Tag Archives: projector

Ultra-short Throw or Regular Projectors? Which One Should You Buy in 2024

Posted on by

I bought a projector around the time the pandemic began. My rented apartment was small, I didn’t want to mount a TV on the wall, and moreover, I liked the idea of being able to watch movies either in the living room or the bedroom. Besides, it’s also when streaming at home absolutely exploded because nobody was going to the theaters anymore. Projectors have existed for over a century at this point, but for a major part of the modern tech discourse, TVs have dominated the conversation when it came to consumers. Every home HAD to have a couch facing a TV… but not anymore. Projectors are finally becoming smarter, higher in quality, more compact/sleek, and more affordable. However, choosing the right projector is a tricky affair. Sure, you could go with your budget and compare ratings on Amazon, but before you do, it helps to understand what TYPE of projector you want to buy. Broadly, there are two kinds of projectors worth looking into – you’ve got your standard projectors that need to be kept a few tens of feet away from a wall or screen… but you’ve also got ultra-short throw projectors, that need to just sit a couple inches away from their projection surface.

Choosing the right projector for your needs in 2024 can feel like navigating a maze of technical jargon and endless options. With advancements in both ultra-short throw and regular projectors, making an informed decision requires understanding the strengths and limitations of each. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, outfitting a classroom, or enhancing your office conference room, knowing which type of projector suits your space and needs is crucial.

What are Ultra-short Throw Projectors?

Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors are designed to project large images from a very short distance, as their name suggests. Typically placed just inches away from the screen or wall, these projectors are perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors would be impractical. The key feature of UST projectors is their ability to produce a big, bright image without requiring a significant throw distance.

UST projectors have several advantages:

  • Space-saving: They can sit directly below or above the projection surface, making them ideal for small rooms or areas with limited space.
  • Installation flexibility: These projectors can be placed on a console, mounted on the ceiling, or even integrated into furniture, offering various setup options.
  • Reduced shadows and glare: Since the projector is close to the screen, shadows from people moving around are minimized, and direct glare from the light source is less likely to affect viewers.

What are Regular (Long-throw) Projectors?

Regular or long-throw projectors are the traditional choice for home theaters, classrooms, and large venues. These projectors need a considerable distance from the screen to project a clear, large image. The longer throw distance allows them to achieve higher brightness and resolution, making them suitable for various environments.

Advantages of regular projectors include:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Long-throw projectors often offer more bang for your buck, with a range of options at various price points.
  • Higher brightness: These projectors are typically brighter, making them suitable for larger spaces or environments with ambient light.
  • Variety: There’s a broader selection of long-throw projectors, providing more options in terms of features and specifications.

Performance Comparison

Picture Quality: Both UST and regular projectors can deliver excellent picture quality, but there are nuances to consider. UST projectors often use laser technology, providing bright and vibrant images with good contrast. However, the proximity to the screen can sometimes result in a slight drop in edge clarity. Regular projectors, on the other hand, benefit from longer throw distances that enhance image sharpness and uniformity.

Installation: UST projectors shine in ease of installation. Place it close to the wall, connect your sources, and you’re ready to go. This simplicity is a stark contrast to regular projectors, which require careful placement, mounting, and alignment to ensure a proper image. Adjusting keystone and focus can be a time-consuming process, especially in rooms where the projector must be mounted at a significant distance from the screen.

Sound: While most projectors come with built-in speakers, the quality varies significantly too. With UST projectors, you have the benefit of the sound emanating from as near the screen as possible. With regular projectors, if you’re relying on the projector’s built-in speaker, the sound will usually emerge from behind you, with the visuals in front of you, creating a mild dissonance of sorts. However, both speakers can be hooked to a home theater setup, allowing you to effectively outsource sound to a more expertly tuned device fit for the job.

