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Aurzen BOOM Air Smart Projector Review: The Best Portable Projector Under $300?

After testing dozens of projectors over the years—from LED models to high-end laser units—it’s rare to find a product that truly balances portability, performance, and usability. The Aurzen BOOM Air Smart Projector is one of those rare cases. After using it for around two months in real-world conditions, it quickly became one of the most used projectors in my home, especially in the family room.

This is a compact, 1.23kg projector with native 1080p resolution, HDR10 support, 300 ANSI lumens brightness, built-in Google TV, and a feature set that focuses heavily on convenience and portability. But more importantly, it’s a product that just works—and works well.

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Design and Portability

One of the standout aspects of the BOOM Air is its design. This is a truly portable projector, not just a “small” one. At 1.23kg, it’s light enough to carry around easily, and the cylindrical form factor makes it simple to throw into a bag and take anywhere.

The integrated base is a major highlight. It allows up to a 110-degree adjustment angle, which means you can project forward, tilt it toward the ceiling, or even angle it downward. This flexibility eliminates the need for additional mounts or tripods in most situations.

In daily use, this makes a big difference. You can move it around the house, place it on different surfaces, and quickly adjust the angle without any hassle.

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Image Quality and Performance

The projector features a native 1080p resolution (1920×1080), which delivers sharp and detailed visuals for its class. It also supports HDR10, adding better contrast and more dynamic color reproduction when viewing compatible content.

Brightness is rated at 300 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, this means the projector performs best in dark or dimly lit environments. In a fully dark room, the image looks great, with good detail and clarity even when projecting directly onto a wall.

If there is some ambient light, the image remains usable, but for the best experience, dimming the room is highly recommended. This is typical behavior for portable LED projectors in this category.

The BOOM Air can project up to 200 inches, though optimal viewing sizes will depend on lighting conditions.

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Smart Features with Google TV

One of the biggest advantages of this projector is the built-in Google TV operating system. This transforms it from a simple display device into a full smart entertainment hub.

You get access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to install apps like YouTube, streaming platforms, and media players. It also supports APK installation for more advanced users.

Chromecast is built-in, making it easy to cast content directly from your phone, tablet, or laptop. In daily use, this eliminates the need for external streaming devices entirely.

The interface is responsive, and the experience feels very similar to using a smart TV, which adds a lot of value to the overall package.

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Autofocus and Ease of Use

Another major strength of the BOOM Air is how easy it is to set up and use.

The projector features automatic focus and keystone correction. Whenever you move the device or change its angle, it quickly readjusts the image to keep everything sharp and properly aligned.

There’s also a dedicated button on the remote to trigger automatic correction instantly.

This makes the projector extremely user-friendly, even for people who are not tech-savvy. There’s no need to manually adjust focus or alignment—it just works.

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Audio Performance

The BOOM Air includes a built-in 10W speaker located at the rear. The sound quality is surprisingly good for a projector of this size.

Because the speaker is rear-firing, it helps direct noise away from the front and reduces the perception of fan noise during playback. When sitting behind or near the projector, the experience is more immersive and cleaner.

For most casual viewing scenarios, there’s no need for external speakers, although Bluetooth support allows easy pairing if needed.

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Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is solid across the board.

The projector supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring stable streaming performance. Bluetooth is also included, allowing connection to wireless headphones or external speakers.

These features make it flexible for both indoor and outdoor setups.

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USB-C Power and True Portability

One of the most unique features of the BOOM Air is its USB-C power input.

The projector can run on a 65W USB-C power source, including power banks. This opens up a completely different level of portability. With a 20,000mAh power bank, you can get over an hour of usage, potentially more depending on the setup.

Using multiple power banks can extend usage even further, making it ideal for outdoor movie nights, camping, or any situation without direct access to power.

It also includes a standard AC adapter for traditional use.

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Real-World Usage

After extended use in a home environment, the BOOM Air proved to be reliable and convenient.

