product.

[The Phazer]

it seems something that would make more sense as an accessory, rather than a built in feature.

Agreed - as a dock attachment, I could totally see it, and it'd be very cool and useful.

As an integrated part of the phone that uses a ton of power and adds considerable bulk? No.

Phazer

[Philoman]

Micro projection would not be a bad idea for MacBooks either bult-in or having a micro projector device to plug-in via USB connection.

[edesignuk]

meh, seems pointless. It'll add bulk, use power etc, and for what? 1 in a 1,000 might use it once in a while.

Much better as an accessory.

Micro projector in the back of a laptop...now that could be useful.

[iOrlando]

meh...would be a "neat" feature..but not something to pay alot for or upgrade for or crave for.

i doubt apple would want that...seems like something other phones would want....tons features with little practicality.

[Diane2boys]

.

[Mal]

If it's like the ShowWX Pico projector, then I can see it being really nice. That's a laser-based projector, so it's always in focus and looks really good (my dad and one of his friends saw it at MacWorld and more recently at Projection Summit here in Orlando). It can actually do a 100" screen, depending on the lighting in the room (the distance from the surface and the size of the screen are on a 1:1 ratio, so if you position it 100" from the surface you're projecting onto, you get a 100" display). I can see Apple including it, but only if they can get reasonable battery life while using it (2-3 hours) and without increasing the size of the device, at least by much. However, I can see both of those being possible if they use the same type of projector as the ShowWX, because it's small enough to fit and it runs off a similar battery as the iPhone for about 4-5 hours.

jW

[kingtj]

The key to this is, waiting until the technology advances enough to make it work well.

It will be a useless gimmick if they cram something in there by the end of this year, just to say it can project.

But this has a promising future, as they address issues like power consumption, projection brightness and physical size. An iPhone with integrated projection capabilities would be GREAT for things like sharing a video or movie with others - or just for anyone who'd rather watch the content on a larger screen. (Imagine taking it to a hotel and simply aiming the iPhone at a white wall, to watch a movie you saved on it?)

It'd also be popular for doing presentations, I'd imagine. Just sync your Powerpoint content to your phone and take it with you to a meeting....


Why would you need a really crappy projector in a phone/portable media player, seriously, the whole in built projector thing is such a gimmick...

[brasscat]

Apple being one of the companies expected to launch devices with built-in projectors later this year.

...Written by someone who doesn't understand Apple or the level of quality of these micro projectors. Tiny projectors have a useless 10 or 20 lumens and a very small projection area. No way Apple would spare precious space inside the iPhone for this highly unnecessary poorly functioning feature less than half of their customers would ever have an interest in.

[mr_matalino]

I don't see Apple doing this. It seems cool but I don't think I would use something like this very often, if at all...

[Warbrain]

I think it would be entirely unlike Apple to do this. Built-in projectors are going to be gimmicky and pointless unless in a notebook where having it for presentations and such could be worthwhile.

[barkomatic]

There's no way a mini projector will make its way onto the iphone and ipod touch this year--as a built in feature. So far, "micro" means 3/4 inch thick device--and that's just for the projector unit itself. Look for this in July of 2014. lol

Perhaps sold separately for $500.

[andiwm2003]

BS

apple would never do this unless the technology allows it to be as small as the current camera. even then it would be a waste of space and battery because 99% of customers would never use it.

more likely the "projector" is a simple flash for the camera.

[mjtomlin]

Move along people. Nothing more to see here.

[NT1440]

God I hope not. I really really hope not :(.

[DoNoHarm]

guys this is not going to happen yet. The technology is not mature enough. I know because I'm involved in this business.

[DoNoHarm]

the technology involves using a glass diffractive optical element instead of lenses. currently they cannot manufacture them cheap enough to make this work.

[Consultant]

...Written by someone who doesn't understand Apple or the level of quality of these micro projectors. Tiny projectors have a useless 10 or 20 lumens and a very small projection area. No way Apple would spare precious space inside the iPhone for this highly unnecessary poorly functioning feature less than half of their customers would ever have an interest in.

Exactly. They are just name dropping without doing any market research.

[Thex1138]

3,1 iPhone 4G

But when you look and read the patent... there's no notion of image projection...
If iPhone 3,1 or iProd or that other identified tag in the OS surfaces... it might be a completely new 3rd generation of phone...but...

There's one more thing...

Battery Life sux!

Either way I am :apple: happy :D

[sammich]

We're all missing the point that Apple never jumps too far ahead on technology. Something as gimmicky as a mini projector would never make it into an Apple product.

[Robbadore64]

Why?

[techfreak85]

that would be so cool.
/drool

[peterdevries]

We're all

We're all? Haven't you read any posts above yours? I see very little people here believing this rumor.

[juststranded]

No. Simply no.

MAYBE they'll release a bluetooth or wifi "pocket" projector where you can use the iphone as a content source and remote. I seriously doubt it though. I don't really have to explain. Just look at Apple's product line. Past and present. This just isn't true.

(and then in September they'll release it and I'll feel like an idiot)

[donotswallow]

I bet it's related to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ-VjUKAsao

[InTheUnion]

iProd - jector :D

Maybe it'd be something that connects to iTunes, like an iPod for movies.

[imwoblin]

...Written by someone who doesn't understand Apple or the level of quality of these micro projectors. Tiny projectors have a useless 10 or 20 lumens and a very small projection area. No way Apple would spare precious space inside the iPhone for this highly unnecessary poorly functioning feature less than half of their customers would ever have an interest in.

The key word here is "devices". I've demoed Pico projectors and they are indeed very cool, given a light controlled room. I can see this as an add-on device to the iPhone/iTouch and or most likely built in to the high end Pro notebooks.

[tjcampbell]

Sweet. Sold. Can I buy it now please?

[chaosbringer]

It would be cool, projecting something on a wall or a blank space in order to watch a movie, tv show, podcast,... but... will it fit the current iphone size? and most importantly, BATTERY, i imagine that thing sucking up juice like there was no tomorrow :confused:

[peterdevries]

or most likely built in to the high end Pro notebooks.

I don't even see this happening. I give presentations regularly and very rarely do I get to sit or put my laptop opposite of the screen. This would just not be very convenient to use in a business setting.

It makes sense that these pico projectors are stand alone devices. I cannot see Apple stepping into this business or putting it into their devices.

If they do, than I will eat my words, shoes and hat (I don't own a hat, but I would buy one to eat it..) and put it on Youtube.

[Philoman]

Looks like there is already that you can connect to devices.

Now if Apple can make one that really works and looks neat that would be cool.

This banner was on the footer of this forum.

http://www.aaxatech.com/products/kp190.htm?gclid=CMr6hPWpwZsCFSMSagod0m9BAg

[MiRAGe]

This of course will not make it into the next iPhone / iPod touch (as common sense dictates) ..

However there will most likely be a phone one day that will be presented with great pride, all of its features work smoothly, it really has the 'wow' factor.

Until, at the day of the release, they forgot to put a 'call'-functionality in there. I promise, this sounds strange right now but it WILL happen!! :D It's kindda like how they 'forgot' to put copy/paste functionality in the iPhone.

[Ntombi]

it seems something that would make more sense as an accessory, rather than a built in feature.

Agreed. I don't buy it either.

[4np]

Interesting development and definately useful as well. If this is indeed going to happen I can foresee and Keynote application to project a keynote / powerpoint presentation so you can have presentations on the go. Also, projecting your photographs and videos seems like an ideal feature. Of course projecting a movie might be cool as well :)

Some people here say it should be optional, but I'm sure this does fit in the 'one in all device' the iPhone definately is going to be.... I hope it does indeed happen this year, but it could very well be the case as the 3Gs is not a very dramatic improvement hardware wise. They could have already spent much of their R&D time into incorporating a micro projector...

