PicoP gives cellphones larger projection displays
updated 04:35 pm EDT, Wed September 20, 2006
PicoP Projector
Cellphones are rarely given the ability to display their visuals beyond the built-in screen; the assumption is that mobile content which needs a larger resolution will be transferred to a computer first. MicroVision, an American developer of small displays, contends that some users may want the higher resolution and visibility of a larger screen and has developed the PicoP, a laser-based projector that could be integrated with cellphones or other handhelds. It aims a laser at a minuscule vibrating silicon mirror that generates a much sharper image than the handheld's own screen is likely to display: the company says it can display an SVGA (800x600) picture at laptop brightness up to a half meter away, and larger in a dark environment. The technology could be used for presentations, complex games, and other software that might otherwise be impractical on normal handhelds. MicroVision claims that the PicoP is ready for finished products, but has not yet revealed any design partners.
