LED

Big, bright, and maybe a bit overkill. 7,000 lumens, runs on rechargeable Li-ion or regular AAs, and even charges your phone. Too big for hiking, perfect for camping, emergencies, or blinding wildlife. Won't pick winning lotto numbers, however.

Back in 2022, Samsung released a cool-looking portable projector aimed directly at Gen Z and millennials. A game-friendly edition followed, and now the AI-packin' Plus model has emerged – which is not just brighter, but sports a plonk and play design.

Former Huawei subsidiary Honor is primarily known for its phones and wearables, but is now planning to ride the wave of smart projectors with a compact gimbal-packing, AI-powered 1080p model that comes with a stylus for doodling on wall or screen.

XGIMI has launched a new sub-brand aimed at making the first-time projection experience a positive one. The One is an inexpensive lantern projector "that transforms any space into a cinema, social hub, or creative zone."

Late last month, Anker sub-brand Soundcore launched a Kickstarter for a 4K laser projector with a 7.1.4 sound system. Those not wanting to wheel around a huge smart entertainment hub can now opt for something similar, but a lot more portable.

Though you can spend a lot of time and money setting up a dedicated home theater space, smart projectors could mean you don't have to. The TK705 projectors are a great excuse not to bother, offering easy setup 4K visuals that are daytime bright.

Optoma has launched a new series of projectors under the Photon Life moniker, which is aimed at replacing popular lamp-based models in the company's line up. The series comprises three family members, including the flagship PK32 4K 4LED thrower.

Folks in the US looking for a smart projector are pretty much dependent on Google running the show, or have to plug in a streaming stick. Roku has now partnered with Aurzen for a wallet-friendly entertainment hub with Roku TV baked in.

Back in May we covered the China-only release of a lifestyle projector merged with a mood lamp. Now that idea has morphed into the brightest member of Epson's new Lifestudio mini projector family for US release, which also includes a 4K Pop model.

Earlier this year, BenQ announced the European launch of a 4LED Home Cinema projector. Now this W4100i 4LED DLP model is available for sale in the US, featuring 150-inch 4K visuals at up to 3,200 lumens plus a game-friendly 240-Hz mode.

China's Wanbo has officially launched the Vali 1, a portable Full HD smart projector with an integrated gimbal stand that outshines its peers for "best-in-class sound and vision performance."

Canister-shaped lifestyle projectors are great for quick and easy wall-filling viewing in a small space without the room being dominated by a huge TV. Yaber's T1 Pro also serves up mood lighting, and rocks the house with TurboSonic sound.