I wonder when the software references to the micro projectors will pop up :)

BS apple would never do this unless the technology allows it to be as small as the current camera.

What makes you think it won't be as small? The fact that you don't yet see these small projectors doesn't mean they aren't there :)

[Tilpots]

Looking forward to it. This could be really cool. No omore crowding round or passing round the phone. Just beam the image onto something. Many possible uses for business or pleasure.

Love how people here routinely don't want new features. Sounds like the people who didn't want the iPhone to get a GPS. Kills the battery... Takes up too much space... Technology isn't there yet... Blah, blah, blah. Progress. Who needs it?:D

[nagromme]

Very cool! But not widely useful enough to add much bulk/cost.

So I say, add it after micro-projectors reach a second generation, and everything's that much smaller and cheaper!

[Mattie Num Nums]

This could be Apples attempt/chance to take a huge chunk of the BB business population.

[iMacmatician]

Looking forward to it. This could be really cool. No omore crowding round or passing round the phone. Just beam the image onto something. Many possible uses for business or pleasure.Definitely. Even better if it came onto the notebooks too.

Love how people here routinely don't want new features. Sounds like the people who didn't want the iPhone to get a GPS. Kills the battery... Takes up too much space... Technology isn't there yet... Blah, blah, blah. Progress. Who needs it?:DHaha yeah. I'm sure there are many other examples.

[koollectablz]

All you'd need then is one of those laser projectred keyboards out the bottom and its a fully functional laptop.

I'm in.

[Fender321]

Speculation is fun!

What about a tablet with a projector? One of the biggest problems with a tablet is that you either have to hold it with one hand while interacting or lie it flat on a desk and hurt your neck.

So let's say you set it flat on your desk, the screen becomes a full keyboard, and it projects a little monitor onto the wall. Sounds good to me!

[Blue Fox]

Honestly, is there really a "need" for a built-in projector? An accessory I can see, and it would be cool for some, but I don't need to be carrying around a portable projector in my phone. That's just a little silly.

[MacTheSpoon]

Sounds pretty unlikely as a feature for this year. Maybe next year.

[JayMan8081]

I'm not sure that we'd see this included this year but it would be just another reason for me to want an iPhone. The coolness factor would be unbelievable!

[Full of Win]

Pointless without a porn app for the iPhone. Granted though; the new screen coating is a step in the right direction for this particular application.

[ImNoSuperMan]

:eek:Ri-dic-u-lous. Period.

[farmboy]

...Written by someone who doesn't understand Apple or the level of quality of these micro projectors. Tiny projectors have a useless 10 or 20 lumens and a very small projection area. No way Apple would spare precious space inside the iPhone for this highly unnecessary poorly functioning feature less than half of their customers would ever have an interest in.

As others have said, getting the components in will be a problem with current sizes. However, I've seen the Microvision SHOW WX as a pocket-sized projector and the image is quite nice for up to about six feet wide, darkened room; it's a laser projector. If you're a videophile, it's probably not going to meet your expectations. That doesn't mean it's useless. It's not a substitute for a $3000 projector. If it's suitable for small conference room projection for presentations, and from the demos I've seen it is, it's very useful for sales, teaching, etc. I'd buy the Show WX right now if it was available.

[iphones4evry1]

Whenever we want to read a news article or webpage, instead of squinting at the small screen, we can project it onto a white wall and read it, or maybe project it onto a white desk or table top to read (it would be like a full-size computer monitor. Awesome. :)

[gan6660]

Maybe this isnt for the ipod/iphone at all but more for the tablet apple has to be making.

[queshy]

I'm willing to bet a lot of $ that Apple won't be putting micro projectors into the iPod touch for at least 5 years.

[sk8mash]

This would be sweet on a MacBook Pro.

[revs]

Please God No!

Kids playing music full blast from tinny mobile speakers are bad enough - but with a projector I can only imagine the annoyance they will be!

I foresee lots of Porn and crappy Music videos being projected everywhere!

[sk8mash]

I foresee lots of Porn...being projected everywhere!

Awesome:p

[muldul]

People are being so negative about this, this is like back when cameras first came out in mobile phones. People hated the idea, saying it would reduce battery life, and who would really need a camera in their phone - it was just a gimmick. Now look at it, nearly every phone on the market has a video camera, or at the very least a photo capable camera built in. This projector idea could end up being like the built in camera, a gimmick at first, but eventually, every phone will have one, and people use them as part of every day life.

[Abstract]

^^^There's a difference between a camera and projector for most people, particularly with regards to usefulness.


No more gimmicks. Just improve the OS.


It may sound cool, but if it was on your phone, I doubt even a small fraction of people would use it. I don't see the point. It wouldn't be bright enough anyway. And even if it was bright enough to be useful, and they implemented it quite well, I still don't see the actual purpose of having it.

Camera? Yes.
GPS? Why not?
Projector? Why?

[bruinsrme]

So pointless in a phone and especially pointless in an iPod.

Build it into a notebook and we'll talk.

Agree with that.

Seems like there is so much focus ipods and phones it seems laptops are being neglected

[fastbite]

No.

[sushi]

Don't see it happening. More cons than pros by a longshot.

Now an external projector made to work with the iPhone/iPod touch, sure. That makes sense with the current state of technology.

[gan6660]

Agree with that.

Seems like there is so much focus ipods and phones it seems laptops are being neglected

Seeing that the iPods have really made Apple what it is today I think they are going to want a big update this year since that years only added a speaker and volume controls.

P.S. What I said about making Apple what it is today the ipods made people who would never even look at a Mac go and try one just by seeing how great the ipod is.

[digitalpencil]

Agreed - as a dock attachment, I could totally see it, and it'd be very cool and useful.

As an integrated part of the phone that uses a ton of power and adds considerable bulk? No.

Phazer

My thoughts exactly, given the footprint of Samsung's first device and that Apple have had to strip down the battery size in the 3GS to accommodate increased component size, I wouldn't expect to see this integrated into the iPhone casing anytime soon. As a 3rd-party add-on running through the iPhone connector, perhaps.. but not from apple.

[PinkyMacGodess]

This is rather a stupid idea...

Anything that small would be a crappy projector. Why not put video out jacks on the damn things instead.

Think about it... You would need a seeing eye dog to tell you what the hell was on the screen. This sounds like so much BS. Like the 'pulsing Apple icon' on the back of the 3gs that was rabidly bandied about before the launch.

Such a projector would be almost worthless except in a pitch black room with a pristine white reflective surface to project on. I predict this is yet another false Apple rumour to distract people... Move along. Move along. These aren't the droids you're looking for...

[PinkyMacGodess]

Although there is a company called 'Microvision (http://www.microvision.com/pico_projector_displays/)' that makes 'pico projectors' that can be embedded...

[exit]

The technology looks pretty cool and has the potential for lower power consumption compared to other micro projection technologies, but until LED/Laser light sources improve their power efficiency by at least an order of magnitude, the overall power consumption of the projection system will still be dominated by that of the light source rather than what type of imager is used.

I've been using my LCoS based AAXA Pico Projector (http://www.aaxatech.com/products/kp190.htm) since the beginning of this year and while it's not going to replace a full-size projector, it's been a great accessory for impromptu presentations and watching videos when I'm on the go. I'm looking forward to micro projection technology improving significantly over the next couple of years. Who would say no to being able to view/share pictures and videos on a larger scale than a ~3" screen?

[Mr. Monsieur]

The point is that this is where the iPhone is headed...it seems pretty much inevitable.
The next step, of course, is to incorporate this:

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

into the iPhone...then you've got a full-sized keyboard and screen that fit in your pocket. As always, Apple is aiming for a non-visible spot above the clouds...

