The biggest names usually take the headlines at CES, but finding an up-and-coming gadget maker with interesting new products is what makes the show worthwhile.
By unveiling their own version of the Pico projector this 
week, Nextar is trying to be one those companies that catch our attention. With most of the Picos not fully living up to the hype thus far, we’re hoping they’ve come up with something good.
Nextar’s Z10 LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) micro projector is pocketable like the other minis and has a resolution going up to 640 x 480 pixels. It’s supposed to be much brighter than the other minis and all images come out in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
According to Nextar, the projector will last up to 30,000 hours, has USB and Micro SD ports, and comes with a built-in speaker. It will also support several audio and video file types, in case you want to play some music. But with that tiny shell, we’re not expecting quality video at all — tinny audio seems more appropriate.
The 1 lb. Z10 will come with a separate, companion accessory the other Pico’s don’t have: a small 20" (diagonal) screen for insta-presentations. The screen is probably not a bad idea if you don’t already have a projection screen, but it seems unnecessary if you can find a clean white wall.
Nextar will also be coming out with two solar powered Bluetooth car speakers this week. The hands-free speakers connect to your cell phone and provide 10 hours of talk time at a full charge. According to the company, the dashboard-bound sets recharge while you’re driving, making it less likely to find yourself without juice.
The Z10 projector will be out in the Spring for $300, and the screen will be $40. The bluetooth speakers will run from $60 to $70.
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