It was frequently used in a family room setup, often projecting directly onto a wall due to space limitations. In these conditions, it delivered a consistently good experience.

It’s also a great option for outdoor use. Whether in a backyard or on a camping trip, the ability to power it via USB-C and project large images makes it very versatile.

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Limitations

The main limitation is brightness. At 300 ANSI lumens, this is not a projector designed for bright rooms or daylight use.

If your environment has a lot of natural light and you plan to use the projector during the day, a higher-brightness model would be a better choice. Aurzen does offer brighter alternatives in their lineup.

Another point to consider is the lack of an internal battery. While USB-C power banks solve this problem effectively, it still requires carrying an additional accessory.

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What’s in the Box

The package includes the projector itself, an AC power adapter, a remote control (batteries not included), a cleaning kit, and a user manual.

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Price and Value

The retail price is around $300, but promotions can bring it down to approximately $200, which makes it extremely competitive.

At that price point, considering the feature set—Google TV, autofocus, USB-C power, solid audio, and good image quality—the BOOM Air offers excellent value.

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Final Verdict

The Aurzen BOOM Air Smart Projector stands out as one of the best portable projectors currently available in its price range.

It combines strong core features with real usability improvements—like USB-C power, automatic adjustments, and a fully integrated smart TV experience.

It’s not the brightest projector, but within its intended use case—dark environments, portable setups, and casual viewing—it delivers a highly satisfying experience.

For anyone looking for a compact, flexible, and feature-packed portable projector under $300, this is definitely a product worth considering.

The Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller is one of the most interesting and refreshing releases in the flight simulation hardware space in recent years. Designed as a compact, handheld solution for Microsoft Flight Simulator, it aims to replace an entire desktop setup with a single portable device. After spending a significant amount of time using it, I can confidently say that this is not just another gimmick controller — it is a genuinely capable and thoughtfully engineered piece of hardware that delivers a surprisingly complete flight experience without the need for bulky equipment.

A Compact Design That Changes the Game

One of the standout aspects of the Echo Aviation Controller is its form factor. Unlike traditional flight sim setups that require a yoke, throttle quadrant, rudder pedals, and dedicated mounting space, this controller consolidates everything into a single ergonomic unit. Measuring as a handheld console-style device, it eliminates the need for a desk-mounted rig or permanent installation, making it ideal for users with limited space or those who prefer a clean, minimal setup.

The inclusion of a high-quality protective travel case further enhances its portability. The case is rigid, well-padded, and precisely fitted to the controller and its accessories, ensuring safe transport. This makes it possible to take your flight sim experience anywhere — whether it’s moving between rooms, traveling, or simply storing it neatly without worrying about damage.

Complete Flight Control System in One Device

From a technical standpoint, the Echo Aviation Controller integrates all major flight inputs into a single unit. It combines pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, flaps, trim, and landing gear controls, effectively replicating the functionality of a full cockpit. This level of integration is rare in such a compact format and is one of the product’s biggest strengths.

The controller features a 16-bit Hall-effect thumbstick for pitch and roll, providing high-resolution input with smooth, drift-free performance. Hall-effect sensors are also used in the rudder system, ensuring long-term reliability and precision. The mechanically linked rudder control located on the back of the device is particularly impressive, allowing for accurate yaw control without the need for external pedals.

Precision and Responsiveness in Real Use

In actual flight scenarios, the controller delivers a level of precision that exceeds expectations for a handheld device. Inputs feel immediate, with no noticeable latency when using either the wireless dongle or the USB-C wired connection. The analog controls are smooth and responsive, making it possible to perform fine adjustments during takeoff, cruising, and landing.

The rudder control, while highly sensitive, can be tuned through sensitivity settings to achieve excellent handling. After minor adjustments, it becomes intuitive and effective, allowing for coordinated turns and stable flight. The thumbstick also benefits from sensitivity tuning, enabling a more realistic and controlled flying experience.

