Microvision Tracker

Microvision - The One Man CES Show

2018-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well another year has passed, Tokman is finally gone, and investors... are still losing money. There was a bit of hype heading into CES this year, the hope was Microvision was going to show off something interesting. I'm sure some user out there on the message boards with 500 shares was screaming "They are going to announce Apple has a partner". Then a few more replies from hopeless investors "Finally our investment is going to pay off, we are only down 400%"

As you can tell I'm fairly bearish on Microvision. But don't get me wrong, I managed to buy one of their first pico projectors (SHOWWX) at a BestBuy auction for 70% off because they couldn't get rid of them in the store. While it sucked under normal lighting conditions, I was amazed how well it performed in a dark room. I could easily expand the screen to 50inches with amazing clarity and color, all out of a tiny projector. The packing for the SHOWWX was also very well done. However, battery life was an issue and beyond the WOW factor when showing random people a 20sec clip in dark room with no lights, it's been a great dust collector.

Anyways... So CES is where technology companies come to showcase the latest and greatest. There is always hype surrounding Microvision on the message boards about what they will be bringing out of the basement in order to make all of their loyal investor's millionaires. And year after year, Microvision fails to deliver. This year, conference call after conference call, Microvision’s former CEO would always mention they are working with the top electronics companies in the world. He could never tell us who they were or what they were working on. The dude holding 432 shares would immediately post that it was for sure Apple, or Samsung etc. By the way, this game has been going on for years.

So after a whole year of Microvision working with all these "Top Tier" electronics companies, which product lands up at CES. The MOVI PHONE! Should have called it the MOVIE PHONE, since it can project movies. It's what everyone has been waiting for, a pico projector in a cell phone. Besides a handful of articles and a couple one-minute youtube videos, nobody really cares. The MOVI Phone company is a one-man operation, his promo was amateur and to top it off, he's going make another phone with a DLP pico projector.

So 2017 ends with a.... BUST! Microvision’s CEO finally quits and there's some dude with a fly by night operation who is the poster boy for Microvision at CES.

MicroVision projects promise at CES show, says H.C. Wainright

2018-01-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

MicroVision Inc.’s latest demonstration of its laser-projection systems at this year’s CES show in Las Vegas put the company’s best foot forward in the eyes of an H.C. Wainright & Co. analyst.

“Some might argue attaining a measure of commercial success with projection interactivity could drive the company to an order of multitude increase in market cap, and we suggest that enabling interactivity in projection has significant import in everyday applications, such as supplementing voice-activated commands with touch-enabled projection interaction in smart home systems,” Kevin Dede wrote in a research note Monday.

The note also touted the potential impact of new and improved real-time digital 3D rendering using the company’s new PSE-0400li3-101 sensing engine.

Keep reading click here...

MicroVision Announces Change in Leadership, Names Perry Mulligan as New Chief Executive Officer

2018-01-30T18:54:00.002-08:00

MicroVision Announces Change in Leadership, Names Perry Mulligan as New Chief Executive Officer

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MicroVision, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVIS), a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and sensing technology, today announced that it has named Perry Mulligan, a company director, as chief executive officer, replacing Alexander Tokman who has resigned as chief executive officer and director.

Mulligan has served as a director at MicroVision since January 2010 and assumes the role of chief executive officer (CEO) immediately. Tokman will remain as president through the end of 2017 to assist with the transition.

“Perry is very familiar with MicroVision, its vision and management through his seven-year tenure as a member of the Board of Directors. Perry brings a track record of success and a strong background in executive leadership, operational management and global supply chain design,” said Brian Turner, chairman and independent director at MicroVision. “Alex has worked tirelessly for MicroVision, and we appreciate his contributions, energy and commitment to the company’s success. We are grateful that Alex has agreed to stay on as president through the end of the year and to be available to support the company and Perry as we move forward.”

“I am very excited to join MicroVision as CEO and I look forward to carrying on the vision of the company and building on its success,” said Perry Mulligan, incoming CEO. “There are many opportunities ahead, and I am pleased that Alex will be available to help ensure a smooth transition, enabling the company to continue to execute on our business plan.”