Use Cases and Suitability

Choosing between a UST and a regular projector largely depends on your specific use case:

Ultra-short Throw Projectors are best suited for:

  • Small spaces: Apartments, small meeting rooms, and classrooms where space is at a premium.
  • Minimalist setups: If you prefer a clean, uncluttered look, UST projectors can blend seamlessly into the room’s design.
  • Interactive whiteboards: Ideal for educational environments where students and teachers frequently interact with the projection surface.

Regular Projectors excel in:

  • Home theaters: Offering a cinema-like experience with a larger, brighter image, regular projectors are perfect for dedicated home theater rooms.
  • Large venues: Conference halls, auditoriums, and outdoor events benefit from the higher brightness and larger image sizes that long-throw projectors can provide.
  • Budget-conscious setups: If you’re looking to get the most value, regular projectors offer a wider range of affordable options.

Cost and Value

When it comes to cost, UST projectors tend to be more expensive upfront. Their advanced optics and compact designs come at a premium, with prices starting around $1,500 and going up to several thousand dollars for high-end models. However, the long-term value includes easier setup and less need for additional mounting hardware or cabling, potentially offsetting the initial investment.

Regular projectors, on the other hand, offer a broader price range. Entry-level models can be found for as low as $300, while high-end models still cost several thousand dollars. Despite potentially higher installation costs due to mounts and longer cables, the ongoing costs can be lower. Replacement lamps for regular projectors are generally cheaper and more widely available than those for UST projectors.

Technological Advancements

Ultra-short Throw Projectors have seen significant advancements:

  • Laser Technology: Many UST projectors now use laser light sources, offering longer life spans, brighter images, and better color accuracy.
  • Smart Features: Integration with smart home systems, built-in streaming apps, and voice control are becoming common, making them more versatile and user-friendly.

Regular Projectors continue to evolve with:

  • 4K and HDR: High-resolution and high-dynamic-range imaging are now standard in many models, providing stunning visual quality.
  • LED Advancements: Improved LED technology offers better brightness, longevity, and color reproduction, reducing the need for frequent bulb replacements.

These advancements have significantly enhanced the performance and user experience of both types, making them viable options for different needs.

User Experience and Reviews

Feedback from users highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each type:

Ultra-short Throw Projectors:

  • Pros: Users appreciate the ease of setup, modern design, and the ability to place the projector close to the screen. The integrated smart features and quality speakers are also frequently praised.
  • Cons: Some users report issues with image uniformity and edge clarity. The higher cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers.

Regular Projectors:

  • Pros: Users enjoy the high brightness and sharp image quality, especially in darkened rooms. The variety of options and price points is another strong selling point.
  • Cons: The setup can be complex and time-consuming. External speakers are often necessary for good sound quality. The projection can sometimes get obscured by people moving around in the room.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the projector market in 2024 and beyond:

  • AI Integration: Expect projectors to become smarter, with AI helping to optimize image settings, adjust focus automatically, and even provide content recommendations.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Improvements in wireless technology and seamless integration with other smart devices will make projectors even more versatile.
  • Enhanced Quality: Television displays have made leaps and bounds in the past 20 years that projectors haven’t. Projectors today have great contrast and can go up to 4K in quality if you spend a good buck, but they always need to be used in a low-light setting to be visible. Future projectors could have great quality with higher brightness levels, allowing them to be used even in moderately lit rooms.

It’s worth knowing what you’re getting into when you buy a projector. Just like a TV, a projector is something you’ll probably expect at least a decade’s worth of use out of (nobody changes TVs as rapidly as they change their phones) so make sure you weigh all the pros and cons of each kind of projector type before springing to buy one. If it’s great quality in a compact setup, UST projectors have you covered. If budget and portability are your biggest concerns, there are a whole slew of portable projectors you can buy that are about as cheap as a mid-range smartphone.

 

Choosing between an ultra-short throw and a regular projector depends on your specific needs, space, and budget. UST projectors offer convenience, modern aesthetics, and smart features, making them ideal for small spaces and minimalist setups. Regular projectors, with their high brightness and a broad range of options, are perfect for home theaters and large venues.

