The Splay, a 2-in-1 foldable monitor and projector, offers a unique solution for individuals seeking a versatile and portable display option. Conceived by mechanical engineer Alexander Wesley and developed by Arovia, the device addresses the challenge of delivering presentations on the go with small screens. The product gained traction through crowdfunding on Kickstarter, amassing over $713,000 and ranking among the top one percent of technology projects on the platform.
The Splay’s journey began at Rice University’s startup accelerator, where Wesley collaborated with co-founder George Zhu to refine the concept. After successful crowdfunding, the team navigated complex supply chain challenges to deliver the initial version to early backers. Encouraged by user feedback, Arovia unveiled the next-generation Splay at CES 2024.
This 2-in-1 device boasts a 24.5-inch screen with a native resolution of 1920×1080 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The Splay offers a maximum brightness of 760 nits in display mode, ensuring visibility in bright environments, while the projector mode provides 285 Lumens and supports up to 80 inches. Connectivity options include HDMI and a wireless HDMI adapter.
The Splay’s versatility extends to its 44 Wh battery, offering up to four hours of usage, including audio playback through built-in stereo speakers. Charging is facilitated by a USB-C wall power adapter, and a battery-bank mode allows users to charge other USB devices on the go.
What sets the Splay apart is its foldable design, enabled by a fully flexible nanomaterial screen developed in collaboration with Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI). This nanomaterial ensures a wrinkle-free, bright, and durable display that can be folded in any direction. The screen disperses projected light evenly, enhancing contrast and eliminating glare.
The device’s well-engineered mechanics allow for easy setup and stowage with a one-step expansion and collapse mechanism. A detachable black shroud enhances contrast in display mode and can be removed in projector mode, making the Splay the most portable ultra-short-throw projector on the market, capable of projecting up to a 100-inch image.
According to Wesley, the Splay outperforms other projectors with similar dimensions, battery power, and weight, as it can be placed half as far away from the projection surface. Arovia envisions the Splay as a versatile tool for presentations, trade shows, videos, live sports screenings, mobile command posts, and audiovisual teleprompters.
Its magnification capabilities also make it accessible for individuals with low vision. While gaming on the go is possible, the device refreshes at a modest 60Hz with a 10 ms response rate. Overall, the Splay offers a unique blend of portability, flexibility, and functionality, making it a compelling choice for a variety of applications.