[dextertangocci]

What a stupid idea.

[iphones4evry1]

Don't see it happening. More cons than pros by a longshot.

Now an external projector made to work with the iPhone/iPod touch, sure. That makes sense with the current state of technology.

Right now, I think they are just researching the idea. They are just experimenting in their labs to see if it could even work. They are just as unsure as us, but they figure they might at least try it. The problem I see here is overheating issues. Normal tabletop projectors get VERY hot and have large cooling fans.

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181276&d=1246895845

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0907/14/iphone-steve-jobs.jpg

[Warbrain]

Right now, I think they are just researching the idea. They are just experimenting in their labs to see if it could even work. They are just as unsure as us, but they figure they might at least try it. The problem I see here is overheating issues. Normal tabletop projectors get VERY hot and have large cooling fans.

http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=181276&d=1246895845

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0907/14/iphone-steve-jobs.jpg

And we don't have enough heat issues already...

[thevofl]

What a horrible idea. First, the device would need to be stable in order to see any level of detail. Second and even worse, another thing to be thrown on a movie screen in theaters.

[No Fleas]

http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/index.htm

[NinjaHERO]

Heck yeah, bring on the shadow puppet machine.

[Tilpots]

http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/index.htm

That is some cool technology! It's got a ways to go, but when its time comes, it will be a must have...

[akira2501]

something for the far future (3yrs) when these handhelds replace computers. It'll have 2 projectors; one for the screen and the other for a keyboard. or some other type of interface.

[haravikk]

I think it's more likely this may surface as an attachment; why build a projector into a phone, taking up extra space, generating extra heat etc., when very few people are actually going to use it? I mean what do you need a projector for really?

[ChromeAce]

The order Apple placed for these micro-projectors is not for the iPhone. It's for the iPad, the Mac tablet coming out before Xmas.

[iMacmatician]

Maybe this isnt for the ipod/iphone at all but more for the tablet apple has to be making.I too think it's more likely for a (mini-)tablet…

[iSee]

This seems very unlikely.

Micro-projector technology would have to be pretty mature to make it into iPhones/iPods. It couldn't add bulk and would have to work decently.

Realistically, a micro-projector will entail significant tradeoffs at least for several years into the future so the only way Apple would add one to its phones/pods is if the market demanded it.

[anubis]

It will be a cold day in hell when the iPhone or iPod incorporates a built-in projector by the end of the year. Those micro projectors have a lot of problems: they are ******** DIM and you can't see anything unless the room is dark and you're 2 feet from the surface. They eat through battery and could probably discharge the iPhone's battery in a matter of an hour or two. They're extremely bulky by iPhone standards. I have a REALLY hard time with this Digitimes report and anyone who thinks microprojector tech is mature enough for the iPhone needs to have their head examined

By the way, to everyone who says overheating will be an issue. It will not. Microprojectors like this already exist and overheating is not a concern. Large projectors use discharge lamps that take hundreds of watts. Microprojectors use white LEDs which are comparatively much cooler. The problem is that LEDs have about a million of the light output as a discharge lamp and so their usage possibilities remain extremely limited

[gkarris]

Nokia touted it in the movie "The Island"...

[Pooshka]

Don't tell me there's gonna be another iPhone this year!!!! :mad:

I've just sold my iPhone 3G for $400 and upgraded to iPhone 3GS.

[loesjoel]

Built in projector, huh?

I imagine that'd be pretty fun for gaming if the iPod/iPhone were ever to have a great wireless controller peripheral. Otherwise, I can't really see the point. It'd probably inflate the retail cost of the hardware too much for the average user to want it.

[NT1440]

Anyone ever been using their iphone and have that quick super pissed off moment where you drop to your knees and holler "WHY DOESN'T THIS HAVE A PROJECTOR!?!?!?!?!"


Yea, me either. :rolleyes:

[Mike Teezie]

"Help me Obi-Wan Kanobi, you're our only hope........"

[iAlexG]

That would be great. I would use it a lot.

[rye9]

I think we'll finally see a built in radio tuner before we see something like this.

[Nitrocide]

This is the dumbest thing ive ever heard, obviously its never going to happen, there probably will be an adaptor by some company to do this but it just makes no sense otherwise, how is this page 1?

[MacDaddy901]

Pico projectors need to come along way before I would actually find them useful in an iPhone.

[SleepyHead157]

This would be great but adding extra weight to the iphone won't happen. Apple is all about sleek designs, and if a bulky micro projector comes in the way then Steve Jobs won't let it happen. Now if there was a way to maintain similar size and weight, then yeah it'd definitely be a welcomed feature

[Stately]

I would only really want this if it was implemented very well. Fortunately, Apple has a lot of good insight about when to implement maturing technologies without cheapening the product.

Correct. Contrary to the nay sayers, it is a great idea. If what we really want to achieve is a "do everything device," that we can use to transport, send, receive and edit all types of data and on top of that make it simple to do, all while maintaining quality, then why would adding a projector be a ridiculous idea? The only thing that I see as ridiculous still, is the fact that iphone owners are still stuck with an abusive carrier. :(

[ULFoaf]

doesn't seem like it to me.

[Bubba Satori]

What a stupid idea.

Yes.

Forget that junk and start putting HDMI and BD on the computers. Jeebus. :rolleyes:

[Nitrocide]

begining to think someone just misheard and it was infact "apple to add microprocessors"

[Stately]

I'll never understand why there are so many negative views when there are some really great innovations ahead, that could change our lives. Could it be that some wish they had invented the iphone themselves? LOL I don't get it, I'm dumbfounded at the constant hate. The funny thing is some of these same people laughed at the people who were standing in line for the very first iphone and then jumped on the bandwagon once they realized what everyone on line already knew by observing and thinking beforehand. These are also some of the same people who think the truly ridiculous ideas, like creating an iphone nano actually make one iota of sense. I'm sorry, I'm not one to be combative, but maan. . it seems every time Apple starts to innovate, there is so much hate in some of the comments I see. Just make sure you stay home when Apple products are released from now on, so the lines will be nice and short LOL. :D

[Diseal3]

And when the bulb goes out?

[NT1440]

I'll never understand why there are so many negative views when there are some really great innovations ahead, that could change our lives. Could it be that some wish they had invented the iphone themselves? LOL I don't get it, I'm dumbfounded at the constant hate. The funny thing is some of these same people laughed at the people who were standing in line for the very first iphone and then jumped on the bandwagon once they realized what everyone on line already knew by observing and thinking beforehand. These are also some of the same people who think the truly ridiculous ideas, like creating an iphone nano actually make one iota of sense. I'm sorry, I'm not one to be combative, but maan. . it seems every time Apple starts to innovate, there is so much hate in some of the comments I see. Just make sure you stay home when Apple products are released from now on, so the lines will be nice and short LOL. :D

Whats innovative about something as useless as a pico projector? These are PMP's, projecting aint very personal. These have already been in a few phones now, and they are literally like bricks.

[DELLsFan]

... Introduction of a new iPhone containing a micro projector by the end of this year would also be a significant deviation from Apple's usual product cycle that has seen the company release new iPhone models on a yearly basis each June or July...

You think? :rolleyes:

Apple has about as much of chance to deviate from the product cycle of the iPhone for this gadget as they do in licensing OS X to Psystar and other hardware vendors. Though I am looking forward more to the latter than this nonsense of a micro-projector. :p

[nitramwin]

i will definitely buy the shuffle if it has a projector;)

[Vulcan]

Well, as an owner of three iPods, I can confidently say I never said to myself "gosh, I wish I had a projector right now" while using one.

[elppa]

The two things which distinguish an iPhone from a Mac of 9-10 years ago are that the screen real estate is much smaller and there is no physical keyboard.

