What's new with Samsung's 2nd generation portable projector The Freestyle?
Samsung The Freestyle was one of the most interesting novelties of CES 2022 and generally one of the most notable gadgets of last year. Samsung created not just "another portable projector", but a real modular platform that can be supplemented with various accessories. The gg editors counted 6 different scenarios of its use, but the main thing that makes it stand out among other devices is its portability, the presence of Smart TV and the ability to project images up to 100 inches on any surface (wall or ceiling). And it is remembered for its fast automatic correction of focus and keystone when changing the direction of the image. At IFA 2023, Samsung announced an update to this wonderful gadget under the official name "The Freestyle 2nd generation" with several notable improvements.
4 top differences of Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation are as follows
1. 160" Panoramic Viewing feature: teamwork
Two projectors can now be connected together to create an image up to 160" diagonally with 28:9 aspect ratio in horizontal orientation and up to 120" vertically with 16:15 aspect ratio. In this case, the manufacturer notes perfect synchronisation of images from two projectors and imperceptible transition between images. The panoramic viewing function will also be available for broadcasting from a smartphone.
2. Increased speed of operation: less waiting time
The Freestyle 2nd generation received an increased amount of RAM from 1.5GB to 2GB and of course the developers were able to optimise the software during this time. This allowed to improve the speed of the portable projector: the manufacturer declares that the interface became 22% faster, and the launch of applications accelerated by 59%.
3. SolarCell remote control: you can forget about batteries
Like modern Samsung TVs, the manufacturer's new portable projector is equipped with the SolarCell remote control, which is charged by sunlight and made of 24% recycled plastic. This is a modern and greener alternative to using disposable batteries for power that require recycling, as well as saving money on buying new batteries for the remote.
4. Extended light source warranty: a purchase that lasts for years
All projector users know that a light source has a certain lifespan. In general, it depends on the usage scenarios of the device and is calculated in tens of thousands of hours of use (because this is the main factor affecting durability). And here is some good news - Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation has one and a half times longer warranty on the light source than its predecessor: it has been increased from 20,000 to 30,000 hours. That's 3 years and 5 months of continuous 24x7 operation. In other words, even if you use the projector 8 hours a day, its light source will last for 10 years.
Main cons of Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation
Apart from the new features, the portable projector, of course, retained all the advantages of its predecessor.
- SmartTV platform - Tizen OS provides all the advantages of Samsung smart TVs (streaming services, games, etc.)
- Image diagonal up to 100 inches - a portable alternative to a large TV.
- Adjustable stand for freedom with 180˚ tilt angle - mobility multiplied by ease of use on any surface.
- Automatic Instant Adjustment - a key feature of usability not available on other models. Allows you to automatically adjust the image without any additional action on the part of the user
- Use as a portable speaker - the device provides excellent 360-degree sound.
- Night Lamp Scenario - the included translucent lens cover creates a diffused glow
- Ambient mode - the ability to project various visual effects, e.g. to enhance the atmosphere (more on this in our text)
The Freestyle 2nd generation package:
- Portable projector
- Translucent lens cover
- USB Type-C cable
- Adapter with USB Type-C input
- SolarCell remote control
Optional Accessories:
All optional accessories are sold separately and are backwards compatible with the first generation The Freestyle
- A 32,000 mAh portable battery that provides up to 3 hours of battery life. It can also be used to charge your mobile device, including at the same time as using the projector;
- Protective case - allows you to protect the device from mechanical damage, moisture and dust;
- Multicoloured skins - overlays on the case made of thermoplastic polyurethane in 3 colours: pink, beige and green;
Price and When We Can Expect It
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation goes on sale in Ukraine on October 3, 2023.