Ultimately, both types of projectors have their unique advantages and are continually improving with technological advancements. Whether you prioritize ease of installation or superior image quality, there’s a projector out there that will meet your needs. So, whether you’re planning to host epic movie nights or deliver stunning presentations, 2024 has the perfect projector for you. And remember, choosing the right projector isn’t just about the specs—it’s about finding the one that makes you the star of the show.

The post Ultra-short Throw or Regular Projectors? Which One Should You Buy in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ultimea’s $299 Budget Projector gives you a massive 120-inch Movie Theater experience at Home

Posted on by

I’ve said it for ages, but televisions are an intermediary product stage. Just the way smartphones are a passing phase for the next big thing, televisions are too – the only difference is that the next big thing after TVs exists… it’s just that not everyone owns one yet. I’m talking about projectors. They’re usually portable, can project screens as large as 120 inches, and in a matter of seconds, turn your home into a theater. Modern projectors come with smart OS features, image correction capabilities, and more importantly, they’re now just as affordable as TVs are. The Ultimea Nova C40, with its $299 price tag offers an incredibly compelling option for those looking to switch from a 40-something-inch TV to a viewing experience that’s larger than life. The Full HD projector comes with a unique gimbal design tat lets it face practically anywhere (you could watch a movie on your ceiling if you want), with automatic focus and keystone features so the projector can instantly align its image instead of having you do it. Sure – it’s no staggering 4K OLED TV, but as a proud owner of an HD projector myself, size matters to the experience much more than pixel density and resolution.

Designer: Ultimea

Click Here to Buy Now

The Nova C40 packs a fair bit of punch for its price category, delivering a projection as large as 120 inches. 600 ANSI lumens is fairly bright for dark and dimly-lit rooms, and the presence of a built-in AndroidTV 11.0 OS means access to all your favorite apps on demand. Want to take things to another level, HDMI and USB ports let you hook your laptop or gaming console to the projector for immersive work and gaming. The large 120-inch display completely surrounds your periphery in gaming content… and for work, you can multitask with efficiency by turning the large display into multiple smaller windows.

The throw ratio of 1.25:1 translates to a projected image size between 80 and 120 inches diagonally when placed at a relatively short distance. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms or even outdoor movie nights, transforming your backyard into a cinematic haven under the stars. Setting up the projector is a breeze, thanks to automatic keystone correction and autofocus features. No more fiddling with dials – the C40 ensures a crisp and properly aligned image in seconds, with zero effort.

One of the C40’s standout features is its fully sealed optical unit. This innovative design choice aims to minimize dust infiltration, potentially enhancing image quality and extending the projector’s lifespan. With a brightness of 600 ANSI lumens, the C40 performs best in slightly subdued environments. While not ideal for projecting movies in brightly lit rooms, it delivers a watchable experience in dimmer settings. The projector boasts a native Full HD (1080p) resolution, but upscaling capabilities allow it to handle 4K content. It covers 95% of the NTSC color gamut, ensuring a decent range of colors for vibrant visuals.

The Nova C40’s design integrate a gimbal that lets you point your projector in practically any direction. Face it forwards, tilt it at an angle, or even directly upwards, the 90° freedom of the C40 is perfect for all kinds of adjustments. Moreover, the base also supports ceiling mounts, so you can attach your C40 to a beam or to the ceiling for a more traditional experience. Me personally, I love the fact that the projector is fairly mobile, which means you can travel from room to room with it.

The Nova C40 breaks free from the shackles of external media players by integrating Android TV 11 directly into the system. This built-in smart platform grants access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, eliminating the need for additional devices. Feeling the urge to explore a wider entertainment library? The C40 allows you to download additional apps, expanding your options and catering to diverse interests.

For seamless connectivity, the C40 offers an HDMI input, perfect for connecting laptops, gaming consoles, or other external devices. It also boasts Bluetooth 5.3, enabling you to connect external speakers for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, Bluetooth allows for voice control through the remote, adding a layer of convenience. While the built-in 5-watt speakers might suffice for casual viewing, a soundbar connected via Bluetooth can significantly elevate the audio quality, transforming movie nights into truly cinematic experiences.