Modular and Configurable for Different Aircraft

One of the most innovative features of the Echo Aviation Controller is its modular design. The device includes four detented sliders that can be configured for throttle, flaps, speed brakes, or other functions. These sliders come with interchangeable caps, allowing users to customize the layout based on the type of aircraft they are flying.

This flexibility is especially valuable for flight sim enthusiasts who switch between general aviation aircraft, commercial jets, and turboprops. You can configure the controller for a Boeing-style setup, an Airbus-style configuration, or a general aviation layout with throttle, propeller, and mixture controls. The detents in the sliders add realism, enabling features like reverse thrust and prop feathering.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

The build quality of the Echo Aviation Controller is excellent. The device features a rubberized grip that feels comfortable during extended use, and the buttons and switches provide a firm, tactile response. Nothing feels cheap or loose, and the overall construction gives a strong sense of durability.

The layout is clearly designed with flight simulation in mind. Controls are logically positioned, making it easy to access critical functions such as landing gear, flaps, and parking brake without needing to look down constantly. The inclusion of a trim wheel, even though it operates via button input, adds another layer of control that enhances realism.

Wireless Freedom and Battery Performance

The controller supports both wired and wireless operation, giving users flexibility depending on their setup. The included wireless dongle provides a stable, low-latency connection, allowing for a clean and cable-free experience. This is particularly useful when playing from a couch or in a relaxed environment rather than a traditional desk setup.

The built-in 1200 mAh battery delivers up to 15 hours of usage on a single charge, which is more than sufficient for long-haul flights. Charging is done via USB-C, and an LED indicator provides clear feedback on battery status. This combination of battery life and connectivity makes the controller highly practical for extended sessions.

Software, Profiles, and Customization

The Echo Aviation Controller is designed primarily for PC use and integrates well with Microsoft Flight Simulator. It supports downloadable profiles that map controls for different aircraft types, including general aviation and commercial jets. While profiles need to be imported manually, the process is straightforward once understood.

Customization is a key strength of this controller. Users can assign functions to various buttons and switches, fine-tune sensitivity settings, and create tailored profiles for specific aircraft. This level of control ensures that both beginners and advanced simmers can adapt the device to their preferences.

Real-World Experience and Usability

In practical use, the controller delivers a highly enjoyable and surprisingly immersive experience. I found myself genuinely impressed by how natural it felt to fly using a handheld device. After a short adjustment period, it becomes second nature to control the aircraft, manage throttle inputs, and perform landings with confidence.

This is also where the product truly shines — convenience. There are times when setting up a full flight sim rig feels like too much effort, especially for a quick session. The Echo Aviation Controller removes that barrier entirely, allowing you to jump into a flight within seconds. It is perfect for casual sessions, relaxed flying, or even more serious simulation when properly configured.

A Unique Solution for Modern Flight Simulation

What makes this controller stand out is how well it balances portability and functionality. It is not trying to replace high-end simulation rigs entirely, but it offers an alternative that is far more practical for many users. For those who do not have the space or desire to maintain a full setup, this is an ideal solution.

Personally, I really enjoyed using this product. It feels unique in a market that often focuses on larger, more complex hardware. The ability to have a full flight control system in a compact, portable form is a major advantage, and it opens up flight simulation to a wider audience.

Conclusion

The Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller is an innovative, well-designed, and highly capable device that successfully delivers a full flight simulation experience in a compact form. It combines precision controls, modular customization, strong build quality, and excellent portability into a single product that stands out in its category. I thoroughly enjoyed using it, and it is clearly a unique solution for anyone who wants to fly properly in a simulator without dealing with large, heavy, and space-consuming equipment.

Developer Pearl Abyss has released the official launch trailer for its highly anticipated open-world action-adventure title, Crimson Desert, giving players a final look at the game before its global launch on March 19. The new trailer highlights the vast fantasy world of Pywel, showcasing large-scale battles, powerful bosses, and cinematic storytelling that follows Kliff, leader of the Greymanes, on a dangerous journey across a brutal yet beautiful continent.

