August 2, 2012 — Pico projectors, projector modules that can be integrated into cell phones, have had huge market potential for many years. Other smartphone features have proven more popular, however, such as location-based services. Samsung has now begun shipping the Galaxy Beam projector phone in the UK, using Texas Instruments’ DLP Pico projector technology.

TI’s digital light projection technology uses micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirrors to project images up to 6 feet at 15 lumens. The phone will display images up to 50” in size on any surface, with up to 3 hours of continuous play off a 2,000mAh battery.

Also read: Texas Instruments: MEMS imaging for new markets

Analyst firm Semico has projected that MEMS pico projectors will see high growth in embedded solutions such as smartphones, and points to Samsung and TI’s collaboration as an example. "The addition of a pico projector to an already powerful phone opens up more innovation for content and applications," said Tony Massimini, chief of technology at Semico Research.

Semico Research has examined the market for MEMS display technology. In its report, "MEMS Displays: Projecting a Direct View of the Market" (Report Number MP102-12), Semico takes a close look at various MEMS display technologies and the applications that will drive growth.

Semico examines the key end use markets for MEMS in projection and display. The size and growth rates of end use markets and the MEMS penetration rates are presented. The unit and sales TAMs of MEMS for projection and display are shown. 

Semico is a semiconductor marketing & consulting research company. Access reports at www.semico.com.

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