Hardware performance is roughly the same, if not a little better on the iPhone in some areas.

The projector would address the screen real estate issue, grab a bluetooth wireless keyboard and your all set!

[Gravity]

The technology may be going that way... and Apple may find a use for the technology... but it won't be on the iPhone.

What a stupid thing to expect. If we can't reasonably expect an LED flash bulb for the camera, what makes ANYONE think we'd get a video projector???

It's not even worth speculating about.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

I would like to see what this really means.

There hasn't been a projector I have met which was worth more than hand full of pennies. Projection TVs-garbage. Video projectors-laughable. Xenon bulb movie projectors-good enough, but touchy and have troubles lurking up constantly needing persistent maintenance.

You CLEARLY have never looked at very many projectors because your statements are laughable. I've got a Panasonic PT-AX100U 720P projector and 93" screen and I'm sitting a mere 8 feet away and it's simply gorgeous looking. Yes, you need to control the lighting in the room for an optimum picture, but it's a small price to pay for a theater sized picture with HD clarity. The newer 1080P projectors only emphasize that fact even more. If you think projectors look like crap, then you've never seen a proper setup with a quality projector. PERIOD. Do yourself a favor and go to a high-end home theater store and ask to see a quality unit in action with something like a Blu-Ray movie. I've seen better pictures than many movie theaters using film.

No, you probably won't get that experience with a $299 special at Best Buy and looking at a projected image at something like a Buffalo Wild Wings is NOT a good gauge AT ALL (typically horrible looking at bars locally which clearly do not have proper setups or feed signals). My projector was a bargain at the time at $1600 after rebate and is now cheaper yet, with 1080P units coming down quickly in price (some now becoming available under $2000). But to be quite frank, it's these ignorant statements about products that spread misinformation about great products.

[Goona]

This is the silliest idea I've ever heard, no way Apple is doing this.

[Stately]

Whats innovative about something as useless as a pico projector? These are PMP's, projecting aint very personal. These have already been in a few phones now, and they are literally like bricks.

It's innovative in the sense that we are not stagnant. The iphone doesn't have a projector now. However, the iphone may soon have a projector. We are moving forward, which is a good thing. As far as quality, it might not be the BEST when it comes out, but it might be there is what I'm saying hence the innovation. As we already know, Apple usually takes time to find faults that are preexisting in an area, work on them, perfect them even and then make it theirs and deliver a good product to us. With that understanding, I think I can say that Apple won't put out garbage and that any offering that we do see in the future will be pretty decent, if not having the ability to provide somewhat of a wow factor. As far as use, I think it would be great to be able to quickly whip out a presentation or sit with the family or some friends wherever to have a few quick laughs or to share memories. People need to think of different aspects of use and the the possibilities of a certain thing before getting too excited about it or denying it's usefulness, you know?

[NewSc2]

help me obi-wan kenobi.. you're my only hope

[deconstruct60]

. Normal tabletop projectors get VERY hot and have large cooling fans.


In part , that is because they can project images at 2,000-3,000 lumens. (and in part because using Xenon/Incandescent bulbs.) These things do 10-12 lumens. A normal projector you can leave the lights up enough so that folks can take notes and see other people in the room. These things you have to make the room much darker to get the similar brightness if the content being projected has any subtlety in the color range.

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_(unit)

23 watt compact fluorescent lamp emits roughly 1500 to 1700 lm

which is about the same as a 100W incandescent bulb. So this thing is 100x dimmer than the classic 100W bulb. If the curtains are open and it is a sunny day... you're not going to see much.

Much closer to those pocket 2 AA battery LED flashlights. They work great in the dark.


Presentations with very high contrast (e.g, very dark backgrounds and white text) and basic pie/line charts with very basic, highly separated primary colors can get past the washed out images.

[8CoreWhore]

Foxcon is probably using disinformation. NO WAY Apple is planning this - but Foxcon wants to scare other handset makers into signing on to this.

[deconstruct60]

That's a laser-based projector, so it's always in focus ... (the distance from the surface and the size of the screen are on a 1:1 ratio, so if you position it 100" from the surface you're projecting onto, you get a 100" display)


It is fixed focus because the lens is fixed focus. Laser as a light source does impact focus significantly.

Good luck projecting 100" with 10-15 lumens in a normally lit room. Never mind it being unobstructed 100" in normal conference room from the surface you can put the projector onto.

[scaredpoet]

No, you probably won't get that experience with a $299 special at Best Buy

...and you WON'T get it with current microprojector technology, either. And the technology certainly will not have advanced enough to get a decent one in an iPhone by the end of this year.

This rumor is either a horrible misfire by the "source," or Steve's meds for his new liver are making him incredibly loopy to even consider this.

[djdole]

More rumor-mill fodder that won't happen. :rolleyes:

[branjosef]

That would be too cool! Then I could watch all my porn on the bus seat in the morning. Of course I would be considerate and wear headphones.

[ctdonath]

And when the bulb goes out?

There is no "bulb". Solid-state laser should outlast your use of the device.

i will definitely buy the shuffle if it has a projector

Ya know, that's brilliant!

[Stately]

That would be too cool! Then I could watch all my porn on the bus seat in the morning. Of course I would be considerate and wear headphones.

Alright, don't say anything when you wake up on the floor of the bus to an old lady standing over you with a pocketbook full of bricks lol. :D

[deconstruct60]

Foxcon is probably using disinformation. NO WAY Apple is planning this - but Foxcon wants to scare other handset makers into signing on to this.

Foxlink didn't say they were doing this. The actual quote from the article is:


developing the products in cooperation with a handset client


Working with handset vendors could be an "add on"/"clip on". The 'source' that stated all the major players are delivering headsets with this stuff in it this year is much more likely to be some "industry analyst". (who, surprise, is probably wrong. )

Besides size it would also have to be very inexpensive not to significantly increase the costs. I think what folks are looking at is that many of the other components (cpu/screen/jacks) are already there (compared to the Samsung offering).

Would be plain awkward to put into an iPhone. If put on the back with the camera lens then would need a stand to project. If can't just place it on the table, by itself, and use .... need an accessory anyway. That's way the other pico projectors are rectangle boxes can just place on the table. Thick enough so that the lens drives the height of the box. On a phone that makes no sense. Who is going to 'hold' a projector for a presentation??? Think about that. Temporarily hold a phone for a snapshot? Sure. But for a whole presentation?

That is exactly the kind of gaget freak idea would expect from an "industry analyst". For real world situations (15-55 minute presentations) ... makes no sense.

[Nausicaa]

I could see many useful applications of a projector in the iPhone. For sharing media (movies, powerpoint, etc.) with groups it would be perfect. However, I agree that it doesn't seem like the technology has advanced along enough to make it into even a novel feature. It would need to project to a variety of sizes and in well lit rooms to be functional. And properly incoporating it into a phone seems like it would take years of R&D.

A bluetooth video feed or some way to attach the iPhone to a wide variety of external displays would be just as useful, and probably more likely.

[mrboult]

Just a thought. But has anyone ever seen those projected keyboards that work with a sensor to allow one to type on them? They do exist as I've used one a few years back. Could this be the answer to those who hate the small keyboard on the iPhone? The projection quality and power could be low and still achieve this goal.

[Zonz]

As soon as the technology develops to be small enough to be practically fit inside a device like the iphone, something like

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

could be an amazing when it has a realistic price point.

Don't forget that a micro projector that you can carry with you has a million realistic applications when the technology gets there. Maybe we'll eventually get rid of the screen all together and just have a 32GB nano and interactive ipods on all of our hands!

Minority Report and then some :cool:

[dasikes]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

No. But I have missed ridiculous rumors like this!

