Projectors don’t often make the news, and if they do, it’s because they’re getting more portable. Beam is a smart projector with an unusual form factor that’s meant to change the way we’re using such devices.
There are two things that seem ubiquitous in our lives: mobile devices and sources of artificial light. Beam is a smart projector that merely acts as a bridge between the two, while focusing on new surfaces to project pictures and videos on.
Developed by Beam Labs, this patent pending projector was designed to screw in light bulb sockets and project images on tables or other nearby surfaces. When used for this purpose, the Beam also doubles as an LED light, so the functionality of the lamp you’d install it on is not lost.
The light socket compatible smart projector itself is running Android, but the companion app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Once installed, it can be used for projecting pictures or videos using Airplay or Miracast. Its applications are numerous, including projecting movies on the ceiling, displaying Powerpoint presentations, projecting menus on a restaurant’s wall, and so on.
Besides Wi-Fi, Beam also uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect to various devices, and since most (if not all) modern day smartphones and tablets feature these connectivity options, there will be no issues establishing a connection.
Apart from the broadcasting technologies that are implemented into it, you might think that this projector doesn’t differ that much from its counterparts. However, the “if this then that” approach would prove you wrong right away. Beam can be scheduled to trigger certain actions when specific events take place. For example, if your significant other comes home from work and connects to the local Wi-Fi network, the projector starts playing a video message you left for him or her.
Beam is currently featured on Kickstarter, where its developers are looking to raise $200,000 by March 24, so that the smart projector enters mass production. According to Kicktraq, the goal will not only be reached, but also surpassed many times, if the current trend continues. In that scenario, anyone who has pledged $369 or more as an early bird, or $399 as a regular backer will get the Beam smart projector with the fabric cable in October 2015.
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