So, who exactly is the Ultimea Nova C40 designed for? Movie buffs seeking a cinematic experience at home will find the C40’s Full HD resolution with upscaling capabilities delivers crisp visuals for a captivating experience. While the brightness might not be ideal for brightly lit rooms, creating a movie night ambiance with dimmed lights unlocks the projector’s true potential. Casual gamers on a budget can also enjoy the thrill of big-screen gaming without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to note that the C40 might not be ideal for fast-paced, competitive games due to the potential of slight input lag. Presenters on the go will appreciate the portability and ease of use that the C40 offers, children will love the idea of having a cinema experience in their bedroom before going to bed, and friends will probably invite you to every single backyard party for movie or sports nights.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Ultimea’s $299 Budget Projector gives you a massive 120-inch Movie Theater experience at Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

Philips launches Screeneo UL5 Smart, a budget Ultra-short Throw Smart Projector for under $800

Posted on by

Imagine we’ve come so far that we can fit an entire movie theater into a device that’s essentially the same size as a brick. After launching the Screeneo U5 in the end of 2022, Philips is back with its smallest, most advanced UST projector yet. Dubbed the Screeneo UL5 Smart, it builds on the success of Philips’ past projectors, while focusing on being a budget-friendly gadget to help people convert from TVs to something a little more immersive. Measuring just over 8 inches long, 3.7 inches wide, and 3.4 inches tall, the Screeneo UL5 Smart outputs an impressive 100-inch screen when kept just 20 inches away from a wall. The tiny device produces a display that’s rich in color, has a 550 ANSI lumen brightness, and has a Full HD resolution of 1080p. Sure, it’s no 4K projector… but at a sub-$1000 price tag, it’s probably the best ultra-short throw projector you can get your hands on. Oh, it also comes bundled with its own OS that let you run popular streaming services, pitching it well into smart projector territory.

Designer: Philips Projection

Click Here to Buy Now: $789 $1406 (43% off) Hurry! Only 7 days left. Raised over $900,000 USD.

While the UL5 Smart departs from the 4K resolution of its predecessor, the U5 model, it maintains a respectable Full HD 1080p resolution – ideal for enjoying movies, shows, and games in crisp detail. The projector utilizes a DLP chip alongside a triple-laser light source, separating red, blue, and green colors for an exceptionally rich and vibrant visual experience. The impressive 0:23:1 ultra-short throw ratio means you don’t need to keep the device multiple feet away from the projection surface, the way most traditional projectors need to be kept. A simple 20 inches away from a wall or screen gives you a staggering projection that measures 100 inches diagonally. Adjust the distance to adjust the size of the projection – the UL5 Smart can pull off 120 inches with absolutely no discernible drop in brightness or clarity. It also automatically keystones and focuses itself, so you spend less time setting up and more time enjoying content.

The compact form factor allows the Screeneo UL5 Smart to be used as more than just a movie-watching device. Sure, projectors and movies are practically synonymous – and the Screeneo UL5 Smart does come with Philips’ LuminOS, which lets you natively run Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, and a whole slew of other apps – but an abundance of ports lets you use your Screeneo UL5 Smart to do things like extend your laptop/desktop/tablet screen, or directly hook your gaming console to the projector for larger-than-life gameplay.

Rest the UL5 Smart on its back the way it’s designed to be placed and you’ve got a projected image on the wall. Flip the UL5 Smart over and stand it vertically, and it projects a bright 35-inch display onto the floor or a table, letting you watch content on the tabletop like recipe videos, the game, or even project drawings onto a piece of paper and allow you to sketch directly. AI-driven auto-focus and keystone kicks in immediately, fixing the image to make it perfectly focused and rectangular.