[Roller]

I can see where a projector might come in handy from time to time, but it had better be accompanied by a leap in battery capacity to be practical.

[jds4300]

Well let's explore this idea. It has been two years since the iPhone surfaced and we FINALLY have cut and paste, voice dialing, video recording ability, and the ability to text a picture ("later this summer"). Wow these are great OLD innovations that should have been included from DAY ONE! And now comes this IDIOTIC RUMOR of a micro projector for the iPhone. The iPhone is finally near perfect and the gold standard in the smartphone category. Apple would NEVER implement such a stupid, nearly useless function (micro projector) into the iPhone! Any Mac iChat user would agree however, that iChat impementation would make perfect sense! Still APPLE, with the release of 3.0 software has dramatically raised the bar WELL above any smartphone on the market. Bravo!

[GimmeSlack12]

This is a better idea than the video conferencing rumor.

[Badandy]

Is this what MacRumors doles out as rumor now? Pathetic.

This should be on page 2.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A341 Safari/528.16)

This could possibly be very useful in the business world. Should be an interesting development to keep an eye on.

[VenusianSky]

These phone image projectors have been in the works for some time. I think Samsung or LG had one at CES. It is marketed for looking at picutres and maybe video. As long as it doesn't had more bulk to the iphone, I would see this as a plus. Obviously it will use more battery, but so does the GPS and watching movies.

[neutrino23]

Unless there has been a breakthrough I haven't heard of I think the technology is not quite there yet. Eventually this will be possible with a very small device. The devices I've seen have been a bit bulky and too low resolution to be useful. It is almost a certainty that first we'll see tiny pocket-sized projectors before built in ones.

I doubt we'll see anything really useful at more than about a 20" display, but if that were implemented with decent resolution it would be very helpful. I can see giving presentations to small groups on the spur of the moment. Set up a small screen, pull out something like the Crabble folding stand and away you go. Similarly, in the hotel room I can watch a movie or just surf the web. This is the key technology needed to turn the iPhone into a laptop replacement.

[puffnstuff]

Stupid idea? Yes.

Implausible because the technology is not there yet? No.

Samsung i7410 has been out for a while.

[840quadra]

I really don't see any value in this. Unless the projector has an ultra bright, low heat, and low draw lamp, I see this more as a gimmick than anything else.

I can barely see the benefit of a 2 or 3 Megapixel camera, let alone a dim projector with low resolution.

http://forums.macrumors.com/image.php?u=47064&dateline=1165207334&type=profile

[windywoo]

Are the people saying they see no need for a projector on a phone the same people who saw no need for a camera once upon a time? I think a projector on a phone would be great, provided it doesn't get too big and is bright enough. That remains to be seen.

But as far as rumours go this seems to be far fetched one.

[Zaci]

"Why would you need a really crappy projector in a phone/portable media player, seriously, the whole in built projector thing is such a gimmick...""

The same reason you need a crappy built-in speaker on the iPhone, for casual events.

It would be cool though but I don't see it happening soon. As somebody said it before, maybe as an accessory - Cheers.

[macidiot]

Instead of this or a front facing camera, how about adding a freaking FLASH to the camera???? Is that too much to ask?

Apple should spend the $0.30 per phone it would cost to bring the iPhone up to 2005 standards.

[iPoodOverZune]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/07/06/apple-to-add-micro-projectors-to-iphone-and-ipod-touch/)

In a brief note, DigiTimes reports (http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090706PD205.html) that Taiwanese firm Foxlink is currently developing micro projectors for use in mobile phones, with Apple being one of the companies expected to launch devices with built-in projectors later this year.

Have you got blue-rays in your macs yet?! :rolleyes:

This is still very nascent. Hard to see it included in any apple device this year.

[iPhoneNYC]

I think it would be cool, but don't want to see extra bulk or weight so I don't see how that would happen. Maybe in the famed tablet?

[jbernie]

I would think there would be more use in having projectors support BT/WiFi and then just having the iPhone, iPod Touch connecting that way, or the link someone already showed which had a USB connection on it and you can use your white USB cable.

Including a projector which is more business than consumer into a product like these is of debatable use. Of course then there is the need to get to the content of the power point file etc anyway. Right now you would need to access it via a webpage or an email. Sounds like a lot of hassle.

[TogetherinParis]

The iPhone and iPod projectors should not be integral to the unit, but should be independent bluetooth items. That way you can hold your iPod in your hands and have a separate projector like normal. You could have a 'reverse' projector function to enable HUD displays for your windshield for GPS functions and rear-view cameras (also bluetooth and mounted off the unit). Multiple cameras and multiple projectors to provide instant information for safety applications, for parenting, this would open up the whole world. :cool:

[Master Chief]

These devices are getting so much stuff in them, it's amazing they can all fit in. What will be added next.
Pretty amazing indeed, but don't forget the 30 pins connector since that is even more interesting – I personally can't wait for the day that iAED (Automated External Defibrillator) and other interesting stuff gets approved (both hardware and software).

Now back to the projector, which can be quite helpful to the US Military since they are using both the iPod and the iPhone (mostly for translations (http://www.vcom3d.com/vcommunicator.php) and gestures) but me personally? I don't have use for it.

Apple introducing a new iPod Touch with a projector for the general public? Nah... I don't think so.

[toptekjon]

BS

apple would never do this unless the technology allows it to be as small as the current camera. even then it would be a waste of space and battery because 99% of customers would never use it.

more likely the "projector" is a simple flash for the camera.


I think a lot of people would use this, if shown how easy it is to do. Any one that travels would love to be able to throw a movie up on a 50+ inch screen in a hotel room without having to pay the hotel extra money.
Guaranteed it would be a killer, widely used feature.

The other guarantee, is that there's no way in hell it's coming to the iphone or ianything this year. 2 years from now, MAYBE, but the mini projectors are still HUGE in terms of trying to fit one in an ipod/iphone.

Not gonna happen...yet.

[eawmp1]

The HOUR after this debuts, the first thread titled "My battery drops 1% a second - I can only give a 1 min 40 sec Keynote presentation on a single charge" will pop up! :D

[MacFly123]

Apple will not refresh the iPhone until next June 2010. Now maybe this could be built into the tablet? :eek:

I think it would be pretty cool and convenient at times and I can see this kind of technology becoming common place with mobile devices or something like it.

What if they did a touch interface on the screen of the iPhone like the new Apple TV Remote App and projected a big screen with the actual GUI, you could do some really cool stuff with that! :D

I wonder about holding the device and having a big projection shaking all over though. Might need a stand or something, but there would always be times when you are just holding it and a big image would be wobbling everywhere and that would be very annoying!

[kdarling]

Stupid idea? Yes.

Implausible because the technology is not there yet? No.

Samsung i7410 has been out for a while.

Once you see it in action (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2S6MndJz4A), you start to think of uses.

But yeah, I can't see Apple sticking one on every phone, not for a long time to come.

[fef714]

This is not happening, or at least I hope not... :confused:

[sushi]

PICO projectors are barely usable. Low illumination. Run warm to hot. Low resolution.

At this time, Apple is not going to include a projector, with the technology available today, in an iPhone.

Not. Going. To. Happen.

Now a few years down the road as the technology matures, then sure we may see some sort of projector included.

[NT1440]

You know whats sad, next year after the next revision THIS will be one of the things those genuinely "outraged" crybabies will complain about simply because of crap rumors like this.

[twoodcc]

i would love to see this. i don't think we'll see a new iphone anytime soon, but maybe on a new ipod touch

[sushi]

You know whats sad, next year after the next revision THIS will be one of the things those genuinely "outraged" crybabies will complain about simply because of crap rumors like this.
Unfortunately, you are probably correct. :(

i would love to see this. i don't think we'll see a new iphone anytime soon, but maybe on a new ipod touch
The iPod touch is thinner than the iPhone.

