I’m really impressed with this $400 portable projector

After relocating to a new apartment, I found myself without a television, a casualty of a friendly roommate split. While my new studio is more spacious than my previous places, I still struggled with the idea of fitting a bulky TV into the compact living area. In my quest for a practical solution, Lumi Labs approached me to test their innovative portable projector, the Lumi Max. Unboxing the Lumi Max was a revelation; it’s astonishing to see how much projectors have evolved since my college days when I made do with a low-quality model. The compact design of the Lumi Max immediately stood out. Its vertical structure makes it ideal for limited spaces, allowing it to rest easily on a shelf or be stored away when not needed. Weighing just over 4 pounds, it’s considerably lighter than many projectors available today. Designed by outdoor enthusiasts, it fits seamlessly into backpacks, making it perfect for travel and outdoor movie nights. It even comes with a handy carrying case. One of the most impressive aspects of the Lumi Max, which launched earlier this month, is its integration with Google. Operating on Google TV, it offers access to over 10,000 apps, a vast library of more than 700,000 movies and TV shows, and over 800 free live TV channels right out of the box. Setting it up is straightforward for users with a Google account, and the included remote makes navigation a breeze. In addition to its Google TV capabilities, the Lumi Max boasts remarkable features such as autofocus and obstacle avoidance. It smartly identifies objects on the wall, like picture frames and plants, and automatically adjusts the image accordingly. As my walls were bare, I had a blank slate to experiment with, but the projector did alert me when my chair obstructed the view, allowing for easy repositioning. The display capabilities are equally impressive, offering sizes from 40 to 120 inches, along with a sharp 1080p full HD resolution and compatibility with 4K UHD content. I was also pleasantly surprised by the sound quality; the projector is equipped with two 5W speakers, delivering a total audio output of 10W, and includes Dolby Audio support for those who want to connect it to an external sound system for an enhanced audio experience. At around $400, the Lumi Max is reasonably priced, especially when considering its extensive features compared to a traditional television. Lumi Labs also offers adjustable projector stands for just $30 and 100-inch projector screens for $20 on their website. Additionally, the company plans to launch a mobile app called “Lumi IQ,” which will feature an AI assistant for voice-controlled projector management.