Back in February, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Californian hardware firm Akyumen announced its new Holofone Phablet, a 7-inch Windows 10 tablet with 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in projector.
Its key specs include:
- 7-inch LCD with Full HD (1920x1080px) resolution
- Quad-core Intel Atom (Cherry Trail) processor
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB onboard storage (expandable)
- 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and "super slow motion technology"
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 3500mAh battery (also listed as 2910mAh on one page)
According to the company"s site, the Holofone has a "2-in-1" operating system solution, dual-booting either Windows 10, or Android 5.x Lollipop. The device runs full-fat Windows 10 - rather than Windows 10 Mobile, which is found on various other small tablets.
The projector offers "high definition" resolution, with 35 lumens of brightness (although this is also stated as 45 lumens in some places on Akyumen"s site), and can project its image up to a size of 100 inches diagonal.
The numerous renders on Akyumen"s site show the device"s ability to project images with considerable clarity and color accuracy up to a very large size, even in a brightly lit room.
Some of those representations are perhaps a tad ambitious, although when CNET got to play with the Holofone earlier this year, they observed that "in a dimly room the projector gave a bright picture".
The Holofone name is also a bit of an overstatement - you"ll get a standard 2D projection, but none of the clever augmented reality elements that you"ll see on a "holographic" headset like Microsoft"s HoloLens.
According to Akyumen, users can expect up to two hours of battery life with continuous use of the projector, which offers 720p resolution.
In addition to Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity, the Holofone also has a USB Type-C connector, and HDMI output to connect the device to a TV or display via a wire.
Four retail packages are listed on Akyumen"s website - although every single color and package combination states that it is "no longer available for pre-ordering":
Basic Package ($750) : Sabertooth pen, high quality ear buds, basic device stand, screen protector
Premium Package ($850) : Sabertooth pen, high quality ear buds, screen protector, external wireless Bluetooth speaker, Saber stand with built-in battery, allowing up to an additional 5 hours of battery life
Advanced Package ($950) : Sabertooth pen, high quality ear buds, screen protector, external wireless Bluetooth speaker, game controller, Saber stand with built-in battery, allowing up to an additional 5 hours of battery life
Education Package ($600) : Basic Saber Stand, Sabertooth Pen, DNA Earbuds, Basic DNA Speakers, Screen protector and Akyumen School Bag
Akyumen told CNET in February that the educational version would go on sale in April, priced at $450, while the consumer model would launch in the US in June for $650, which would "include a number of accessories".
Clearly, those plans have changed somewhat since then. The device is now scheduled to launch on September 1, and the basic consumer package - with its various accessories - is now priced $100 higher than expected.
Source: Akyumen - 1 | 2 via CNET / Windows Central