ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The newest Nebula Capsule 3 Pocket Projector is right for individuals who wish to take the cinema expertise on the go whereas reaping the software program advantages of Google TV. 

• Regardless of its small type issue, the Capsule 3 delivers top-quality visuals and sound.

• On battery energy, the projector will run for about 2.5 hours, which can be too brief for some customers.

I’ve at all times most well-liked watching my favourite films and reveals on an enormous display; the immersion and engulfing expertise is bar none. Nevertheless, this expertise is often restricted to the movie show because of area constraints in locations like my house. The newest Nebula Capsule 3, the primary projector to be powered by Google TV, is right here to unravel that downside. 

Anker calls the Capsule 3 a “Pocket Cinema,” and the outline couldn’t be extra correct. With its small type issue, only a tad bigger than a soda can, and weight of simply 2.1 kilos, the projector is as simple to hold round as a transportable speaker. And you will get much more than audio with this gadget.

Regardless of its small measurement, the Capsule 3 can present big-screen leisure of as much as 120 inches. That is fairly beneficiant in comparison with the 45, 55, and even 85-inch sizes usually displayed by TVs. The projector’s image high quality would not disappoint both. 

The Capsule 3 tasks at 1080p, which isn’t as crisp or clear as a 4K projector, however very a lot enough for a $500 projector. In dimmer settings, it produces vibrant colours, element, and distinction, with a peak brightness of 200 ANSI Lumens. Anker sells a Laser variant that tasks as much as 300 ANSI Lumens if you take care of one thing even brighter. 

I examined the Capsule 3 by binge-watching The Crown on Netflix, and as you may see within the picture beneath, the image regarded unbelievable, virtually simply nearly as good as similarly-priced TVs.

The built-in 52Wh battery permits for two.5 hours of playtime, which isn’t probably the most dependable should you’re watching outdoor however simply ok should you’re at house and/or close to an outlet.

The projector options an 8W Dolby Audio Speaker, offering a surprisingly cinematic sound, sufficient to make my accomplice say, “The sound on this factor is insane.” I am going to even admit that I loved the sound from it greater than my on a regular basis TV.

Organising the projector was a reasonably seamless expertise. All it’s a must to do is energy the projector and use the included distant or the distant within the Nebula cellular app to comply with the setup directions, reminiscent of connecting it to Wi-Fi and signing into Google TV. 

The UI has the identical really feel as a regular sensible TV working on Google’s platform and, consequently, is extraordinarily simple to navigate, together with discovering your favourite streaming companies and syncing accounts. Working Google TV additionally signifies that the projector helps Netflix proper out of the field. The identical cannot be stated about different mid-range projectors.

However considered one of my favourite projector options is its clever atmosphere adaption, together with Autofocus and Auto Keystone Correction. Collectively, you may place the projector wherever is probably the most handy for you, and the projection will mechanically alter its angle and measurement to the realm you’re casting to. See the way it works beneath.

This comfort was an enormous improve from a budget $100 projector I used again in faculty, which needed to be completely centered in entrance of a wall, or the image can be warped. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

If in case you have sufficient use instances for a transportable projector, whether or not that is taking it on trip, watching films in your yard, or simply having fun with a cinema-like expertise within the consolation of your own home, then the Capsule 3, powered by Google TV, is a wonderful alternative.

You will not be upset within the sound or video high quality, and the atmosphere adaptation expertise makes the projector extraordinarily versatile by way of placement. Simply do not count on the longest-lasting battery life (except you retain it plugged in) and the brightest show throughout the daytime.