PlayCube is a cross between a Rubik’s cube and TARS. | Image: TCL
TCL is not a brand that typically elicits desire from me, yet here I am, looking at its IFA 2025 announcement of the PlayCube, wondering how a projector that pays homage to both a Rubik’s cube and TARS can fit into my life. The all-in-one Google TV projector with up to three hours of battery life — introduced as a concept in January — will be available to buy starting on September 5th. I’m just not sure it’s worth €799 (around $930), no matter how pretty it is.
As a long-time fan of cubes and The Verge’s resident vanlifer, TCL got my attention when it said the PlayCube was specifically designed for “camping projection.” I like that it’s Netflix-certified and that its quirky, twistable hardware lets you angle the image as needed, with built-in intelligence to automatically focus the image, avoid obstacles, align the image, and correct the keystone.
Here’s a concept video with simulated images that show how the real projector might fit into your life.
The PlayCube measures just 5.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches, weighs 2.7 pounds, and features a glass lens and 1080p image lit by 750 ISO lumens — enough to create a tiny screen for casual viewing during the day and big-screen video at night. TCL says it produces less than 26 decibels of noise when running, which should easily be overcome by the projector’s lone 5W speaker or 3.5mm audio jack. Rounding out the specs are HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Lien de l’article original :
TCL’s fun little PlayCube projector is a Google TV concept no more