I recently moved to a new apartment, and my television did not make the cut during an amicable split with my roommate. Although my studio is not as cramped as my previous living spaces, fitting a bulky TV into the area still felt impractical. This led me to search for a suitable alternative.
During my search, a startup named Lumi Labs reached out and asked if I would test its new portable projector, the Lumi Max. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by how far projector technology has advanced since my college days. I remembered struggling with a dingy, hand-me-down projector that cast grainy video onto my dorm wall.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Lumi Max is its compact design. It stands vertically, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It can easily rest on a shelf or be tucked away when not in use. Weighing just over four pounds, it is noticeably lighter than many other projectors on the market. The founders are avid camping enthusiasts, so they designed it to fit snugly in a backpack, making it very convenient for travel and outdoor setups. It also comes with its own carrying case.
The standout feature of the Lumi Max, which became available earlier this month, is its partnership with Google. The projector runs on Google TV by default, providing immediate access to over 10,000 apps, more than 700,000 movies and TV shows, and over 800 free live TV channels right out of the box. Setup is very simple if you already have a Google account, and it includes a remote for easy navigation.
Beyond the built-in Google TV, several other features caught my attention. The autofocus and obstacle avoidance are particularly impressive. The Lumi Max can recognize objects on the wall, like picture frames, plants, or shelves, and automatically adjust the image placement for the best view. Since I have not put any art on my walls yet, I had a blank canvas to work with. It did alert me when my chair was in the way, allowing me to reposition it easily for an optimal viewing experience.
The display size is also impressive, ranging from 40 to 120 inches. It is coupled with 1080p full HD resolution and 4K UHD compatibility. Another pleasant surprise was the sound quality. The Lumi Max features two 5W speakers for a total audio output of 10W. It also has Dolby Audio support, so you can connect it to an external sound system for enhanced performance.
The projector is priced at around $400, which is quite reasonable given the array of features it provides, especially when compared to the cost of a decent-quality television. Lumi Labs also sells adjustable projector stands for $30 and 100-inch projector screens for $20 on its website. The company is also set to launch a mobile app called Lumi IQ that features an AI assistant, which will allow users to control the projector with their voice.