The footage emphasizes the game’s dynamic combat system and varied gameplay styles, including large boss encounters and even dragon-riding combat sequences. Players can also see the impressive scale of the open world, with detailed environments and large battlefields designed to deliver an epic single-player adventure. Built on Pearl Abyss’ proprietary engine, the game continues the studio’s tradition of visually ambitious titles following the success of Black Desert.

Interest in Crimson Desert is already strong, with the game surpassing three million wishlists across major platforms ahead of launch. Players will be able to pre-download the game starting March 17 at 23:00 CET, preparing for the global release on March 19. The title will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as Apple Mac—making it one of the studio’s most widely accessible releases to date.

This week marks a major update for fans of Pearl Abyss’ Black Desert franchise, as both the console and mobile editions of the game receive significant content expansions and limited-time events. Console players can now experience the full Black Desert world at no cost during special Free Play Days, while mobile players gain access to the expansive new region of O’dyllita, featuring high-level content, new bosses, and top-tier equipment. These updates highlight Pearl Abyss’ ongoing commitment to enhancing gameplay, adding technical depth, and expanding the immersive MMORPG experience across platforms.

Console Free Play Days: Expanding Access Without Barriers

Black Desert on console has opened its doors to new and returning players through timed Free Play events, designed to coincide with ongoing anniversary celebrations. On PlayStation, the event runs through March 8, granting players the opportunity to download the Standard Edition without any purchase requirements or need for PlayStation Plus. Xbox players can access Free Play from March 5 through March 9, with free access available to Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscribers. During this period, players can explore the fully realized world of Black Desert, participate in seasonal anniversary events, and experience the recently updated Olvia Academy progression system, which introduces a structured path for leveling and skill acquisition.

This console event not only encourages wider participation but also ensures that newcomers have a complete experience of Black Desert’s intricate systems. From node management and trading to advanced combat mechanics, players can engage with all core gameplay features. The free access window serves as a strategic opportunity to attract new players, increase community engagement, and showcase the game’s visually stunning world powered by Pearl Abyss’ proprietary engine, which delivers high-fidelity graphics and dynamic environments.

Black Desert Mobile: O’dyllita – A New Frontier

For mobile players, the update introduces O’dyllita, a vast new open-world region requiring 85,000 Combat Power (CP) for entry. Unlike previous expansions, O’dyllita eliminates the need for exploration consumables such as Purified Water, Citron Tea, or Clockwork, allowing uninterrupted exploration and streamlined progression. Adventurers can engage with new monsters and quests throughout the region, earning rewards and advancing their characters with the addition of the Kharazad Accessories, a new tier of equipment that surpasses even the previously dominant Eternal Accessories in power.

Kharazad Accessories are exclusive items obtainable only in hunting zones with 105,000 CP or higher or through rare drops from Dark Fissure bosses, reinforcing the high-stakes nature of late-game content. These items cannot be crafted, emphasizing the importance of strategic gameplay, team coordination, and mastery of combat mechanics. The inclusion of O’dyllita expands the game’s lore, introducing complex environments, hidden dungeons, and challenging mobs that require careful planning, strong gear optimization, and advanced skill rotations for efficient clearing.

Dark Fissures and Weekly Boss Encounters

Adding a dynamic layer to O’dyllita is the introduction of Dark Fissures, weekly boss encounters that manifest every Saturday from 21:30 to 22:10. During this event, six sequential bosses spawn across the region, culminating in the appearance of Kzarka, the Ancient God of Hope, at 21:50. Players who successfully defeat these bosses unlock access to the Corrupted Lands, a special post-boss area filled with high-level monsters and additional rewards. Combatants gain not only rare loot but also a seven-day buff effect that enhances their abilities within O’dyllita, providing a strategic advantage for subsequent encounters.

