The weird, fleshy Stem Projector is perfect for Cronenberg movie fans

Date:
Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:24:24 +0000

Description:
This puck-like video-remixing beamer is the latest device from former Kanye West collaborators Kano Computing.

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Having ditched controversy magnet and former collaborator Kanye West, which
it worked with on the bizarre-yet-loved Stem Player,KanoComputing has
returned with an all-new, out-there device which this time allows you to
remix video rather than music.

Kanofirst came to prominence with its neat education-focused products, which included a build-it-yourself laptop that was designed to be put together by kids, and this DIY digital camera .

The company went on to make headlines with its team-up with hip-hop star and occasional US Presidential candidate West for its Stem Player a puck-shaped digital music remixingdevice that was at one point the only way to buy Yes Donda 2 album .

Having now cut ties with Kanye, the company has taken the wraps off its
latest device featuring its Stem branding.

First reported by The Verge , Kanos all-newStem Projector is a portable video beamer that packs in a built-in battery as well as a selection of preloaded videos which can be manipulated by the user viahaptic, touch-sensitive controls that are scattered on top of the device.

Much like its predecessor, the newStem Projector comes in a uniquesynthetic flesh-like housing with an array of vibey-looking lights arranged around the top of the device. If you've seen David Cronenberg's eXistenZ or Crimes of
the Future , then it will look alarmingly familiar.

Quite what the included contentis and how it can be customized isnt
completely clear at this stage, but according to CEO Alex Klein, Kano are working with some of the best directors in the world, as well as some of the most interesting libraries, withMubiandThe Criterion Collectionboth namechecked.

If you get bored of theprovided clips, you can project content from other devices using its mini-HDMI input, while its wireless connectivity will also allow you to stream video from mobile devices via Chromecast and Apple
AirPlay as well as streaming services, suggesting it will feature software such as Android it sounds similar to a lot of what you get from the Samsung Freestyle projector .

Theres 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 is said to make use of machine learning to tag videos stored on the device, which can then be viewed in an associated back-to-backstream as part of the projectors Galaxy Mode feature.

The Stem Projector has an output of 150 ANSI lumens meaning brightness akin to that of a Pico projector, while the built in battery lasts for a not-too-shabby four to five hours at full brightness.

Set to go on sale Monday January 17 directly from Kano in a limited initial run of 1,000 units at $1,000 a pop, the company says it plans to start offering the device as part of a larger run in a different colorway later in 2023 with a cheaper price tag of $600.

Klein also confirmed that a new version of itsStem Player featuringexclusive music from Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killahis also on the way later this year. (Image credit: Kano Computing / The Verge) Analysis: Novel projector is likely to get outshone by rival portable beamers

Kanos willingness to put out laudably unusual, educational products is something we have a lot of time for, but the Stem Projector has us scratching our heads.

Our experience of battery-powered Pico-style projectors is that they need almost absolute darkness for them to provide any sort of satisfying experience, and with its comparatively dim output compared to other
projectors in this form-factor, were left pondering the design decision of placing a lighting array on top of the device which could further wash out images.

Were of course overlooking the Stem Projectors video remixing feature here, which will undoubtedly set it apart from similar beamers. But after the novelty of its Galaxy Mode has worn off, those early investors forking out a cool $1,000 for an underpowered device may not feel it was such a bright
idea.

Looking to pick up a mobile movie device? Check out our list of the best portable projectors for 2023 .



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/the-weird-fleshy-stem-projector-is-perfect-for- cronenberg-movie-fans


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