Allison Murray/ZDNET
There is a saying: “Don’t fix what ain’t broken.” I firmly believe in it. Especially when it comes to technological products and the arrival of new versions is sometimes unnecessary.
However, after trying the new generation of the Samsung Freestyle 2, I can say that this portable projector perhaps takes the prize for the best tech gadget I’ve tried so far in 2023.
But first, what are the changes? There aren’t many significant differences between the original model and the second generation projector, but here are a few worth highlighting: Smart Edge Blending which allows you to use two Freestyle projectors to create a single and very large image with an aspect ratio of up to 29.3:9, the solar remote control instead of a battery remote control, more memory for faster performance, and the difference that seems most notable to me, the Samsung Gaming Hub.
The power of autonomy
I’m not a player. But my husband is a casual gamer. So I put it to the test to test this feature. What’s really cool about the Samsung Gaming Hub is that you don’t need a physical console to play a game, just the Freestyle 2, internet access and a gamepad. game.
You’ll need to subscribe to streaming services like Xbox or GeForce Now, but there are free games too.
My husband was able to play Rocket League with a free subscription to GeForce Now, and other free games like Fortnite were also available. The overall gaming experience will depend on your Wi-Fi connection of course. But the graphics were smooth, and the Samsung Freestyle 2 loaded games quickly with virtually no issues.
Indoors or outdoors
And it’s a unique experience to be able to play games on the exterior wall of your house, or project them on the ceiling above your bed, without being tied to a specific room or a particular game console.
Allison Murray/ZDNET
Besides the fun aspect, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is a quality projector. It is very easy to install and use. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. And you don’t need to bother with an extension cord since the device can use an internal battery, allowing you to use it virtually anywhere.
The device comes preloaded with many streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video and more. Which allows you to quickly log into your accounts and start streaming various content.
What impressed me the most, by far, was the sound
But what impressed me the most, by far, was the sound. It comes from the built-in 5W 360-degree speaker, and for such a small speaker, it packs a punch. When watching a movie outdoors in high winds at night, we were able to hear the sound clear and loud, almost as if we were inside and the sound was surrounding us.
In short, the Samsung Freestyle 2 amazed me, also with its image quality and its autofocus capability, whether projecting on an inclined ceiling or on a projector screen. Not to mention the overall experience of installing and streaming video streaming. For me, technology should make things faster and more accessible, and this device does just that, especially with its portability.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice for the Samsung Freestyle 2
If you’re a gamer and want to be able to play games without a console, the Samsung Freestyle 2, currently selling for $800, is a great option that lets you play while camping, outdoors, literally anywhere (for as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection).
However, if you’re buying a Samsung Freestyle for the cinematic experience, the specifications of the first generation are similar enough that you can save your pennies and still get the best projector possible. Regardless of which model you choose, if you are looking for a portable or outdoor projector, this is, in my opinion, the best on the market.
Source: “ZDNet.com”