JMGO PicoPlay 1080P HD Portable Projector Review

The JMGO PicoPlay is an innovative, portable projector that stands out in the mini-projector market. It’s designed to be more than just a projector; it’s a 3-in-1 entertainment hub that combines a Full  1080P HD projector, a Bluetooth speaker, and a dynamic ambient light. The device is roughly the size of a travel mug, making it incredibly easy to carry in a backpack or even a large pocket and it is also a powerbank but needs a mains plug

Design and Portability

The PicoPlay’s most striking feature is its unique canister-like design with an 88° rotating gimbal and something I have not seen before. This clever design allows you to easily project images from a wall to the ceiling with minimal effort. It weighs just over 2 pounds, and while it doesn’t have a built-in battery, it can be powered by a 65W Type-C power bank (or an optional stand with a battery) for true portability. 

Picture Quality and Performance

For its small size, the PicoPlay delivers surprisingly good picture quality. It features a native 1080p Full HD resolution and a brightness of 400 ISO lumens (the PicoPlay+ model has 450 ISO lumens). While this is bright enough for well-lit rooms, it performs well in dim or dark environments, producing a sharp and colorful image up to around 50-60 diagonal inches. The projector also supports HDR10 and covers a wide color gamut (124% of Rec. 709), which helps make colors pop. The Flexismart system is a major highlight, offering automatic autofocus, keystone correction, and screen alignment, which simplifies the setup process to just a few seconds. The manual keystone correction feature is very fast compared to others here. The remote control has tactile clicky responsive buttons.

Smart Features and Usability

One of the PicoPlay’s biggest selling points is the integration of Google TV. This means you have access to a vast library of streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video right out of the box, with dedicated shortcuts on the remote. The projector also features a special Vertical Play mode, which is optimized for content from platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, a unique feature for a projector in this category. Additionally, the device can be used as a standalone 8-watt Bluetooth speaker, with a dynamic ambient light mode that can sync with music, turning it into a party hub.

Check out the full hands on review below

Features to note.

  • Compact and Portable Design: Easy to carry around with a travel bag included
  • Smart Features: Built-in Google TV for seamless streaming.
  • User-Friendly: The Flexismart system makes setup incredibly fast and simple.
  • Versatility: Doubles as a powerful Bluetooth speaker and ambient light.
  • Good Picture for its Size: 1080p resolution and HDR10 support up to 200 inches and reviewed on 120 inch pull down screen.

 

Conclusion

The JMGO PicoPlay is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and highly portable entertainment device. It’s ideal for movie nights in a dark room, backyard parties, or as a secondary display for gaming or presentations. While the lack of a built-in battery is a drawback for a device marketed as portable, its other features, like the Google TV integration and the clever rotating gimbal, make it a strong contender in the mini-projector space. It’s best suited for casual users who prioritize ease of use and smart functionality over maximum brightness and premium features.

Features

  • 3-in-1 Entertainment Hub: PicoPlay integrates a mini projector, immersive Bluetooth speaker, and dynamic ambient light (Requires Optical Filter) to instantly set the mood for movies, parties, or chill sessions.
  • Power Your Adventures: Connect to a 65W Type-C power bank or JMGO battery tripod (sold separately) for up to 3 hours of video or 7 hours of music on the go.
  • Immersive Visual Feast: Enjoy stunning visuals with 400 ISO Lumens brightness (PicoPlay: 400, PicoPlay+:450), 90% DCI-P3 color, and crisp 1080P resolution—up to a massive 200 inches.
  • Free Angles, Easy Control: Featuring an innovative 88° Rotating Gimbal with high-precision multiple control options and instant App access
  • with customizable Action Button for seamless operation and effortless interaction.
  • No More Wait: FlexiSmart delivers real-time autofocus, auto keystone, screen alignment, and eye protection—so you’re ready to watch in seconds.

BUY 

See our Projector reviews 

Tech Review – instax WIDE 400 instant camera

The instax WIDE 400 instant camera is the latest now on offer from FUJIFILM and it is a big boy this one, everywhere I went with it I was stopped and questions asked never mind looking like an American tourist but this did not bother me in the slightest as it catches eyes.

The camera is simple to use with simple controls and of course an array of filtered prints available and you get an add on selfie extension for those who like to take selfies which many do.

There is a selfie timer up front and of course your shutter key which you need to watch out your finger does not end up in the photo, that being said with big hands it is just me but just beware anyway, there is also your flash up front and that big lens that twists to two settings which I enjoy opening and closing.