Spec-nerds will have little to complain about what the UL5 Smart offers. With a peak of 550 ANSI lumens, the projector is ideally suited for dimly lit or dark environments. However, this is balanced by exceptional color reproduction. The UL5 Smart boasts coverage exceeding 200% of the Rec.709 color gamut, 108% of Rec.2020, and a remarkable 150% of the DCI-P3 color space. Additionally, it supports HDR10, ensuring vibrant visuals with deeper blacks and brighter whites for compatible content.

Running on an Android-based operating system, the UL5 Smart comes pre-loaded with popular streaming apps like Netflix and Youtube, eliminating the need for external devices. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for seamless streaming and connection to external speakers for an even more powerful audio experience. For wired connections, the UL5 Smart offers an HDMI port, a USB Type-A power port, and two USB-C ports for data and video. The projector also features integrated 3-watt Dolby speakers, providing a decent audio solution for casual viewing.

At a price of $789, the Philips Screeneo UL5 Smart is quite the bargain. It’s compact, smart, outputs screen sizes up to 120-inches, and builds on Philips Projection’s UST capabilities. You’ve got an abundance of ports, along with a built-in OS for a whole lot of variety – and the projector even ships with its own remote control, letting you easily browse through content and enjoy movies, sports, and games larger than life. The Screeneo UL5 Smart begins shipping September 2024 for backers on Indiegogo.

Click Here to Buy Now: $789 $1406 (43% off) Hurry! Only 7 days left. Raised over $900,000 USD.

The post Philips launches Screeneo UL5 Smart, a budget Ultra-short Throw Smart Projector for under $800 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The new boAt Stone Lumos Wireless Speaker will project galaxies on your ceiling while you listen to music

Posted on by

Why buy a sunset lamp AND a Bluetooth speaker when you could have both in the same device?! boAt Lifestyle (India’s largest audio hardware brand) just announced the boAt Stone Lumos, a speaker with its own built-in LED projector that casts ambient scenery onto your ceiling while you listen to music.

Scheduled to launch in India today (June 25th), the boAt Stone Lumos is a fairly hefty boombox-style portable speaker boasting a 60W output. However, its crown jewel isn’t the audio, it’s the integration of a projector on the top left of the speaker, which reportedly shines ‘stars and lights’ on the ceiling to create am ambiance that goes together with the music you’re listening to. Details on the projector seem scarce at this point, but given the Rs. 6,999 INR ($83.8 USD) price point, we wouldn’t expect anything too immersive or detailed.

Designer: boAt Lifestyle

The speaker packs a lot of punch for its price tag, boasting a 60W output. A control panel on top of the boAt Stone Lumos lets you adjust various parameters, like playback, volume, EQ, and even cycle through the 7 different projection modes the speaker has to offer.

The control panel offers a variety of adjustments, while a two-part LED projector casts light and stars onto the ceiling above, creating a soothing atmosphere.

The speaker comes with a maximum of 9 hours of playback (with the projector off), has support for the boAt Hearables app, is IPX4 splash and water resistant, and has a built-in mic for hands-free calling. The boAt Stone Lumos also packs Bluetooth 5.3 for a crisp connection, although if you’re old school, there’s 3.5mm aux and USB connectivity too!

What the boAt Stone Lumos does is rather unusual, but seems pretty fitting. Most mid-range Bluetooth speaker do pack their own ambient backlights and LED strips for an extra audio-visual oomph, so the fact that this speaker actually turns your room into a makeshift galaxy just feels like taking wireless speakers to their logical next-step. Now to just play Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay on this bad boy!

The post The new boAt Stone Lumos Wireless Speaker will project galaxies on your ceiling while you listen to music first appeared on Yanko Design.

Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector

Posted on by

If you’re living by yourself in a studio apartment, studying or working by the day only to return home to spend time in solitude, – at max with your smartphone – Village projector is designed to give you company. The vibrant home entertainment system, is unlike any usual projector you come by for three reasons: it’s essentially made for single-person households; it’s immensely portable for user requirements; and it can be used in multiple orientations to project on the floor, wall, or ceiling, as and when required.

