Tiny add-on turns iPhone into hand projector, throws 25-inch screen from 1 meter

The projector plugs into an iPhone docking slot, and is under 6 cm square. One Tokyo store sold out a day after launch.

A tiny projector that plugs into an iPhone's docking slot and can throw a 25-inch image about a meter away has gone on sale in Japan and China.

The projector weighs just 32 grams and is about the size of half an iPhone. Its tiny LED lamp runs off the phone's battery and generates 320-by-240 resolution at a brightness of 10 lumens.

The device can display iPhone content including YouTube and iPod videos as well as photos, and has a small speaker. It comes with a small tripod and can also be used to connect an iPhone to a TV or play video from another device via video and USB cables.

Thanko, a retailer which is selling the device in Japan, said it has tested the projector with iPhone models including the latest 4S, the iPad and the iPod touch.

To continue reading, register here to become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

A tiny projector that plugs into an iPhone's docking slot and can throw a 25-inch image about a meter away has gone on sale in Japan and China.

The projector weighs just 32 grams and is about the size of half an iPhone. Its tiny LED lamp runs off the phone's battery and generates 320-by-240 resolution at a brightness of 10 lumens.

The device can display iPhone content including YouTube and iPod videos as well as photos, and has a small speaker. It comes with a small tripod and can also be used to connect an iPhone to a TV or play video from another device via video and USB cables.

Thanko, a retailer which is selling the device in Japan, said it has tested the projector with iPhone models including the latest 4S, the iPad and the iPod touch.

The company, which operates a gadget store in Tokyo's geeky Akihabara district as well as an online shop, is charging 15,800 ($US202) per unit. Its first shipment of 100 was sold out on Tuesday, a day after the initial launch, though a spokesman said more were on order.

An search online showed what appeared to be the same device on sale at least one Chinese online shop for half the price.

Video of the tiny projector in action is also available on YouTube.

Century, a separate Japanese manufacturer, released a larger iPhone projector embedded in a battery case last week.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.