Lenovo has revealed a concept for a new smartphone with a built-in projector. It’s called the Lenovo Smart Cast, and not only would it let you beam content from your phone, but it would include sensors that let you interact with that content.
For example, you could set up the phone to project a virtual display onto your desktop and then use your fingers to tap, type, or swipe on the virtual screen.
The Smart Cast concept includes a laser projector and infrared motion detector as long as software to tie the experience together.
Don’t want to project a virtual keyboard onto your desk? Change the position of the projector and you can use it to display movies or presentations on a wall or screen. The phone also has a built-in kickstand which you can use to stand it up while using the projector.
We’ve seen other tiny projectors, and even tablets with built-in projectors, but this is one of the first times a company has talked about cramming one into a phone. Lenovo says the projector module measures 34mm x 26mm x 5mm (1.33″ x 1.02″ x 0.2″) making it the world’s smallest laser projection module.
Lenovo’s just calling the Smart Cast a concept for now, so it’s not clear if or when the device will ever come to market. But during the Lenovo Tech World show in China, the company showed off what appears to be a working prototype, allowing classical pianist Lang Lang to play a virtual piano by tapping on a flat surface, and also to play a real piano while reading sheet music projected from the phone.
I wonder what resolution the projector will be. Most mini projectors have very low resolution.
Probably 800×600 or something like that :/