“After a decade of guiding MicroVision, I have decided it is time to step back and spend more time with my family,” said Alexander Tokman, outgoing CEO. “I believe that Perry is the right person to take the company to the next stage and am pleased that he was chosen to helm the next era of growth for the company.”

Mulligan was formerly senior vice president of operations for Emulex Corporation, where he oversaw Emulex operations, including supplier management, test engineering, logistics, IT and facilities. Prior to Emulex, Mulligan was senior vice president, operations for QLogic, where he was responsible for all aspects of the manufacturing and delivery of products to the customer in addition to overall supply chain design and manufacturing strategy.

This Android Phone With a Built-In Projector Is Perfect For Movie Lovers

2018-01-30T18:48:00.002-08:00

Considering more than half of all video viewing now happens on mobile devices, it’s probably accurate to say that smartphones have become many people’s go-to entertainment device. But there are certainly times when watching a lengthy video or television show on a pocket-sized screen isn’t ideal.

That’s where Movi comes in: It’s an Android smartphone with a built-in pico projector that can project 720p images up to 200 inches in size diagonally. It’s available now for $599 and is unlocked, so it should work with any carrier.

The idea isn’t entirely new — companies like Motorola sell smartphones that can connect to projector accessories, but those are often expensive. The Insta-Share Projector Moto Mod, which is designed to fit on certain phones in Motorola’s Moto Z line, costs $300. When you add that to the cost of the phone, which can range between $400 and $720 depending on the model, you can end up paying between $700 and around $1,000. From that perspective, the Movi looks like a bargain.

Click here to keep reading..

The Moviphone is an Android phone with a built-in projector

2018-01-30T18:45:00.001-08:00

This isn't the first time we've seen a projector packed into a phone, but it is the cleanest implementation yet. CES used to be a decent showcase for a lot of the major upcoming phones for the year, but as time's gone on, that's changed. Big phone unveilings are now reserved for MWC, IFA, and other press events throughout the year, but if you look hard enough, there are still some handsets to be found here and there.

One company that's at CES 2018 is Wireless Mobi Solutions from San Diego, and it's showing off a product called the "Moviphone." The Moviphone is a mid-range Android handset that doesn't look all that exciting at first glance, but upon further inspection, you'll see there's something unique on the back – a built-in projector.

The Moviphone can project a 720p HD image up to 100-inches in size, and its brightness rating of 50-lumens is right on par with what Motorola's projector Moto Mod offers. However, unlike the Moto Mod for Motorola's Moto Z devices, you wouldn't know there was a projector on the Moviphone if we didn't already tell you. It really is amazing just how much the Moviephone looks like any other random Android phone, and while its design might not be very inspiring, the fact that there's a projector packed inside a familiar form factor is commendable.

Click here to keep reading

Moviphone: An Android phone packing a built-in projector

2018-01-30T18:43:00.000-08:00

Movi Smartphone With Built in Projector - CES 2018 Snippet

2018-01-30T18:41:00.001-08:00

Moviphone: A $600 Android phone with a built-in projector

2018-01-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

Microvision Shares Surge

2017-03-20T10:50:00.001-07:00

Microvision shares have been surging on news of a $6.7 million dollar display engine order. Microvision has stated an unidentified OEM plans to embed their engine into a smartphone that will be released in China later this year. The message boards are filled with hope and many newcomers believe that this is the turning point for shareholders. But long term shareholders have seen this story before (Korean ESplus Seeser Projector) and hope the "Asian electronics device manufacturer" doesn't turn out to be a no-name brand as we have seen in the past.

MicroVision Receives First Order for Factor Display Engine for $6.7 Million

2017-03-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

MicroVision, Inc. (NASDAQ: MVIS), a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and sensing technology, today announced that it has received a $6.7 million order for its small form factor display engine (model PSE-0403-103) from an Asian electronics device manufacturer. The customer plans to embed the MicroVision display engines in smartphones.

