Rubik’s Cube‑inspired design and smart features
TCL’s PlayCube portable projector is a playful twist on the boxy gadgets we have come to expect. Its top section rotates 90 degrees like a Rubik’s Cube, letting users angle the lens up for ceiling projections without a separate stand. The compact body houses sensors and software that automatically adjust focus and keystone, avoid obstacles and dim the light if someone walks in front of the beam. Inside is a 750‑ISO‑lumen LED light source that can throw a bright, sharp 100‑inch picture in a dark room or a usable 30‑inch image in daylight. The PlayCube measures roughly 150 millimetres on each side, weighs about 1.3 kilograms and includes a built‑in battery good for around three hours at medium brightness. It can recharge fully in about 104 minutes over USB‑C, or run continuously from a wall outlet. A leather‑like strap on top makes the projector easy to carry to a friend’s house or a campsite. TCL’s design encourages spur‑of‑the‑moment movie nights or presentations without heavy cables and tripods.
Performance, connectivity and price
While the twisting design makes it fun to use, reviewers note some limitations. Brightness drops noticeably under ambient light, so the best experience is in a darkened space. The PlayCube runs Google’s Android TV platform, giving access to apps like Netflix, YouTube and Plex, and it supports Chromecast from phones. Rear ports include HDMI, USB‑C and a 3.5 millimetre audio jack; Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are built in. Battery life can vary: TCL claims three hours, but standby mode slowly drains the battery even when the projector is off, so users should charge it before each outing. The Bluetooth remote uses radio signals rather than infrared, which means you do not need to point it, but some users say the remote occasionally lags and may require re‑pairing. The single 5‑watt speaker is loud enough for a small room but lacks bass and struggles at high volumes; pairing a Bluetooth speaker mitigates this but cannot silence the projector’s cooling fan. At roughly US $800, the PlayCube costs twice as much as basic LED models, yet it justifies the premium through build quality, portability and convenience. Students, renters and anyone seeking a fun way to enjoy games or films on the go may find its combination of automatic adjustments and bright performance worth the investment.