The Puppy Cube is a new ultra-short-throw projector that can convert any flat surface into a touchscreen, and interested consumers may now back the device through its Indiegogo campaign. Guangzhou Puppy Robotics designed the projector and it transforms any surface into a 10-point touch panel using the proprietary AnyTouch technology. The technology is optimized to work in display sizes of up to 23-inches, although as an ultra-short-throw projector, the Puppy Cube can also project up to 100-inch 720p display from a distance of 20 feet from the wall. However, the touchscreen feature does not work at larger display sizes. Furthermore, the device maker claims that the lamp of the Puppy Cube projector can last up to ten years at full brightness even if the device is turned on for four hours every day. The manufacturer also mentions on its Indiegogo campaign page that people may control the user interface of the projector using the included Bluetooth remote control, while its dual 5W stereo speakers allow the device to function as a portable home theater device.
To protect the person’s eyesight while transporting the device, the Puppy Cube uses a three-axis gravity sensor that automatically turns off the projector lamp when it detects that the user is transferring the device. The product also features automatic keystone correction, which ensures that the image is still displayed correctly even if the projector is not placed perpendicularly to the wall. The device contains a 5,000mAh power pack, and it offers a battery life of up 2.5 hours on a single charge.
Another important feature of the Puppy Cube projector is its support for two wireless display connection standards, namely Miracast and AirPlay, although the manufacturer still includes an HDMI cable inside the box. The device comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow pre-installed, although the device maker’s proprietary skin, the puppyUI 1.0, runs on top of Google’s operating system. Furthermore, even though users may install applications and games into the projector, they will have to download the software from an alternative app store known as Uptodown, since the device does not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. The company plans to start shipping the Puppy Cube projector on December 2018, although trial production of the device already started last March. The projector will have a price tag of $1,499, although Indiegogo backers may get the device for as low as $799.
Background: Projectors that convert flat surfaces into touch panels have been released in the past, with Sony unveiling the Sony Xperia Touch last year. However, in comparison to the Xperia Touch, the Puppy Cube projector can project larger images and contain a bigger battery while sporting a lower price tag. However, the Xperia Touch shipped with Android Nougat, which is a newer version of the Android operating system.
Impact: The Puppy Cube projector is a device that consumers can use in a wide range of scenarios. For example, homemakers may use the projector to show recipes on a screen displayed on the kitchen table, and the display can be controlled by touching the countertop rather than a display. The device can also be used by businessmen to deliver quick presentations in space-constrained environments.