A catalyst for harmonious experience, productivity, and creativity; the Village gives a fresh perspective to your solitude at home. Built-in with sensors, cameras and a high-end projection lens, it can be your friend in everything you intend to do from creating murals to doing a craft project. It has the ability to become your artistic and information companion, fostering an environment where creativity knows no bounds.

Designer: Seunghyun Ko, Seohyun Park, Minji Kang and YE JIN LEE

If you’re brimming with creativity and want a contemporary way to bring it to life; employ the Village at home for a fresh perspective. Installed in the curtain rail the projector follows the curtain when you draw it open in the morning to sense the weather outside and project details for you on the floor or in the ceiling – depending on how you have positioned it – so you wake up with complete information of how to plan the day.

During the day, you can remove the portable Village projector from the curtain rail and use it where you like in your tiny apartment. Project inspiring text, news, captivating art, or use it to display guides to your DIY endeavors. After working or studying, when you feel tired and want to relax, the projector can let you play your favorite video game on a sizable display.

Sitting on the desk can help you create your private sanctuary, free from distractions while working, projecting your calendar for the day on the desk. By the evening, you can project the screen on the wall and share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Of course, you can do that on the phone, however, screen on the smartphone is too small. Using it for long durations can hurt your eyes. The portable projector can connect to the smartphone and project what you want to see or learn on a bigger screen, so it’s convenient and less straining.

Made in vibrant color options, in what seems – from images – a plasticky body, the Village features a projection lens in the center with an external recognition sensor and a LiDAR camera on either side. A pair of cameras sit to the right of the sensor and a microphone to the left of the LiDAR cam. On the top – when positioned upright – you get the sliding touch control for volume.  There’s no word on the availability of the conceptual Village projector, but we can say it has versatile use cases. You can transform your workout routine by using it to project fitness or exercise instructions in front of you or on the wall and create an engaging exercise session, or carry the projector into the kitchen to project the intricacies of a dish you’re preparing so it’s cooked well enough to tantalize your taste buds.

The post Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector first appeared on Yanko Design.

Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector

Posted on by

If you’re living by yourself in a studio apartment, studying or working by the day only to return home to spend time in solitude, – at max with your smartphone – Village projector is designed to give you company. The vibrant home entertainment system, is unlike any usual projector you come by for three reasons: it’s essentially made for single-person households; it’s immensely portable for user requirements; and it can be used in multiple orientations to project on the floor, wall, or ceiling, as and when required.

A catalyst for harmonious experience, productivity, and creativity; the Village gives a fresh perspective to your solitude at home. Built-in with sensors, cameras and a high-end projection lens, it can be your friend in everything you intend to do from creating murals to doing a craft project. It has the ability to become your artistic and information companion, fostering an environment where creativity knows no bounds.

Designer: Seunghyun Ko, Seohyun Park, Minji Kang and YE JIN LEE

If you’re brimming with creativity and want a contemporary way to bring it to life; employ the Village at home for a fresh perspective. Installed in the curtain rail the projector follows the curtain when you draw it open in the morning to sense the weather outside and project details for you on the floor or in the ceiling – depending on how you have positioned it – so you wake up with complete information of how to plan the day.

During the day, you can remove the portable Village projector from the curtain rail and use it where you like in your tiny apartment. Project inspiring text, news, captivating art, or use it to display guides to your DIY endeavors. After working or studying, when you feel tired and want to relax, the projector can let you play your favorite video game on a sizable display.

Sitting on the desk can help you create your private sanctuary, free from distractions while working, projecting your calendar for the day on the desk. By the evening, you can project the screen on the wall and share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Of course, you can do that on the phone, however, screen on the smartphone is too small. Using it for long durations can hurt your eyes. The portable projector can connect to the smartphone and project what you want to see or learn on a bigger screen, so it’s convenient and less straining.

