We have a fantastic community of readers at Picopros.  Today, we received a tip from one such person.

Earlier today, we announced that MicroVision would be making their ShowWX+™ laser pico projector available in the Apple online store for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa).  To give you an idea of the importance of this announcement, we wanted the share a specific application tailored for pico projection on iOS devices: ImageAMMO™.

Today, the USPTO published a patent application assigned to Sony Ericsson titled, "Visual laser Touchpad for Mobile Telephone and Method".  This application seeks to cover aspects of a mobile phone related to mobile embedded projection.  Specifically, Sony Ericsson makes claims related to an embedded laser projector that produces an image that can be manipulated remotely by the user.  We have covered Interactive Touch Projection several times on Picopros.  In the world of pico projection, laser light sources are considered to be the "elegant solution", as they produce rich, vibrant images that are always in focus.  Could Sony Ericsson be aiming to work with MicroVision or Aaxa technologies - the two leading suppliers of portable laser projectors?  

Today, MicroVision announced that it's ShowWX+™ laser pico projector will be available in Apple online stores in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) starting this month.  At Picopros, we've highlighted the ShowWX+™ many times and was the first in the world to performed a product review of the device.

Wired magazine recently published an article comparing four portable projectors.  These include: the WowWee Cinemin Slice, Optoma Neo-i, MicroVision ShowWX+, and the Aaxa technologies L1 v2.  Overall, the Cinemin Slice and Neo-i scored the highest.  While we don't agree with everything Wired had to say, their reviews are very informative.

Today, MicroVision released its Q1 2011 operating results.  Product revenue nearly doubled from the prior quarter to $1.1 million, as sales of ShowWX+™ ramped.  Their backlog decreased to $1.5 million.  This is a result of a delay in the product launch for the high-end media player, which had accounted for about $11.9 million of the previously-communicated backlog.  The OEM customer plans to launch the media player in the second half of 2011.  According to the press release, "MicroVision has removed these orders from its backlog until more information regarding the timing and quantity of engine deliveries can be established."

Late yesterday, MicroVision announced that it would host its Q1 2011 conference call at 8:30am ET on Thursday, May 5th.  The developer of advanced laser-based MEMS imaging technology will discuss its financial results and operating results.  Best known for its ShowWX™ and ShowWX+™ pico projector products, MicroVision has made steady progress toward streamlining its operations as it approaches commercialization of PicoP® enabled products using direct-emitting green lasers with the aid of its partner, Pioneer.

In a recent article, Engadget discusses a very interesting device from Pioneer called AppRadio.  While not available (yet), the device would interface with the Apple iPhone to bring added flexibility and a superior user experience for in-car infotainment. 

Today, MicroVision announced that its ShowWX+™ laser pico projector is now available for $349.  ShowWX+™ has 15 lumen brightness at WVGA (848 x 480) resolution and can connect to composite and VGA video sources (with the optional VGA dock), as well as all Apple products with the included adapter cable.