The electronics Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) plans to launch the smartphone product later this year in China and other markets where it has existing distribution of its products. Currently MicroVision expects to begin shipping engines to the OEM in the second quarter of 2017 with a large majority of the units shipping by the end of 2017. Actual timing of shipments of the PSE-0403-103 to this OEM will be finalized in line with the OEM’s product launch timing. Other details of the product or agreement between MicroVision and the OEM are confidential.

This order demonstrates how the small form factor display engine MicroVision announced in November 2016 is suited to applications where small size and power efficiency are required and where flexible design of the module is needed by the OEM. The electronics OEM that is designing the smartphone with an embedded projector required an electronics board layout that varied from the standard form of MicroVision’s PSE-0403-101 display engine. MicroVision was able to quickly design a form factor that met the requirements of the OEM and could be manufactured by MicroVision’s supply chain partner. This module, PSE-0403-103, uses the same MEMS and ASICS¹ components as the standard MicroVision PSE-0403-101 engine with a configuration that supports the design of the OEM’s product.

MicroVision began shipping samples of its small form factor display engine to customers, including this OEM, in December 2016.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315005521/en/MicroVision-Receives-Order-Small-Form-Factor-Display

MicroVision Interactive Projector Demo at Mobile World Congress

2017-03-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

MicroVision MidRange LiDAR Demo

2017-03-20T10:18:00.002-07:00

MicroVision Interactive Projection Demo

2017-03-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Microvision CES - From Bull to Bear

2016-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Microvision CES - From Bull to Bear

I have been holding Microvision (MVIS) stock for many years now and witnessed my fair share of Microvision's bull rallies leading up to CES, followed by a sell off once nothing of significance is announced. I wish the CES bull rally would hold, just like the 50% Apple rumor spikes in the past, but the bears always come out to ruin the optimism. So did anything really interesting come out of CES?... in short.. nothing. same old story. Microvision is still looking for that "killer product".

The Sony MPCL1 with Microvision state of the art PicoP engine is a highly improved product over the original ShowWX+. The new PicoP engine display's is a brighter crystal clear 720p image along with better battery life. Features such as being able to stream content via wireless and run the device plugged in is a major step forward. But while it seems that this may be one of the best pico projectors on the market, is isn't a killer product. Even to this day, when I demonstrate the ShowWX+, people are in awe. But for $350 and very limited practical uses, its not a product that's going to be flying off the shelves. Even back in the day when the ShowWX+ was sold at BestBuy, they had to auction a significant amount on the BestBuy auction site just to get rid of them. Its a very useful product for some but to expensive for that one time yearly use for many.

But Microvision is still pressing forward. They have proven their technology is superior and can be embedded into a variety of devices. Along with big names like Sony on board, there are plenty of other similar companies at this present time who are testing/designing new products with Microvisions engine. The question is when will Microvision find its killer product? In my opinion, Apple/Samsung/Microsoft/Sony etc have all discussed the possibility of embedding Microvision's display engine into their mobile devices alongside top tier automotive manufactures for heads up display. Until then, all these random products are going to provide just enough cash to keep Microvision afloat.

Sony MPC1

2016-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

Click here - Chipworks: Inside the Sony MPCL1

Microvision Tracker Update

2015-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Microvision Tracker Update

I haven't updated this website in a while but I still take the time to catch up on what Microvision has been up to. If your interested on reading a Microvision blog that is frequently updated, check out Peter's MVIS blog (petersmvis.blogspot.com). So where are we at with Microvision? Well at this point we know that laser based projection technology is the clear winner vs the others (DLP, LCOS etc). Sony has jumped on board with a $14.5 million dollar picop engine order and the Celluon Pico Pro, which incorporates Microvisions technology, has had great reviews. Microvision PicoP technology stands above the rest, the only thing at this point, which has been a recurring theme over the years, is they need that killer product. While the Celluon product is light years of Microvision original pico projector with 720p display, increased lumen output, and corrected "speckle" issue, its still not a product that's going mainstream. I have one of Microvision's original pico pros, and while everybody I provided a demo to loved it, I might have used it ten times in total. Its more of a cool piece of technology than a must have device.

