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LightPad brings an 11-inch display, projector in a single package connecting to your smartphone

By Victor Hristov

Published: Dec 19, 2011, 10:03 AM

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LightPad brings an 11-inch display, projector in a single package connecting to your smartphone

Last year’s CES brought us one of the best accessory ideas - the Motorola Lapdock. A simple chassis connecting to your smartphone and using its brain power, it just seemed like an excellent idea. However it lacked in both price and execution, and we’re still looking for that idea to get materialized in a decent form and the LightPad might be it. The accessory brings an 11-inch display, but also adds a projector for even more screen estate in a single package that connects to your smartphone.

The 11-inch screen is a rear-projection one with the light coming from a pico projector. The resolution is 854x480 pixels and that seems like the weak spot, but the company promises a 720p display soon. If you flip the projector around you get a 60-inch screen, so you can watch videos with no compromises of screen size. There’s also a keyboard that will definitely boost your typing speeds.

The LightPad is expected to make its official debut at CES 2012, so stay tuned - it’s just a couple of weeks until we hopefully hear the price and release date.

source: Engadget

QP Optoelectronics to Launch LightPadTM for Smartphones at CES

Suzhou, China – December 19, 2011. QP Optoelectronics Co. Ltd. announced today that it will be showcasing its novel LightPadTM product at the CES 2012 exhibition in Las Vegas, January 10-13, booth #37037 South Hall, Upper Level.

The patent pending LightPadTM technology is an ideal companion device to extend the functionality and user interface of smartphones, providing the user with expanded utility via built-in 11" high contrast rear projection screen, up to 60" screen in front projection mode, and a full-size keyboard.

Connected with a smartphone, The LightPadTM provides virtually all functions of a notebook computer for an individual. This is mainly thanks to a rebirth of rear projection using a pico-projector. The high gain and high contrast rear projection screen provides for a high quality display. Advantages of using a pico-projector for the display is power efficiency (over 500 nits for under 2.5 Watts), thin form factor and light weight – key factors for a portable accessory device.

Notebook sized displays are not sufficient for many applications including small group meetings where PowerPoint presentations are common. LightPadTM can produce up to 60 inch display in front projection mode with its super short focal length projection lens. It can be used as a big screen display/projector for meeting presentations, video/TV viewing, and big screen gaming.

Connectivity to all smartphone platforms with HDMI or MHL output (iOS, Android, Win, Blackberry) are supported.

Specification

G1 (2012)

G2 (2013)

Brightness in Rear Projection mode, 11 inch

Rear Projection Screen gain

Brightness in front Projection mode

Resolution

Battery life

Interface

Mechanical dimensions (closed)

Weight

Color Gamut

Supported smartphones

540 nits @ 2.5W

3.5

18 lumens

854 x 480

5 hrs

HDMI, MHL

257 x 207.5 x 12.0 mm

550g

100% of NTSC

All smartphones with HDMI/MHL output

540 nits @ 1.5W

3.5

50 lumens

1280 x 720

7 hrs

HDMI, MHL

257 x 207.5 x 6.0 mm

350g

100% of NTSC

All smartphones with HDMI/MHL output

"The smartphone is becoming the primary computing device for consumers and professionals." stated James Lupino, QP Optoelectonics' Vice President of Business Development. "But their small display and keyboard greatly limit their application for serious users, especially for those who are seeking to replace their notebooks. LightPadTM addresses the main drawbacks of the user-interface of smartphones by utilizing dual mode projection technology. With high quality image display, versatile screen size, and super portability, LightPadTM enables a super smartphone for all applications. We expect the LightPadTM will be adopted widely as a must-have for smartphone users."

QP Optoelectronics has partnered with Texas Instruments, a leader in DLP- based microdisplays. "We are very proud to work with QP Optoelectronics as it brings the LightPadTM to market", stated Frank Moizio, TI's Business Manager for DLP Pico Projection. "The innovative use of pico-projectors in the LightPadTM is a strong example of how TI DLP is enabling compelling large scale viewing experiences from the palm of your hand."

QP Optoelectronics plans for mass production of the LightPadTM in mid-2012 and is in the process of establishing channel partners including licensing partners.

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Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.

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