Fascinated by new display technologies and improving image quality, I have never been a fan of home projectors. Projectors lack image quality compared to good TVs and monitors, and they are quite needy. Without getting into the specific requirements of different models, you generally want a darker room with a large, blank wall so a projector can look its best. That can be a lot to ask, especially in small, densely populated homes like mine.
That said, a projector can be a space-saving alternative to a large-screen TV or help you watch TV or movies outdoors. A projector can be versatile when paired with the right space, especially if that projector ensures that the 'right space' is incorporated into the device.
The Splay was crowdfunded in 2021 and its maker, Arovia, describes it as the “first fully foldable monitor and projector.” In short, it is a portable projector with an integrated fabric cover that can serve as a portable monitor with a large screen (24.5 or 34.5 inches diagonal, depending on the model). Or you can remove the fabric shroud and use the Splay as an ultra-short throw projector and throw a screen of up to 80 inches diagonally onto a wall.
At its heart, the Splay is a projector, which means it can't compete with high-end LCD LED or OLED monitors. It costs $1,300; the device is currently sold out, but an Arovia representative told me it will be restocked this month.
Here's how the device works, according to one of Arovia's patents
The … foldable, portable display device has a housing element having a sliding element aligned on the exterior of the housing element and sliding along the exterior of said housing element between two operating positions, a folding display containing one or more sheets of flexible, wrinkle-resistant silicone or rubber material containing optically enhancing components and capable of displaying an image in an expanded operating position, and multiple folding elements connected to the display …
The Arovia representative pointed out that the Splay is used for mobile workspaces, gaming and business applications, such as trade shows.