Over the past couple years, Microvision has been developing a HUD with a Tier 1 automotive supplier, but at this point its still in the evaluation stages. Automobiles manufactures are in rush to integrate as much tech gadgets into their products. However, I haven't seen a decent HUD yet. Microvision technology would make a great HUD and this may be one of their first products that hits the mainstream. For years, I have read about multiple manufactures trying to integrate Microvision's technology into a variety of devices but we all know the end game is integration within a mobile device (iphone, galaxy etc). Similar to automobiles, there isn't really much left they can add to a mobile device expect for a projector. The only problem with integrating a 50 lumen projector within a mobile device comes down to battery life and size. But I do believe that all major mobile manufactures are working on how to integrate a projector and at this point, Microvision technology is superior.

I did notice that Microvision shares jumped, on yet again, another Apple takeover rumor. For those of you that have been investing in Microvision for a while, can recall this is probably the 5th or maybe 6th time Microvision stock has jumped due to an Apple rumor. Like I previously started, I am confident that Apple has been looking into mobile projector integration with Microvisions technology, but its just not ready for the mobile market just yet. At this point, Sony is the biggest achievement so far. Sony will try to do what Microvision has been up to for years, integrating the picop engine into a variety of products. Sony will try to integrate the picop engine into a variety of its own products and sell it to other manufactures for use in laptops, cameras, tablets etc.

CES 2015 - Celluon Pico Pro Laser Projector

2015-06-18T11:44:00.003-07:00

Celluon Pico Pro incorporates Microvision's PicoP technology

Microvision Laser HUD

2014-09-29T21:21:00.003-07:00

Both Jaguar and Range Rover have been discussing laser heads up display technology for a while. Looks like the first laser based HUD will debut in the Range Rover. Microvision is current working on a laser HUD with a Tier 1 Automotive manufacturer.

Range Rover Evoque SW1 headed for Paris with the ‘world’s first’ laser HUD

Disney-Microvision Cake?

2014-09-29T21:01:00.003-07:00

Disney Research continues to work on several augmented reality products and has utilized Microvision's projection engine in such AR projects as Hideout, which brings storybooks to life using pico projector technology. Disney unveiled its AR Cake technology at the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Bridal Showcase at the Grand Floridian Resort.

Could Disney's new AR Cake contain an Microvision display engine?

Who needs icing? Cake ‘projections’ are the future of weddings

MicroVision Receives Nearly $1.9 Million in Component Orders

2014-09-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

MicroVision Receives Nearly $1.9 Million in Component Orders for Fortune Global 100 Customer

MicroVision, Inc a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display technology, today announced it has received purchase orders for components for high definition display modules being developed by its Fortune Global 100 customer. These orders, which are valued at nearly $1.9 million, are part of the production readiness and commercialization activities MicroVision is engaged in with its customer. The customer has informed MicroVision of its plans to incorporate the components in high definition display modules it has developed with support from MicroVision.

The development activity under the April 2013 agreement is now complete. The Fortune Global 100 company, in an announcement earlier this year, stated that it aims to bring the display module to market for use in pico projectors and other devices with projector functionality. MicroVision expects shipment of components to begin in the fourth quarter extending into the first quarter of 2015. The components are intended as part of commercialization preparation activities to exercise the supply chain for MicroVision and its customer and to support early production needs. MicroVision has previously stated its intention to have its supply chain capable of volume production in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Today’s announcement is a step toward achieving that goal. “We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made with our partner and in taking this next step for its commercialization efforts,” said Alexander Tokman, president and CEO of MicroVision. “Partnering with such a leader in the consumer electronics industry has been an incredible experience, and we look forward to the next phase in our collaboration.”

