JMGO PicoPlay projector review - Pico only in size

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REVIEW – I love doing activities like puzzles, reading, or any number of crafting items. However, most of these activities are a one person job. I don’t mind when my kids try to help, but it also means that I usually have to go back and fix whatever we worked on. To be able to still enjoy the company, but not have to worry about my projects, the JMGO PicoPlay projector has made all my solo activities fun for everyone.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $329.00
Where to buy: Amazon

What is it?

A mini projector with smart abilities that can also function as a Bluetooth speaker, or ambient light.

What’s included?

Projector
Power adapter with USB-C
Optical filter
Carry bag
Lanyard
remote

Tech specs

400 iSO lumen
40”-200” projection size
1080p
8W speaker
Dolby Audio
Auto focus
HDMI 2.1
88 degree rotating gimbal
Google TV and other apps
2.2 pounds
3.3″L x 3.3″W x 6.5″H

Design and features

This mini projector is amazing. I’m sure I say that in a lot of reviews, but this one goes above and beyond. Not only does this little projector have the ability to project anywhere from a 40” to a 200” screen size, it also has 8W Dolby Audio speakers that really sound beautiful. They have such a full sound that doesn’t seem to be too heavy on bass, or tinny. The first time I heard this device in Bluetooth mode, I thought that it was a completely different set of speakers because the sound was so unexpected from such a tiny package. The projector is only 3.3″L x 3.3″W x 6.5″H, and weighs 2.2 pounds. It is adorable!

One feature that I really appreciate and love about this projector is that I can control the device from the app, remote, or buttons. I don’t have to rely solely on one mode of accessibility. I have had other devices that won’t even work if you don’t have the right remote to push the power button. Nothing makes me more frustrated than trying to figure out where things are because there is no work around. The buttons are touch screen style, except for the power and input. Those two are actual physical buttons. There is even a light on the power button to let you know it is plugged in and ready.

When the projector is laying horizontally, it is in movie mode. There is a very smooth gimbal on one end that makes situating the projector so simple. The other end has a rubber foot on it to help make sure everything is stable. Once the projector is aimed, the auto focus kicks on. The FlexiSmart Adaptive System makes sure the image is clear, and the keystone is in alignment. It also can detect your projection area and make allowances for objects that might be in the way. Another thing that I noticed while I was trying to set everything up, and make sure my puzzle had enough room, was that every time that I went to adjust something on my table, the projector would make the screen dark and readjust things. The little Pico Projector has more consideration for others than all my children combined. Ha! (Just joking…mostly)

While 400 iSO lumen doesn’t sound like that much, it is pleasantly bright. Of course, it’s a little dimmer when sitting next to an open window or door, but given a decent chance, the projector can prove its worth.

On to the Bluetooth speaker mode. When the device is rotated into the vertical position, the Bluetooth is detected and switched over to be a speaker. I’m sure you can still make it project in this mode as well, I just haven’t had anything that I wanted to watch in portrait instead of landscape. There is also a nice optical filter that you place over the projection lens that makes a nice effect on the walls or ceiling. Plus it also acts as a lens cover to help protect the glass.

JMGO picoplayprojector 8 — gimbal and rubber foot

I used this little unit next to my bed while I was putting together a puzzle. The Bluetooth speaker has been used to add life to the remodel and give us some music to work with. I’ve distracted my toddlers to sit down and eat something with a little show while working in the kitchen. Sitting in my backyard, or working in the garden, I can bring my little speaker with a power brick to liven up the monotony. There are so many more scenarios that I can imagine in which this projector would be such a huge success.

With the ability to be so portable, I wish there were some sort of battery backup. Even though I know that would make it harder to keep everything so small and portable. So the tradeoff here is that you can bring your own battery or power source. As long as it can provide a 65W USB-C powered connection, it should be good to go! There is also a tripod that is sold separately that has a built-in battery. I didn’t get that to review, but I’m sure it would be a fun addition to camping and other things.

The built-in Google TV and all the apps that you can think of or find are indeed a nice way to stream any of my media. However, I do feel that it takes a lot longer for everything to load, and especially on start up, it really lags. I mainly use the Plex app, and waiting for the screen to load can be irritating. Even though it wasn’t that long ago that we all had to sit and wait for our dial-up connection. First world problems and all that.

Final thoughts

When looking for a little pizzazz, this PicoPlay projector for you. The sound is full, the colors are rich, it is tiny in both size and weight, but big in entertainment. The way this projector is presented is sleek and beautiful. Plus, the ability to rotate 90 degrees and have the device auto-detect that things have changed is great. You can travel, with a battery source, and be able to control the device with a remote, phone, physical buttons, or all three if you really want. I love being able to leave the remote while I travel. Lost remotes are the worst. If I want to be alone but my kids have other plans, I can use this projector to help distract my little friends, and still get something done. It’s not magic, but it’s pretty darn close.

What I like about the JMGO PicoPlay projector

Great sound
Vibrant color
Small and lightweight
Auto detects different modes according to positioning
Smooth gimbal to rotate and watch on any surface
1080p resolution
Portable
Comes with soft carry bag
Has ability to mount to tripod
Pretty design with pretty lights on the end

What needs to be improved?

Hard case for travel would be nice
Loading on start up is slow
No battery backup

Price: $329.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by JMGO. JMGO did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.