Made in vibrant color options, in what seems – from images – a plasticky body, the Village features a projection lens in the center with an external recognition sensor and a LiDAR camera on either side. A pair of cameras sit to the right of the sensor and a microphone to the left of the LiDAR cam. On the top – when positioned upright – you get the sliding touch control for volume.  There’s no word on the availability of the conceptual Village projector, but we can say it has versatile use cases. You can transform your workout routine by using it to project fitness or exercise instructions in front of you or on the wall and create an engaging exercise session, or carry the projector into the kitchen to project the intricacies of a dish you’re preparing so it’s cooked well enough to tantalize your taste buds.

The post Give your creativity and convenience an unconventional approach with the fresh perspective of Village projector first appeared on Yanko Design.

Portable AI device uses camera, projectors, sensors to make you more productive

Posted on by

For better or for worse, depending on where you stand on the debate, artificial intelligence has changed and will continue changing how we create and communicate. Services like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Gemini, and Copilot are pretty popular with those who are adventurous enough to experiment with AI. We can expect that over the next few years, we’ll see more services, gadgets, and devices that can help us use the technology and integrate it into our workflow and every day lives.

Designers: Mingwan Bae, Sohyun An, Junyoung Min, Youngsuh Yoo

Lay is a concept for a portable AI device that is equipped with a wide-angle camera, a projector, and a sensing module. The 48MP wide-angle camera has a 13mm focal length and is able to recognize objects and space as well as have text recognition and upscale objects it can scan. The 4K UHD projector can project up to 30 inches screen with auto keystone and has under 10cm ultra-short throw distance and high brightness and contrast. The sensing module, which includes LiDAR, ambient light, and proximity sensors, is able to sense its surroundings in real time.

The device basically scans your surroundings and then leverage AI to make suggestions and give assistance on tasks that you can do to as you’re working, drawing, reading, scribbling, building, creating, or just leisurely browsing. It looks like a small spherical robot with a round head that moves around and that you can carry around and place on your desk or space as it helps you make your workflow smoother. It projects onto a surface which will serve as your screen as you do your different tasks. It can recognize and select text, drawings, photos, sketches and then all the content and information are updated in your real-time cloud.

The device still seems to be mostly theoretical and specific tasks you can do or that it can suggest are still a bit vague. But it’s an interesting concept for an AI-powered device that you can carry around with you especially if you’re a digital nomad. And with the speed at which some digital natives and early adapters are using and exploring AI, this can actually be a real device soon.

The post Portable AI device uses camera, projectors, sensors to make you more productive first appeared on Yanko Design.

Retro LEGO Projector Can ACTUALLY Project Images Onto Any Wall

Posted on by

Think of it as a ViewMaster, but instead of a small viewfinder that lets you see images up close, the LEGO Magic Lantern can cast blurry yet discernible images onto your wall, making it an incredibly engaging and entertaining build for you and your curious child.

In the time before TV, before movies, and even before bright stage lights, a Dutch scientist developed a machine that could make pictures move right in front of you. People were amazed by it, and they called it the Magic Lantern. Jump ahead 400 years and we’ve got the LEGO version! However, the LEGO Magic Lantern by Norders doesn’t use candles or gas or quicklime as its light source – it uses something much more modern that everyone has in their pocket: the flashlight from your phone!

Designer: Norders

Inspired by the original Lanterna Magica from the 17th century (around the time when the greatest minds were devoting their time towards exploring optics and lenses), Norders’ LEGO creation is a tiny tabletop device with steampunk-retro-esque details. Styled like a lantern, the contraption has a lens on the front that shoots images out onto any wall, using the light from your smartphone. Given its fixed focal length, the projector does need to be adjusted to ensure the image on the wall isn’t blurry or washed out. At the right distance, you’re left with a clear, bright image with a little vignetting around the sides, giving it an incredibly vintage appeal. Imagine how advanced this must have been during the 17th century!

