If watching movies on your phone's small display just isn't cutting it, Aurzen has developed an innovative trifold mini projector that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag. I had the opportunity to explore this compact technology at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, and I am now convinced that a tiny projector could significantly elevate my viewing experience, whether I’m at home or traveling.
The Zip Projector features a square design, measuring just 1 inch thick and approximately 3 inches tall and wide. Its compact size makes it resemble a bulkier version of popular foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or Motorola Razr. When unfolded, the device allows you to project content at a high level and straight angle, effectively serving as its own stand. Weighing about the same as an iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Zip Projector is light enough to carry effortlessly in your bag.
The Zip Projector can project movies, photos, and even social media apps onto a screen size of up to 80 inches. You have the option to mirror your phone's screen or connect an HDMI dongle to project content from a TV, laptop, or gaming system. Compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS, this versatile device meets the needs of various users. Although the resolution currently tops out at 720p, Aurzen aims to upgrade it to 1080p in future versions. During my demo, the colors appeared vibrant and clear, especially when projecting stained glass windows, but a resolution increase would undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience further.
Equipped with a brightness of 100 ANSI lumens and two 1-watt speakers, the Zip Projector delivers a decent audio-visual experience. However, one downside is its battery life; the projector lasts only 1.5 hours on a single charge. Therefore, make sure the movie you plan to watch is short and sweet. If you're not on the move, you can easily plug it in and continue watching. The projector's 5,000-mAh battery charges in about 1.5 hours through a 25-watt charger, according to Aurzen.
Currently, you can only mirror smartphone content from Netflix, but Aurzen is planning to expand compatibility to other apps in the near future. For any other content, you will need to use the HDMI dongle, available for an additional cost of $100. The Zip Projector is available for preorder on Kickstarter, with plans for availability in the upcoming days. The starting price is set at $300, with optional add-ons like a $130 magnetic charging stand that can extend playtime to 3 hours and a $40 magnetic mount to attach the projector to smooth surfaces for elevated projections.
While portable projectors are not entirely new to the market, the foldable aspect of the Zip Projector is a unique feature that many companies are beginning to explore. This innovation allows for compact design while maintaining impressive functionality, making it suitable for everything from casual movie nights to professional presentations. Personally, I can already envision hosting epic Harry Potter marathons, magically projected from this pocket-sized device. Whether you want an alternative to high-end projectors or TVs at home, or you're planning an outdoor movie night, the Zip Projector is a practical and exciting solution.
