Apple vs Nokia vs Samsung: projector phone wars?

Apple and Nokia, both sworn mobile enemies, are each said to be plotting projector phones for a 2010 release. Can either gadget giant take on the Samsung i7410 pico projector phone and win? Read on to find out just what they’re beavering away on.

The idea of an Apple or Nokia projector phone might not be as far fetched as tech hounds might like to think. Reports coming out of Taiwan, quoting sources "close to handset manufacturers", suggest that Foxlink, whose parent company Foxconn are behind the iPhone, have already got an in–phone projector ready to go.

Via Mirror.co.uk

Honlai QingBar MP101 iPhone Projector dock

Taiwan-based Honlai's corporate website reveals some details and specs on their iPhone/iPod projector dock, see below.

• See image of 15" ~ 37" (50 cm ~ 1.5M )
• Video / Audio input for iphone /ipod touch or any AV composite
• Embedded stereo Speaker
• Docking station for playing and recharging options for IPod,IPod touch or Iphone

Specification

Method of projection	LCoS
Panel Size	0.44"
Aspect ratio	4:3
Focus	Manual
Lamp source	LED (3W)
Lamp life	over 20,000 hrs
Brightness	ANSI / 10-15 lumens
Contrat ratio (FIFO)	200 : 1
Resolution	640*480 Pixels (VGA)
Scree size	15" ~ 37" (50cm ~ 1.5M)
Video / Audio Terminal	Apple iPod / iPhone connector & Mini AV jack
Speaker	2W Stereo
Video Signal	iPhone / iPod touch Composite Video (AV in) / Composite Video
Color reproduction	Full 16.7 Million Colors
Power source	DC 12V,2A,AC 100~240V 50~60Hz
Dimension	82*111*72 mm (L*W*H)

Apple iPhone to get Picoprojector in the Future?

Mac-related site macnn.com has an interesting post about future improvements to the iPhone platform, discussing some rumors based on an Apple patent application and its related documents (and pictures).

image: Honlai QingBar MP101 iPhone / iPod Projector dock

Additionally present in the patent the concept of an embedded pico projector, which would give iPhones access to a larger display surface without the need for an attached monitor or TV. The technology already exists in add-on form, but could need substantial shrinking in order to merge with a handheld. An iPhone projector might also have limited use, as much of the device's interface requires seeing where fingers are touching.