The way the projector works is by putting a translucent slide into its mounting slot, causing light passing through the projector to cast the image on a wall. The slides are removable and replaceable, letting you play out a literal slide show by changing the individual images every few seconds! In fact, the 17th-century magic lantern is where we get the word ‘slide show’ from!

By LEGO-build standards, Norders’ Magic Lantern takes a few unconventional liberties. It uses parts that aren’t found in the LEGO catalog, like lenses, mirrors, and printed images. The lenses play a rather integral role in shaping the beam of light, which travels upwards from your smartphone to a 45° mirror, which then channels it forward towards the front of the projector. The printed image is mounted on a transparent LEGO brick, and light passing through it hits a final lens before going through a shadow mask to help create that final circular image. In LEGO parlance, these techniques are ‘illegal’ because of the use of non-LEGO components. However, we can chalk it down to ‘creative liberty’.

Keeping the Magic Lantern 150cm (59 inches) far from the wall results in an image 60cm (23.5 inches) in diameter

The Magic Lantern’s schematic features an adjustable mirror because the flashlight isn’t located at exactly the same place for every smartphone

The Magic Lantern is made from 513 LEGO bricks, making it much easier than some other detailed LEGO construction kits. Each additional slide requires 7 bricks, allowing you to expand on your slide collection to display through the lantern (you’ll still have to print your images on transparent sheets). Norder’s creation is a part of the LEGO Ideas forum, where independent creators can submit their ideas for LEGO builds and have the global LEGO community vote to select their favorite. As of writing this, the LEGO Magic Lantern has a staggering 8,355 votes, putting it just inches behind the 10,000-vote finish line. You can help by voting for it on the LEGO Ideas forum and with luck, help turn it into a buyable set!

The post Retro LEGO Projector Can ACTUALLY Project Images Onto Any Wall first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tumbler-shaped portable projector concept promises entertainment freedom

Posted on by

Projectors are becoming a popular alternative to extra large screens like TVs, mostly at home but sometimes even outdoors. Product design trends have started to move away from bulky boxes to more compact forms, but most of them are still restricted by a few design considerations. Even projectors that are supposedly designed for portability often come with clunky and sometimes unattractive stands, or worse, require setting up on tripods just to get the perfect angle. This concept design tries to solve that problem in a rather creative way, offering a highly compact and portable projector that can be propped up and angled conveniently, all without using a tripod or even a stand.

Designer: Hana Belassi

Thanks to progress in technology and manufacturing, it’s now possible to cram much of the electronics that powered large, hulking projectors into something the size of a small box or even a cylinder. But despite the smaller designs, or probably because of their more cramped designs, these portable projectors often rely on an external mechanism like a tripod or stand to prop them up at the desired angle. Not only does this ruin the aesthetics of the otherwise beautiful product, it also makes it cumbersome to bring the projector along wherever you go.

The Slim.VU concept tries to offer the ultimate on-the-go entertainment experience by encapsulating all the needed parts and design in a single, compact, and portable package. A projector with a built-in battery is not exactly new, but one that comes with 4G connectivity is still unheard of. That enables the projector to function not only without an external power source but even without a Wi-Fi connection, allowing it to access streaming sources without having to use up your phone’s cellular data.

1

The more interesting aspect of the projector’s design, however, is the built-in stand that looks nothing like a stand. The removable “cap” of this tumbler-like projector functions as this stand, holding the projector in its place magnetically. The curved shape of this stand lets you rotate the cylindrical projector and angle it properly. This way, you don’t need any other accessory to enjoy a video anytime you want, anywhere you go.

The Slim.VU projector concept contains everything you need, freeing you from concerns about power, connectivity, and stability. Of course, actually implementing such a projector is a different matter entirely, and it might need to make a few compromises in exchange for its compact form. Audio and video quality might actually take a hit just to cram this much technology inside a canister shape, making the portable projector less ideal for outdoor use, or even indoor when there’s too much ambient light.

The post Tumbler-shaped portable projector concept promises entertainment freedom first appeared on Yanko Design.