MicroVision To Transition From Pure Development To Commercialization

2014-08-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

MicroVision To Transition From Pure Development To Commercialization

- The company's pending announcement of business compensation details with Sony is a catalyst.
- High penetration and growth of mobile devices used for video streaming is an opportunity for portable video projection.
- The company is reaching an inflection point in its history as it transitions from development to commercialization of its technology.

Microvision Q2 2014 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

2014-08-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Microvision Q2 2014 Results - Earnings Call Transcript

Highlights

- In June, we announced a collaboration with the second consumer electronic company on the Fortune Global 500 list to develop a display engine for an innovative smartphone product to be offered by this company. The new partner has communicated to us that it targets market introduction of the new product in the second half of 2015.

- Shifting to the automotive segment, we've previously announced that we are working with a global Tier One supplier and a major vehicle OEM. MicroVision delivered multiple prototype HUD systems to the Tier One supplier in the second quarter. The prototype head-up display system for the vehicle OEM is slated for delivery this quarter -- third quarter.

- Next topic is UPS. We are currently on track to deliver custom PicoP display modules in the third quarter to UPS, which is another Fortune Global 500 customer

MicroVision Q2 2014 Conference Call

2014-08-05T23:29:00.001-07:00

MicroVision Q2 2014 Conference Call
MicroVision announced it will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2014 financial results on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.

Microsoft & Microvision

2014-07-02T08:06:00.003-07:00

Microsoft & Microvision
Microvision shares are up due to a recent patent application by Microsoft that mentions Microvision's PicoP technology.

United States Patent, 8,767,014
Automatic text scrolling on a display device

Abstract

A see-through head-mounted display (HMD) device, e.g., in the form of glasses, provides view an augmented reality image including text, such as in an electronic book or magazine, word processing document, email, karaoke, teleprompter or other public speaking assistance application. The presentation of text and/or graphics can be adjusted based on sensor inputs indicating a gaze direction, focal distance and/or biological metric of the user. A current state of the text can be bookmarked when the user looks away from the image and subsequently resumed from the bookmarked state. A forward facing camera can adjust the text if a real word object passes in front of it, or adjust the appearance of the text based on a color of pattern of a real world background object. In a public speaking or karaoke application, information can be displayed regarding a level of interest of the audience and names of audience members.

Microdisplay 120 projects an image through lens 122. Different image generation technologies can be used. For example, with a transmissive projection technology, the light source is modulated by optically active material, and backlit with white light. These technologies are usually implemented using LCD type displays with powerful backlights and high optical energy densities. With a reflective technology, external light is reflected and modulated by an optically active material. The illumination is forward lit by either a white source or RGB source, depending on the technology. Digital light processing (DGP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and MIRASOL.RTM. (a display technology from QUALCOMM.RTM., INC.) are all examples of reflective technologies which are efficient as most energy is reflected away from the modulated structure. With an emissive technology, light is generated by the display. For example, a PicoP.TM.-display engine (available from MICROVISION, INC.) emits a laser signal with a micro mirror steering either onto a tiny screen that acts as a transmissive element or beamed directly into the eye.

MicroVision to Collaborate on Display Engine for a Smartphone

2014-06-09T21:50:00.002-07:00

MicroVision to Collaborate on Display Engine for a Smartphone
MicroVision, Inc. , a leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display technology, today announced that it is collaborating with a major global consumer electronics brand to develop a display engine for use in an innovative smartphone product.

This new customer, listed on the Fortune Global 500, is a leading name in consumer electronics. The companies plan to collaborate on this development activity targeting a possible second half 2015 product introduction. “We are extremely pleased to be working with this industry-leading electronics brand on a display engine for a truly innovative product incorporating our revolutionary PicoP display technology,” said Alexander Tokman, president and CEO of MicroVision.

This design win, which is the culmination of months of design work and technical discussions, is the second for MicroVision with a major electronics brand on the Fortune Global 500. Previously the company announced a development agreement with another global electronics brand for a custom display module incorporating PicoP® display technology. MicroVision has announced that it is ramping up for volume production of key components with the goal to be ready in the second half of 2014.