Only Tablet computer maker to grow sales -- incorporates a projector.

There isn't enough information to draw any conclusions, but it is interesting that the only tablet maker to increase their sales of tablet computers is Lenovo. Lenovo  is the only tablet computer maker -- so far, to incorporate a projector.

Now, if they would get with it and install the better projector (A PicoP) in their Yoga Tablet, they'd REALLY dazzle consumers. (If you guys at Lenovo Call Microvision, tell them Peter sent you.)

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro

Bidness Etc

However, one striking statistic noted in the data is the fact that big players in the tablet market, with theexception of Lenovo (OTCMKTS:LNVGY), have all lost market share to smaller players. During the fourth quarter, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shipments declined by 17.8% and clocked in at 21.4 million. Samsung's shipments declined 18.4% to 11 million, while Asus shipments fell 24.9% to 3 million. Even though Apple and Samsung continue to lead the tablet market, their market shares fell 500 basis points (bps) and 280 bps, respectively. Lenovo was the only tablet vendor to register positive growth, with shipments clocking in at 3.7 million after increasing 9.1% YoY in the quarter. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) registered the largest YoY decline, with shipments falling a whopping 70% YoY to clock in at 1.7 million.  

The only company among the top five to post gains was Lenovo, which grew its estimated shipments 9.1 percent to just 3.7 million units. It was followed by Asus, which saw its budget-priced tablets plummet 24.9 percent to 3 million units.

Thoughts on Apple TV

The following is entirely my opinion.

I've read a lot of other opinions about Apple, rumors about Apple & I've paid close attention to what Microvision is doing for some time. This is a summary of thoughts, with some more current links and rumors.

What would I really like to see coming from Apple & Microvision?

Combine the devices below.

Current Apple TV + PicoP + iPod Classic

What would it include?

"A bigscreen TV and DVR that fits in your pocket."

• A television tuner and access to streaming video feeds 
• Has its own "screen" (infinitely size adjustable to fit the surroundings and lighting conditions.)
• Storage of video for viewing on the go. (160 GB of storage in iPod classic would be more than 20 hours of high-definition video for playback) (your DVR too.)

The best reasons I think this is possible?

1. Most rumors about AppleTV talk about both the need for a screen to be part of the package and the reasons that Apple won't go for a conventional screen.
2. "We've cracked TV" - Steve Jobs
3. iPod Classic is going away. (Do we believe they "can't get parts?" as has been stated by Apple management recently?  "Can't get parts") I do believe that demand for the iPod classic itself is weak, but redirected to video with a larger screen the same storage infrastructure could be used.
4. They could do it. The technology is all in place.
5. They would think about it.
6. It makes sense

Why I think it may happen soon:

1. Access to content was regarded as a major stumbling block. Those blockages are going away at a rapid pace: SA - Apple's new Television Opportunity / Cable Free HBO / 
2. The technology timeline for inclusion of PicoP into other OEM's products is right for something very soon. (as highlighted in this link, manufacturing timelines:  Mfg Timeline Macbook

Why I think it would be a success:

1. It would cost less and offer more functionality than a traditional screen TV
2. iTunes. I was very dubious of the iPod when it appeared. The iPod's success wasn't caused by the brilliance of the device as much as it was because of the content management and delivery system available with iTunes. They can leverage this talent with video as well.
3. People would LOVE this.

Microvision's product
I have seen the most recently demonstrated prototype of the Microvision PicoP in action at the most recent Microvision stockholder meeting. They demonstrated a big screen television that you can slip into your shirt pocket. It is not an exaggeration. It connected easily with a WiFi connection and played content from a cell phone. In a room with medium light it made a bright, clear, excellent picture on the wall that was about 40-50 inch diagonal. "Speckle" was not an issue and wasn't observable unless a deliberate effort was made to find it. The picture is ALWAYS in focus, which is perfect for portable applications. 

Below is the most recent "in the wild" video I know of with PicoP in action. (it's the picture on the ceiling.) The newer version was brighter and better. In person you can't see the scan lines at all.

I suspect Microvision and Apple are working together. For reasons that have been stated here before.  Apple - Sony Timeline 

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro - Ashton Kutcher, design Engineer

Lenovo has adopted a projector in one of its latest offerings. I think that rocks. It's a great idea. 

I do think he would have done even better with a different projector module - there's always the updated version!

Ashton Kutcher: Good job as product engineer on the Yoga!

Microvision has a projector that could improve it significantly.

• Infinite focus -- even if the surface is uneven the image will be in perfect focus
• Bright & clear with brilliant colors -- immersive experience
• Low energy consumption for very long battery life

Image resolution:
Lenovo Yoga Projector:     854 x 480 

Microvision's PicoP:           1920 x 720; aspect ratio 16:9

Ease of use:

Lenovo Yoga Projector:     Requires focus adjustment

Microvision's PicoP:           ALWAYS in focus, even on an uneven surface.

Microvision's PicoP has a better throw ratio too, uses less energy for longer battery life as well.

www.Microvision.com

(425) 936-MVIS (6847)

Lenovo Yoga @ Lenovo.com

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 ProFeatures

Performance for Work and Play with Intel® Inside

Wake in a flash, quickly open files and photos, and seamlessly switch between apps without any delay.

Revolutionary Built-in Projector

An industry first for a tablet, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro boasts a new way to watch videos and movies: a built-in projector. Turn any dark room into a home theater while projecting up to a 50” image on any wall or screen.

Immersive Sound That Stands on Its Own

The Yoga Tablet 2 Pro's integrated 8W sound system gives you a rich, immersive audio experience — the likes of which has never been featured in a tablet form factor. Just check out these features: premium JBL® front-facing, large-chamber speakers with subwoofer, Wolfson® Master HiFi™ audio processing and Dolby® surround sound.

Four Ways to Use Your Tablet

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro’s innovative design places a battery cylinder and kickstand on the side of the device, shifting the center of gravity and opening up multiple ways to use it: Hold, Tilt, Stand, and Hang. That means there are four different ways to enjoy media content, games, and more.

Epic Battery Life

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro keeps going over the long haul with its off-the-charts battery life. Its battery lasts up to 15 hours* so you can go all day – and into the night – without recharging. The secret: Yoga Tablet’s unique, cylinder-shaped side chamber allows more room for battery storage – and more time between charges.
*Battery life is an estimated maximum. Actual battery life may vary based on many factors.
For full testing details, refer to http://www.lenovo.com/battery-info/

Ultra High-Def Display with a Wide Viewing Angle

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro’s dazzling 13.3” QHD (2560 x 1440) display delivers stunning high definition visuals – and you and your friends can enjoy them from a wide, 178 degree viewing angle thanks to the display’s in-plane switching (IPS) technology.

Advanced Rear Camera

Enjoy a new way to take beautiful photos with the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro’s 8MP rear camera, which boasts an f2.2 wide-aperture lens, advanced glare-reducing glass, and a BSI 2 sensor.

Lenovo DOit Apps

Do more with your Yoga Tablet 2 Pro with premium Lenovo applications like SHAREit, which lets you share files quickly without network charges or a WiFi connection and SYNCit, which backs up and restores your contacts and SMS messages.