Smart TVs are all the rage, and upgrade systems for ordinary televisions aren't all that uncommon. The Pocket TV Kickstarter project, however, is somewhat different. It's essentially a small computer with an HDMI output that lets it connect to newer televisions or other screens. It runs Android 4.0, so once you plug it in you can use it more or less like an ordinary tablet displayed in 1080p resolution. It's pocket-sized and includes Wi-Fi, 4GB of internal storage, and a microSD slot, making it more mobile than the standard smart TV upgrade box. In some ways, Pocket TV isn't too different from something like Cotton Candy — though it's geared more towards TVs — but the method of control is interesting. While it works with a standard IR remote, there's also the option to use a smartphone app or order an "Air Remote," which looks like a phone-sized keyboard and includes gyroscopic controls. That means you can move it like a Wiimote or use it as a physical keyboard.

Judging by the video below, the prototype seems to work well, though we're not sure how functional it would be with just a standard IR remote. It recently passed its goal of $100,000 with 31 days to go, so the project appears on track to become reality. If it does, the first units will ship in October. It costs $135 to get a Pocket TV and Air Remote, a package that will apparently retail for $190. The full specs are posted on the Kickstarter page: it's got a 1GHz Cortex A9 processor, a USB port for an external keyboard or hard drive, and 512MB of RAM. Detachable computing has been possible for some years, so hopefully this project can help make it more accessible for everyone.