Handheld projector

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A Handheld projector (or pocket projector) is an emerging technology that applies the use of a projector in a handheld device.

Among the fundamental problems with ever-shrinking mobile phones, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, and other portable devices is the trend of increasing storage capacity with decreasing device size, allowing little space to accommodate an attached display screen. Handheld projectors are intended as an alternative display method to alleviate this problem. Research teams have developed miniature hardware and software that can project digital images onto any nearby viewing surface, such as a wall or bookshelf. An important design characteristic of a handheld projector is the ability to project a clear image, regardless of the physical characteristics of the viewing surface.

This type of technology may be implemented on future handheld game consoles. However, it may pose drawbacks compared to traditional flatscreens on handheld devices.

First devices are expected in H2 2008.