Aurzen Zip tri-folding pocket projector scores over $170,000 in nearly-new crowdfunding campaign

Dual-hinged devices that pack more tech into what can become a much smaller surface area seem poised to take over the world, as Huawei might attest with its Mate XT Ultimate Design. To that end, the Aurzen Zip seems built like one of those metallic foldable wireless chargers found on Amazon - however, it is rated to pack an entire portable projector instead.

The Zip is apparently based on the same DLP technology as many conventional projectors, yet has a housing that can fold down to a height of 84 millimeters (or nearly half that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max) when not in use.

Once deployed, its hinges can be used to find the perfect angle and elevation for its projection (with ToF Zero-Lag Auto Focus Technology for auto-keystone features). It also packs a 5,000mAh battery for up to 1.5 hours of completely independent run-time, and a USB-C port for 24W PD charging.

Aurzen has conferred a throw ratio of 1.09:1 on the Zip, but is less specific on the size of image it can project.

That leads us to some of the gadget's main drawbacks: it can only display a "Natvie" resolution of just 720p - at a brightness of just 100 ANSI lumens - at best.

The Zip also seems to rely heavily on screen mirroring and/or wireless streaming for its content, to the extent that a user would need an additional Aurzen CastPlay dongle for HDMI-enabled sources such as TV boxes, consoles or laptops.

In addition, while the Zip can be much shorter than the 16 Pro Max in a pocket, it is also nearly three times as thick at 26mm (or ~1 inch) when folded, and weighs more at 280 grams (g).

On the other hand, the "Tri-Fold Projector" has its own (albeit 1 watt (W)) speakers and is rated for up-to-date Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

Aurzen has only just launched the Zip on Kickstarter following its Innovation Award win at CES 2025, but has already gathered ~$175,000 from its backers at the time of writing. It currently starts at $249 in Black or Titanium Gold colorways