Pico projectors are nothing new but we’re still waiting for these devices to hit the mainstream. We were able to get some time with the Cinemin Slice iOS pico projector dock at CES 2011 and this may be one of the first devices which could gain some traction.
The Cinemin Slice pico projector is not just for an iOS device – as any mobile device with line-out capabilities or an HDMI or AV port can hook into it – but there is the 30-pin dock connector front and center, making the iPhone and iPad natural fit. The Cinemin Slice pico projector can blast out that content up to 60 inches at a WVGA resolution. The projector itself swivels out 90 degrees so I could think of some fun movies to play on the bedroom ceiling.
The brief demo I saw looked pretty good but we didn’t really have the space for a full 60-inch demonstration. The Cinemin Slice also comes with an infrared remote control, speaker system, headphone jack and it can blast out content in a 16:9 ratio.
Of course, price is going to be a major concern, as this will be coming by the first quarter of 2011 for $429. The major problem with that is that the price of HD televisions are plummeting and while you can’t get a 60-inch screen for anywhere close to that, you can get a nice 42-inch television for this price range.
Getting content off the phone is getting easier, too, as many devices come with an HDMI out port and content sharing software like DLNA or Apple AirPlay are increasingly making the cord not even necessary.
I don’t see much of a market for the Cinemin Slice pico projector dock beyond the hardcore tech enthusiast. But seeing as you’re on this site, you may be one of those, so check out the video below (coming shortly)
