The weird, fleshy Stem Projector is perfect for Cronenberg movie fans
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After Kano Computing dumped controversial magnet and former collaborator Kanye West, who it worked with on the bizarre but beloved Stem Player, Kano Computing has returned with an all-new, out-there device that this time lets you remix video instead of music.
Kano first rose to prominence for its beautiful education-oriented products, including a DIY laptop designed for children to assemble, and this DIY digital camera.
The company then made headlines for its partnership with hip-hop star and occasional U.S. presidential candidate West for its Stem Player — a puck-shaped digital music remixing device that at one point the only way to buy Ye’s donna 2 album.
Now that ties with Kanye have been cut, the company has taken the wraps off its latest device with its Stem branding.
First reported by The edge (opens in new tab)Kano’s all-new voice projector is a portable video beamer that packs a built-in battery as well as a selection of pre-loaded videos that can be manipulated by the user via haptic, touch-sensitive controls scattered on top of the device.
Like its predecessor, the new Voice Projector comes in a unique synthetic flesh-like casing with a series of vibey-looking lights around the top of the device. If you’ve seen David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ or Crimes of the futurethen it will look alarmingly familiar.
What the included content is and how it can be customized isn’t entirely clear at this stage, but according to CEO Alex Klein, Kano “works with some of the best directors in the world, as well as some of the most interesting libraries,” with Mubi and The Criterion Collection both were checked by name.
If you tire of the included clips, you can project content from other devices using the mini HDMI input, while the wireless connectivity also allows you to stream video from mobile devices via Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, as well as streaming services, suggesting that will include software like Android – it sounds similar to much of what you get from the Samsung Freestyle projector.
There’s a built-in 256GB hard drive for storing your own content, which can also be expanded further thanks to a microSD card slot.
Intriguingly, the device uses machine learning to tag videos stored on the device, which can then be viewed in a corresponding back-to-back stream as part of the projector’s “Galaxy Mode” feature.
The Voice Projector has an output of 150 ANSI lumens – meaning brightness comparable to that of a Pico projector, while the built-in battery lasts a not too shabby four to five hours at full brightness.
The company will go on sale Monday, January 17 directly from Kano in a limited edition of 1,000 units for $1,000 each. The company says it plans to offer the device later in 2023 as part of a larger run in a different colorway with a cheaper $600 price tag.
Klein also confirmed that a new version of his Stem Player with exclusive music from Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killah is also coming later this year.
Analysis: New projectors are likely to be outperformed by competing portable projectors
Kano’s willingness to release commendably unusual, educational products is something we have plenty of time for, but the Voice Projector has us scratching our heads.
Our experience with battery-powered Pico-style projectors is that they require near-absolute darkness to provide a satisfying experience, and with its relatively weak output compared to other projectors in this form factor, we’re left thinking about the design. decision to put a lighting array on top of the device that could further blur images.
We’re obviously overlooking the Voice Projector’s video remixing feature here, which will no doubt set it apart from similar projectors. But after the novelty of its “Galaxy Mode” wears off, those early investors who spend a cool $1,000 on a sub-par device may not think it’s such a bright idea.
Looking for a mobile movie device? Check out our list of the best portable projectors for 2023.