Long talked about, smartphone pico projectors -- small accessories that allow phones to project video and photos onto 40- to 60-inch screens -- have finally begun to ship.
Later in December, AT&T will offer LG eXpo smartphone with an add-on pico projector that clips right onto the device. In November, Sparkz Products released its expensive pico projector for the iPhone; the device balances on a tripod stand. Microvision has recently announced that its pico projector design will soon debut in Asia. Indeed, 2010 just could be the year when such video accessories for smartphones will come out in droves, says Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis at NPD Group.
With the devices finally out, what remains to be seen is whether they catch consumers' eye. Consultant In-Stat recently forecasted that pico projectors will turn into a $1.1 billion market by 2014.
Actually, Microvison’s picop projects out to 150 inches, with no adjustment. And it is already on sale via Vodaphone.