Doubt we would see it on the touch before we would see it on the iPhone.

While I would love to see it, with today's technology, we will not see a PICO projector included in the iPhone in this year.

[Blakjack1013]

"Why would you need a really crappy projector in a phone/portable media player, seriously, the whole in built projector thing is such a gimmick... "

Me personally, i hate when people wanna look at my phone, so this would be perfect for me. If i want someone to see a picture or a youtube video, i could easily throw that bad boy on the wall so everyone could see it

I could also see a powerpoint presentation or somethin being given from an iphone. Its better than lugging a laptop around. Great for college stdents when doing projects, reports, etc.

It could also be a great way to play a game on your iPhone. Imagine playing a first person shooter game being projected on the wall. Makes gaming even more exciting.

[NXTMIKE]

This isn't needed by really anyone, IMO. There are many other features that could be implemented, that are more important.

I'd rather see a 3+ mp camera than a 1.5 mp camera and micro projector.

[NXTMIKE]

It could also be a great way to play a game on your iPhone. Imagine playing a first person shooter game being projected on the wall. Makes gaming even more exciting.

but then whenever you move the iPhone, the whole projected screen will move. Are there any third party companies that already make a plug-in projector for the iPhone? That would be cool if they did.

[sushi]

Are there any third party companies that already make a plug-in projector for the iPhone? That would be cool if they did.
Yep. Google is your friend.

[MagnusVonMagnum]

You know whats sad, next year after the next revision THIS will be one of the things those genuinely "outraged" crybabies will complain about simply because of crap rumors like this.

So if someone doesn't think like you do, they're a crybaby, eh? Should I be surprised around here? Pathetic. :rolleyes:

[CJYetman]

Pico projectors are coming to all sorts of handheld devices, including cell phones, iPhones, and iPods.... whether you like it or believe it or not....

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

and it's closer than you think.

[japeurotrash]

It would be nice if it could double as a flash for the camera., that way I know it would really be useful!

[Bodypainter]

i can't believe that. first, apple doesn't even build an ordinary microphone into the ipod touch, and now they shoud add a projector to it? i can't believe it...

[puffnstuff]

but then whenever you move the iPhone, the whole projected screen will move. Are there any third party companies that already make a plug-in projector for the iPhone? That would be cool if they did.

tons of companies do. I think this one is pretty cool
http://gizmodo.com/5302942/mili-pro-turns-your-iphone-into-a-projector/gallery/

[akbc]

Make it a little big(ger) than the ones built into the phones nowadays, so that it's actually usable.

Then make it into a separate accessory that connects to the pin connectors on iPod Touch's and iPhones. Then we'll see...:)

iPhones looking like the Haptic Beam (http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i7410-2698.php) will NOT be pleasant at all.... UGLY.

[chadley_chad]

Why is this even up for debate ... why are all you fans even bothering to make your 'Oooo what a great idea, I cant wait' comments? Its totally absurb to assume we're gonna see projectors in iPhones later this year when Apple cant even produce a phone with a decent camera! And dont get me started re iMacs lagging behind the industry when it comes to processors; or netbooks (and the infamous tablet you've been banging on about for over a year now!)

Honestly, these days (unlike the past), Apple are far from innovative. Good at redesigning the way we use items yes, but innovative and leaders in the field ... certainly not. Chances of seeing a built in projector ... yeah, ok, and I'll have mine with the optional 3D screen!!!!

[Winni]

Why would you need a really crappy projector in a phone/portable media player, seriously, the whole in built projector thing is such a gimmick...

No, it is the future. They will also make projected keyboards usable, so in a few years you will be carrying a complete 'desktop computer' with the size of your current mobile phone with you.

The question is, though, if these things will still be able to make phone calls. ;-)

[Winni]

Apple are far from innovative.

Of course they are not innovative - they're a corporation. Corporations don't innovate, they buy startups and other smaller companies with innovative products and then put their own label on them. And, as the article clearly says, it's not Apple who is producing those devices, it's a company that --might-- sell that product to Apple so that Apple can do 'the corporate thing' with it.

[Mal]

Of course they are not innovative - they're a corporation. Corporations don't innovate, they buy startups and other smaller companies with innovative products and then put their own label on them. And, as the article clearly says, it's not Apple who is producing those devices, it's a company that --might-- sell that product to Apple so that Apple can do 'the corporate thing' with it.

Wow, someone's got their definitions mixed up. Who says a corporation doesn't innovate? You know what the difference is between a "corporation" like Apple and the little businesses they buy up sometimes? Size. Not level of innovation, not ethics, not any of those things you seem to think the little guys are so much better at. Just size. Apple has provided a myriad of in-house innovations in addition to integrating the innovations of the companies they have bought or have partnered with over the last decade and before (last decade mostly though). You need to open your eyes and realize that your hatred of big corporations is being skewed by those that are just giant innovation crushers and that you're blinding yourself to the corporations that are actually pushing the industry along.

jW

[Gravity]

This is a better idea than the video conferencing rumor.

I disagree... handheld video conferencing, while premature, will be a popular and useful feature. Micro projectors have no place on the iPhone. A Notebook computer, however... sure. because people use video projectors for powerpoint presentations, etc. I could see a projector being placed on the back of a notebook's screen... or as a USB attachment, no bigger than a wireless internet card.

[VenusianSky]

The projected image size of what is being developed for these phones is very small. I would guess that they are using something like a single LED as the backlight (which LED just happens to be very low power and low heat). I don't think the projector on these phones are intended to be presentation grade, rather just for looking at pictures. A projector on a laptop of the same scale would be no problem, but who really wants that on a laptop when you have a 14"-17" screen. I would think a full presentation-size projector on a laptop would be difficult to produce considering that current presentation projectors have high intensity bulbs in them, in addition to the imaging chip (DLP/SXRD).

[Macrox]

If you're wondering about potential applications for a mini-projector in an iPhone, review this presentation... Amazing!

http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

[AndrewLGP]

That sounds kind of dumb to me and I don't think Apple will do anything like that. Apple themselves released a Keynote remote for the iPhone and Touch. Why would they want you to project your presentation from the device you use to control it. And even if you did use some other presentation software I imagine people might use their iPhone or Touch for notes.

Putting them in a Macbook would make much more sense to me.

[applepro123]

how useless
project a screen when im staring at one already.....
not to mention the battery power it would take

[armchar-rageboy]

Seems most of you on here are oblivious to Microvision's stand-alone laser-based ShowWX projector hitting the market this summer:
http://www.microvision.com/

Tested, demonstrated, deal signed with Corning for the green lasers, production ramping up. The PicoP display engine itself will have no trouble fitting into any number of applications (including iPods & iPhones), and will only get smaller and higher-res in the coming year. As it is now, it projects the best resolution available from PDA drivers (WVGA 848x480).

Also, since it "paints" images at 60 Hz (much like a CRT, but with a single MEM mirror) and only powers up the lasers as they are needed, the energy usage is suprisingly low compared with backlit LCD technology, and the "10 lumens" is deceptively understated (more like 10 lumens per pixel, however briefly). It is NOT "fixed focus" because there is no need to focus laser light, so NO LENSES. The image/movie can actually be projected uniformly "in-focus" onto curved surfaces (think faces on mannequins).

[mikecorp]

I would say, it would be quite useless to have a micro projector build in. who would use it?

I think GPS chip should be definitely in, otherwise it would be boring, and I will pass till next version.

Iphone sucks in Europe.

[kdarling]

If you're wondering about potential applications for a mini-projector in an iPhone, review this presentation... Amazing!

http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

Thanks. I liked the part with the info displayed on the student's chest.

