The zip, which weighs 280 grams, can be folded into a Z shape using two hinges and then fit into any handbag. When opened, it is as thin as a smartphone and is 8.4 cm x 7.9 cm, about the size of an XL phone.
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Inside the foldable projector is a tiny DMD chip (Digital Mirror Device) with 0.16 inches diagonal and 720p resolution (1280 x 720 pixels). The mirror chip is illuminated by tiny LEDs, resulting in 100 lumens landing on the projection surface. Experience has shown that in practice small LED beamers are slightly less bright than stated. So you shouldn’t expect particularly bright images, but at the CES unveiling you can easily read the projected text even in the bright hall.
Compact zip fits in the palm of your hand.
(Image: Ulrike Kuhlmann, Heise Online)
It has two picture modes, standard and high brightness, with the standard low brightness and an eco mode. Otherwise you can’t adjust anything on the device. Autofocus with ToF (time of flight) sensor scans the projection surface 30 times per second to focus on the image. The image is automatically straightened using vertical keystone correction.
supporting accessories
The bottom plate of the three-part construction houses a 5000 mAh battery, which can last up to one and a half hours of video operation. The projector is charged via USB-PD. The manufacturer Orzen optionally offers a height-adjustable stand with a built-in 10,000 mAh on which the mini projector is magnetically placed.
In general, the manufacturer, whose name is derived from “Aurora” and “Zen”, has all kinds of useful accessories in its range. It has a magnetic PUK MagPlay, which sits surprisingly firmly on smooth surfaces with a durable vacuum seal; Orzen promises to hold up to 1.5 kg. The magnetic zip on the puck can be rotated as desired.
With the “vacuum” adhesive MagPlay-Puk you can attach the zip to smooth surfaces
(Image: Urike Kuhlmann, Heise Online)
This is interesting, for example, for presentations in small groups, for which you only need a bright projection surface such as a white wall or a large sheet of paper. Thanks to the foldable construction, you can, for example, project from the lid of the notebook onto a table surface.
connected wirelessly
The optionally available, height-adjustable stand houses a 10,000 mAh battery, which is also charged via USB-PD.
(Image: Urike Kuhlmann, Heise Online)
The projector connects to mobile devices via Miracast or AirPlay. If the signal source does not support the wireless standard, you can use Orzen’s CastPlay HDMI dongle. The Wireless HDMI Stick zips AV signals from any HDMI source. For example, video signals from a game console can be sent to a mini projector. However, neither the projector nor the HDMI stick can stream Netflix & Co.
One weak point is the 2 x 1 watt speakers placed in the middle panel. But Orzen has taken precautions here too: The Zip can transmit audio signals to an external BT speaker via Bluetooth 5.1.
Orzen wants to offer Zip in Europe from April. In the United States its price will be 400 dollars, in this country it will probably be 400 to 450 euros. The stand with battery should cost $130, the MagPlay Puke like the CastPlay HDMI stick should cost $40. Orzen also plans to advertise the foldable projector via Kickstarter soon.
Heise Median is the Official Media Partner of CES 2025.
(UK)
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