Cover Image for This bottle-sized rotating projector won't tip over.
Wed Oct 09 2024

This bottle-sized rotating projector won't tip over.

Take a home theater with you on your next camping adventure.

The JMGO Picoflix joins the growing list of portable projectors compact enough to fit in a water bottle pocket. Unlike other cylindrical projectors that are used vertically, the Picoflix is designed to operate horizontally and features an integrated rotational gimbal, making it easier to aim at a screen or wall.

This projector, which is already available on the company's website for a price of $599, uses a 1080p LED light source capable of reaching up to 450 ANSI lumens of brightness. Although this level of brightness is slightly lower than similar-sized projectors, such as the Samsung Freestyle, it is sufficient for dark environments, as long as you do not intend to fill a cinema-sized screen.

The idea of cylindrical projectors with integrated gimbals is not new. Devices like the Samsung Freestyle and the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro offer this functionality, although they remain upright and require wide bases for added stability. The Picoflix's design avoids this problem by resting on its side during use, relying on a small foot to prevent it from sliding. Its dimensions are approximately 9.5 inches long and 3.14 inches in diameter, even narrower than a 40-ounce Stanley cup.

The projector lens can rotate up to 127 degrees, providing flexibility in placement. It can be positioned lower to the ground, reducing obstruction of the view. Additionally, JMGO's screen alignment technology automatically corrects the image to a certain extent, although the Picoflix is not designed to function as a short-throw projector.

The Picoflix does not require an external power source, as it features a built-in 10,000 mAh battery. According to JMGO, it can last up to 4.5 hours playing movies in eco mode, but this does mean a significant reduction in brightness. Playback time is notably shortened when used at maximum brightness, so it is advisable to carry an extra battery if planning to use it in places without access to electricity. Its weight of 3.3 pounds may add to the load in a camping backpack.

Regarding connectivity, the Picoflix has a single HDMI 2.1 input with eARC support, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port located at each end of the projector. Content can be played from an external device, but the Picoflix also offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and works with Google TV, providing access to various streaming platforms, including Netflix, which is not always available on all-in-one projectors from Chinese companies.

In addition to its projector function, the Picoflix can be used to listen to music through its 10W speaker. It supports Bluetooth 5.4, and the company claims that the battery life extends to about seven hours when listening to audio only.