These weekly events integrate deeply with the game’s progression system, encouraging coordinated play and repeated engagement. They require precise timing, resource management, and understanding of boss mechanics, rewarding dedicated players with unique equipment and rare crafting materials. The introduction of time-limited events such as Dark Fissures underscores Pearl Abyss’ strategy of blending high-end challenge content with immersive world-building and narrative development.

Technical Innovations and Franchise Growth

The Black Desert franchise, powered entirely by Pearl Abyss’ proprietary engine, is known for its cutting-edge visuals, skill-based combat, and highly detailed character customization systems. The franchise has amassed 55 million players worldwide across PC, mobile, and console platforms, a testament to its expansive design and technical sophistication. Black Desert’s intuitive controls, visually diverse environments, and deep lore provide a layered experience for both casual players and hardcore MMO veterans.

Pearl Abyss continues to develop next-generation titles such as Crimson Desert, DokeV, and PLAN 8 using the same advanced engine, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and high-quality production values. The continuous updates to Black Desert on multiple platforms reinforce the company’s focus on maintaining long-term player engagement, fostering competitive ecosystems, and providing a seamless, cross-platform MMORPG experience.

Conclusion

Pearl Abyss’ latest updates for Black Desert on console and mobile reflect the company’s dedication to expanding accessibility, delivering high-level content, and keeping the game’s world vibrant and challenging. Free Play Days on console offer an opportunity for newcomers to experience a full-fledged MMORPG without financial barriers, while the O’dyllita expansion on mobile introduces new regions, elite gear, and strategic weekly boss encounters. Together, these updates strengthen the franchise’s position as a leading action MMORPG and highlight Pearl Abyss’ ongoing commitment to technical excellence and immersive, player-driven experiences.

Bigger, Weirder, and Still Completely Unhinged

Squanch Games clearly wasn’t interested in playing it safe for the sequel. High On Life 2 takes the “more is more” approach, doubling down on the absurdity that made the first one a cult hit. It’s louder, the explosions are flashier, and the humor is just as polarizing as ever. If you hated the first one, this won’t convert you—but if you’re down for a chaotic sci-fi fever dream, it’s a blast.

The Story: From Hero to Target

You’re still the silent bounty hunter, but now you’re dealing with the headache of galactic fame. The plot kicks off when a corporate conspiracy (mostly mocking Big Pharma) drags you back into the gutter. It’s not exactly The Last of Us in terms of emotional depth, but it doesn’t need to be. The writing is sharp enough to keep you moving between planets without feeling like the story is just filler.

Combat & The Gatlian Family

The talking guns are back, and honestly, they’re still the best part of the game. They aren’t just tools; they’re your ride-or-die companions who won’t shut up while you’re blowing heads off.

• The Synergy: The real fun starts when you combo their abilities. I found myself freezing enemies mid-air just to yank them into hazards with the whip.
• The Feel: It feels faster and more “expressive” than the first game. You aren’t just pulling a trigger; you’re managing a chaotic, foul-mouthed orchestra.

Movement: Why Walk When You Can Skate?

The biggest game-changer is the skateboard. It replaces the standard sprint and completely changes how you navigate the world. Grinding rails and hitting jumps makes the larger maps feel less like a chore to cross. It’s not perfectly polished—I definitely clipped into a few walls and had some awkward “sticky” grinds—but when it works, the flow is incredible.

The “Love It or Hate It” Humor

Look, the humor is still the elephant in the room. It’s relentless. One minute it’s a brilliant meta-joke about game design, and the next it’s a five-minute bit about alien fluids.

My Take: The pacing feels a bit better this time around. The jokes have more room to breathe, so you aren’t constantly being screamed at while trying to solve a puzzle.

The Verdict (So Far)

The game has some rough edges—I noticed some frame drops in the denser hub cities and a few bugs that required a checkpoint restart—but the sheer personality of the thing carries it through.

High On Life 2 knows exactly what it is. It’s a confident, colorful, and frequently hilarious shooter that rewards you for leaning into the weirdness. It’s a solid step up from the original in almost every way.

Score: 8/10