There was a professor a few years ago who did the same kind of app, because he was bad at remembering people. But he projected the information inside his sunglasses instead, so no one would know. That's a better idea than a projector which everyone else can see, methinks :)

[MagnusVonMagnum]

how useless
project a screen when im staring at one already.....
not to mention the battery power it would take

Some people simply have little imagination as to what useful could mean to some users. For example, I store ALL of my scanned family photos in my iPod Touch (currently at 4000+ and counting). The ability to show some friends photos on a wall at their house in a dark room instead of a TINY little screen that's on the Touch...well that would be a cool thing indeed and far from useless as some suggest. If power drain is a problem, I tend to carry an AC adapter for recharging while traveling. Certainly, it would not be a problem to plug in an iPod Touch at someone's house, for example. One cannot rely on the internal battery alone in a product that doesn't have a changeable battery option and that seems to be the Apple is going for all their mobile products (personally I think it's stupid to do that, but then Apple does all kinds of stupid things all the time). A projector could be even more useful if the device weren't an active participant in operations (i.e. you move the thing and the display will vibrate at worst and move all over thep lace at worst). Hence, a plugin projector unit that is not directly plugged into the unit (i.e. have a cord or wireless transmission pod) is probably the best solution since it would allow you to move the iPod Touch or iPhone without disturbing the picture and it would then allow for a much larger internal power source.

If Apple wanted to add something truly useful to a future iPhone/Touch, they should add an IR transmitter. This would then easily allow an iPod Touch to function as a truly universal remote, operating on both WiFi devices like the AppleTV and Infrared ones like home theater receivers. I use my iPod Touch to control my whole house audio/video system. To be able to use it to control EVERTYHING in my whole house audio/video system would be sweet indeed and with the touch screen, it could easily be customized for any of your remotes in terms of layout. Of course, that's not the only thing I use it for and when you compare the price of high-end touch screen universal remote controls, it's actually quite reasonable for such uses even if you don't use it for music, movies or Internet.

I still don't know why Apple hasn't added the ability for the iPhone/Touch to act as an AirTunes device and be able to either stream music from your local house library to the device (so it doesn't have to store everything on it while your at home) or send music to other Airtunes devices directly from it to devices like AppleTV or the Airport Express, thus functioning as a wireless transmitter to your hub station. True, Apple wants to sell you a docking station, but in essence an AppleTV becomes the docking station as it won't work without such a device in that regard so Apple makes another big ticket sale to boot. Apple seems to have lost all imagination when it comes to little things like the above or perhaps they simply want to hold back such features for years to come. Otherwise, why would anyone ever buy a replacement (other than the battery issue which costs almost half as much as some new models).

[ratGT]

......Uhmmmmm.... Yah right!!!!
Apple didn't fall for the 5 & 8 megapixel crap (mobile-maker's top models with utterly useless multi-megapixel cameras), you think she would be tempted to cram in a... PROJECTOR?!?!?!?... For God's sake, picture the logic behind this before before you assume... b*llocks!

[ddrueckhammer]

Unless there is something I'm not seeing here, I don't see this coming to the iPhone/Touch anytime soon, if ever.

I would however, like to see an IR port on the end though so I can use my iPhone/iPod touch as a universal remote control. I have the $250 Logitech Harmony One and while it works good, it makes me push the help button just enough to make me wish there was another solution at a reasonable price.

[JoganJani]

Having a projector and a camera will open the doors to new interface as well. See this TED video on new interface.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ-VjUKAsao

[MagnusVonMagnum]

......Uhmmmmm.... Yah right!!!!
Apple didn't fall for the 5 & 8 megapixel crap (mobile-maker's top models with utterly useless multi-megapixel cameras)

You sound like you're pretty ignorant about digital cameras. My current Canon camera is 8 Megapixels and I could definitely use another 4-8 for cropping/zooming purposes. Certainly 8 is just acceptable for larger prints. The mere idea that 2 or 3 megapixels is good for more than just viewing on your computer is just plain ludicrous. The iPhone would GREATLY benefit from a 6-8 Megapixel camera, not to mention a flash.

[fun173]

i dont quite know if this would be crap but if it dident cost extra i would like it, seems fun to play with

[NT1440]

[QUOTE=ratGT;8039739]......Uhmmmmm.... Yah right!!!!
Apple didn't fall for the 5 & 8 megapixel crap (mobile-maker's top models with utterly useless multi-megapixel cameras)/QUOTE]

You sound like you're pretty ignorant about digital cameras. My current Canon camera is 8 Megapixels and I could definitely use another 4-8 for cropping/zooming purposes. Certainly 8 is just acceptable for larger prints. The mere idea that 2 or 3 megapixels is good for more than just viewing on your computer is just plain ludicrous. The iPhone would GREATLY benefit from a 6-8 Megapixel camera, not to mention a flash.

Lol if you think adding megapixels is going to make a mobile phone take great pictures you've fallen for the megapixel myth like so many others.

[Thex1138]

Just a link that I thought was interesting...
www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/NewsSearch.asp?DocID=PD000000000000000000000000010687&query=APPLE

[Mal]

......Uhmmmmm.... Yah right!!!!
Apple didn't fall for the 5 & 8 megapixel crap (mobile-maker's top models with utterly useless multi-megapixel cameras)

You sound like you're pretty ignorant about digital cameras. My current Canon camera is 8 Megapixels and I could definitely use another 4-8 for cropping/zooming purposes. Certainly 8 is just acceptable for larger prints. The mere idea that 2 or 3 megapixels is good for more than just viewing on your computer is just plain ludicrous. The iPhone would GREATLY benefit from a 6-8 Megapixel camera, not to mention a flash.

Without a good lens, the image quality would suffer greatly by increasing the resolution of the sensor. If the iPhone had a 6-8 megapixel camera with the current lens (or any lens that will reasonably fit on a phone), it would enhance every surface flaw in the lens and your photos would be grainier, with more variations in color and texture from the actual subject you are photographing. Be thankful Apple didn't try to do that. At best, they might pull off a 3 megapixel camera with the type of lens that will fit in an iPhone.

jW

[MagnusVonMagnum]

Without a good lens, the image quality would suffer greatly by increasing the resolution of the sensor. If the iPhone had a 6-8 megapixel camera with the current lens (or any lens that will reasonably fit on a phone), it would enhance every surface flaw in the lens and your photos would be grainier, with more variations in color and texture from the actual subject you are photographing. Be thankful Apple didn't try to do that. At best, they might pull off a 3 megapixel camera with the type of lens that will fit in an iPhone.

jW

So add a better lens along with the megapixels. What's the big deal? If I can get a semi-professional fully manual 12 megapixel Canon for under $150, I surely think Apple could manage a DECENT 5 or 6 Megapixel camera. As time goes on, high quality photos and video are only going to become more important. High Definition is the order of the day and 720P is going to be a bare minimum. The Japanese are already pushing forward with Super HD at 4x the definition of 1080P. VGA is looking kind of pathetic these days. And any camera that doesn't have a flash is going to suffer indoors where most photos are taken.

At the very least, Apple could offer a higher quality (albeit slightly pricier) iPhone for those that want to carry one device with them. And how about that forward facing camera for video conferencing Apple? iChat Mobile would be a force unto itself, but Apple continues to ignore their own technology. They can't even add a visualizer to AppleTV even years after its introduction. Let's face it. Apple just doesn't care about anything but a quick profit from the lowest common denominator. They'll drizzle a couple of wanted features with each succeeding iPhone model. Otherwise, you'd have no reason to ever want to upgrade. I figure the self-replaceable battery will appear in about 3 years, for instance.