Up top your wide image comes out and on the rear is your viewfinder and hatch for the films that we all love that just slot in with ease and also a counter for remaining shots.

There is a tripod mount there and also a strap with two blocks to help you get that right angle you need at the time of shooting.

This runs on batteries so be sure to fully close the lens after use. Also on the unit is two strap holders for carrying the camera around which is fun and gets you noticed.

The camera is analogue and twists open to give two ranges of shooting mode being 90cm to 3m and 3m to infinity you could say. You are also provided with the extra close up accessory of selfie clip as I call it as that is what my daughter just used it for and you can also capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

The camera is fun to use however there is not much control of what you can do here and no app to go with it and it is their first Wide camera in many years so for me they have kept things  simple which is fine.

When it comes to image quality this will vary and again on the light and film you pick and I found their monochrome and black and white films to be rather good over the usual cartridges however this depends on the pictures you are taking on the day.

Overall the instax WIDE 400 camera from FujiFilm is a simple fun camera to use with a built in selfie timer for those selfie fans and in most instances you will get good snaps some did come out overexposed as expected from an analogue camera which does waste expensive film..

Pricing and Availability:

Fujifilm’s instax WIDE 400 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of EUR 150.00 (incl. VAT). It will be available to buy from FUJIFILM stockists nationwide from July 12th, 2024. For more product information, visit https://www.instax.ie/cameras/wide-400/

Main features of the instax WIDE 400:

(1) Analogue instant camera compatible with wide-format film.

・This simply designed analogue instant camera is compatible with instax
WIDE-format film. With automatic exposure and flash control, simply turn the lens to switch it on, hold the camera and press the shutter button.

After turning the lens to switch the power on, turn it further in the same direction to switch to Landscape mode, allowing you to capture distant scenery from a distance of more than 3m. Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, you can capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

(2) Equipped with a lever-operated self-timer for that analogue feel.

A lever-operated self-timer is mounted on the front side of the camera. When the lever is turned, the LEDs light up in sequence and the self-timer can be set for up to 10 seconds.

Pressing the shutter release button starts the countdown and the LEDs go off one by one every two seconds. Group shots can be easily taken while enjoying the sound of the timer and the operation of turning the lever.

(3) Includes useful accessories for self-timer shooting.

By using the included camera angle adjustment accessory, choose between two height options for the optimum shooting angle, all without the need for a tripod.

BUY 

See our other instax reviews

instax WIDE 400  instant camera Walkthrough video 

FUJIFILM instax WIDE 400 unboxing and first look

The all new instax WIDE 400 is by no means a small camera and after having it for a day we will take you on a tour of the new camera from FUJIFILM.

The package is well presented as expected and comes with some accessories inside such as a lens clip on for close ups or selfie shots a neck strap and another little strap that can give you a better angle for using the selfie timer which is pretty cool as you will see in the video how that works.

The camera can be mounted on a tripod too and although it is on the cumbersome side the way the housing is shaped gives you a good ergonomic grip and does not weigh down to one side even with the 4 batteries inside and also provided in the package.

There is a big lens on front which also turns the camera on and off with two focal lengths for you to pick from and also there is new films to check out which we will do in the full review soon..

Main features of the instax WIDE 400:

(1) Analogue instant camera compatible with wide-format film.

・This simply designed analogue instant camera is compatible with instax
WIDE-format film. With automatic exposure and flash control, simply turn the lens to switch it on, hold the camera and press the shutter button.

After turning the lens to switch the power on, turn it further in the same direction to switch to Landscape mode, allowing you to capture distant scenery from a distance of more than 3m.

Furthermore, by attaching the included close-up lens, you can capture images up to 40cm away for macro photography.

(2) Equipped with a lever-operated self-timer for that analogue feel.

A lever-operated self-timer is mounted on the front side of the camera. When the lever is turned, the LEDs light up in sequence and the self-timer can be set for up to 10 seconds.

Pressing the shutter release button starts the countdown and the LEDs go off one by one every two seconds. Group shots can be easily taken while enjoying the sound of the timer and the operation of turning the lever.

(3) Includes useful accessories for self-timer shooting.

By using the included camera angle adjustment accessory, choose between two height options for the optimum shooting angle, all without the need for a tripod.

See our other instax reviews

Unboxing and first look

Review