[fletch33]

If Apple wanted to add something truly useful to a future iPhone/Touch, they should add an IR transmitter. This would then easily allow an iPod Touch to function as a truly universal remote, operating on both WiFi devices like the AppleTV and Infrared ones like home theater receivers. I use my iPod Touch to control my whole house audio/video system. To be able to use it to control EVERTYHING in my whole house audio/video system would be sweet indeed and with the touch screen, it could easily be customized for any of your remotes in terms of layout. Of course, that's not the only thing I use it for and when you compare the price of high-end touch screen universal remote controls, it's actually quite reasonable for such uses even if you don't use it for music, movies or Internet.


i have been waiting to get my hands on this (http://uiremote.wordpress.com/) but there havent been any updates lately that i have seen.

i just spent the weekend programming my Logitech IR remote to control Plex and EyeTV on my Mini as well as have it launch and close them and other programs. very handy.

IR is old true but works and i currently have it on my Receiver, DVD player, Mini's, Macbook's, and TV's.

i use my retired 2G iPhone around the house for remote desktop to my mac's, stream Pandora on my patio and as a remote for as much as i can but if there was an IR sender that i could plug into the headphones jack i would be all over it.

[kystocks]

Actually next year they will have 3D holographic projection so we can all walk around in a world of our choosing (tangerine trees and marmalade skies)! :rolleyes:

Yeah! The Beatles! Hopefully Paul will get the collection and bring it over to iTunes!

On micro projectors: I don't see the point unless you're going to a business meeting to give a presentation and realize "Oh crap! I didn't bring my projector!" And for some reason have you're whole powerpoint or whatever on your iPhone. Then you have to prop your phone up on something. After that you make your coworkers and bosses squint their eyes over and over to see what you're talking about.



Slot-Loading Blueberry iMac G3, 1st Generation Intel core duo 2.0ghz iMac 17", PowerBook G3, PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15", PowerBook 165, Preforma 575, 5th Generation U2 iPod, 1st Generation 1gb black iPod nano, Two 2nd Generation 1gb iPod shuffles (Blue & Silver), 2nd Generation iPod touch 16gb

[rockythenut]

The projector compared to a penny.

http://www.pcmag.com/image_popup/0,1871,iid=225219,00.asp

The projector in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBLMIa-_9mE

The lines in video are because the camera is out of sync with the projector. Much like when you film a TV.

[shadow1]

THis will not happen.

[sniper308]

I have an AAXA Pico projector:

http://www.aaxatech.com/products/kp190.htm

And I can tell you it is very unlikely that Apple is going to put this into the next generation Iphone. The micro projector being the size of a penny is BS, that is ONLY the optical portion of the projector which is just the lens + LED (or lasers or whatever) - you still need a controller and most importantly a battery source - and we all know the Iphones battery source is so phenomenal :rolleyes:

The AAXA pico projector uses a 1900mah 3.7V battery to make 12 lumens for an hour - anything under 10 lumens is worthless IMO. So even with a say a 500% efficiency improvement do you really think Apple is going to create some super battery to make this happen?

I'm willing to bet no.

[onehoop]

There will probably be another ipod touch refresh before the end of the year, but no iPhone update. Very cool link to the PicoP projector! I had assumed it would just be a red laser for keyboard projection, but they could do a whole 480P RGB! Still, the PicoP projector is like 3-4 times as big (read: thick) as the iTouch...

The micro-projectors in question are almost assuredly for the new netbook. Although the number being thrown around there is $800, and I can't see a giant iTouch_projector being offered for anything less than $1000?


M@

[branjosef]

I can see the commercials now

"Wouldn't it be cool to watch 2.5 minutes of your favorite coldplay music video on the dashboard of your prius while waiting for your life partner to finish planting that tree effectively reducing your carbon emissions by 2% -Well now you can. Introducing the all new iphone - with micro projector."


In really small print at the bottom of the screen "actual battery life may very"

[zahidraf]

That is cool, looks really impressive.

[armchar-rageboy]

sniper,
The AAXA has a constant 12-lumen, non-coherent light source distributed over the projection area. The PicoP has a variable (up to 10 lumen), coherent (3 lasers) light source that scans the entire projection area 60 times/sec, thereby creating the perception of a MUCH brighter picture with lower power consumption (lasers' power controls pixel intensity). Also, being made of coherent pixels, the image is always in focus and requires NO LENSES.

onehoop,
The PicoP (ShowWX) is mostly battery, and the electronics real estate will be MUCH smaller once embedded into the boards of existing products.

kystocks,
I still don't see the point of texting (one big marketing scam, IMHO), but young whipper-snappers just can't seem to get enough of it.

With the newly-minted (exclusive?) Corning contract for the green laser component, Max Display Enterprises (MEM manufacturer) buying 12% of Microvision, and multiple OEM's (including Foxlink) actively working on packaging Microvision's display engine into various applications, we WILL see pico-projectors not just as plug-n-play extensions, but as embedded features in the NEAR future. There is currently a race going on to be the first to realize economy of scale and become market leader. Personally, I won't be buying an iPhone or any little-screen, little-keyboard PDA until they have the capability of being a fully-functional, internet-connected pocket PC/MAC (even if slightly larger) with a full-sized, projected, interactive screen/keyboard ... and the technology is here NOW.
screen -- http://www.microvision.com/
interactivity -- http://www.lightblueoptics.com/index.htm (as an example only since the interactivity part is non-proprietary IR technology)

[monkeybear]

sniper,
The AAXA has a constant 12-lumen, non-coherent light source distributed over the projection area. The PicoP has a variable (up to 10 lumen), coherent (3 lasers) light source that scans the entire projection area 60 times/sec, thereby creating the perception of a MUCH brighter picture with lower power consumption (lasers' power controls pixel intensity). Also, being made of coherent pixels, the image is always in focus and requires NO LENSES.

onehoop,
The PicoP (ShowWX) is mostly battery, and the electronics real estate will be MUCH smaller once embedded into the boards of existing products.

kystocks,
I still don't see the point of texting (one big marketing scam, IMHO), but young whipper-snappers just can't seem to get enough of it.

With the newly-minted (exclusive?) Corning contract for the green laser component, Max Display Enterprises (MEM manufacturer) buying 12% of Microvision, and multiple OEM's (including Foxlink) actively working on packaging Microvision's display engine into various applications, we WILL see pico-projectors not just as plug-n-play extensions, but as embedded features in the NEAR future. There is currently a race going on to be the first to realize economy of scale and become market leader. Personally, I won't be buying an iPhone or any little-screen, little-keyboard PDA until they have the capability of being a fully-functional, internet-connected pocket PC/MAC (even if slightly larger) with a full-sized, projected, interactive screen/keyboard ... and the technology is here NOW.
screen -- http://www.microvision.com/
interactivity -- http://www.lightblueoptics.com/index.htm (as an example only since the interactivity part is non-proprietary IR technology)

Wait explain to me how a 10 lumen laser at 60hz is going to be better than a white LED at 120hz (AAXA) or RGB LED (3M Mpro120) at 240hz? The color gamut might be slightly better so it might APPEAR brighter, but it's still not going to be much brighter.

I'll admit the no focus feature is nice, but a 10 lumen output just isn't going to cut it...

I first saw the Microvision ads in 2007. It got me all excited, but 2+ years later where's the "laser" projector? Meanwhile I own an AAXA P1 (love it) and have a 3M Mpro120 on order...

[hollywood084]

hahaha, wow

[MorphingDragon]

This rumour really needs a reality check. A microprojector??? Right... :rolleyes:

[Beric]

This rumour really needs a reality check. A microprojector??? Right... :rolleyes:

Heh, for sure.

Wouldn't mind seing some easy way to connect the Touch to a regular projector, though. If you could run powerpoints and videos on a projector from it, it'd be great for school.