There is a saying: “Don’t fix what ain’t broken.” I firmly believe in this, especially when it comes to technology products and their sometimes unnecessary updates.
However, after experiencing the recently improved generation of Samsung Freestyle 2this portable projector may have won the prize of best tech gadget I have tried so far in 2023.
Goodbye: Samsung The Freestyle: A complete projector, inside and out
But first, what are the changes? There aren’t many significant differences between the original model and the second generation projector, but here are a few worth noting: Smart Edge Blending which allows you to use two Freestyle projectors to create a massive image with support Loads widescreen content based on one aspect. ratio of up to 29.3:9, a solar-powered remote instead of a battery-powered remote, increased memory for faster performance, and the most notable difference: the Samsung Gaming Hub.
Even though I’m not a gamer, my husband is a casual gamer, so I put him to the test to try this feature. What’s very cool about the Samsung Gaming Hub is that you don’t need a physical console to play a game, just the Freestyle 2, internet access and a game controller .
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You’ll need to subscribe to cloud streaming like Xbox, GeForce Now, Luna and others, but there are also free games you can play right off the bat.
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Samsung Freestyle 2
The Samsung Freestyle 2 projector features upgrades like Smart Edge Blending and Samsung Gaming Hub integration that make it a worthwhile upgrade over the previous generation.
My husband could play Rocket League with a free subscription to GeForce Now and other free games like Fortnite were also available. The overall gaming experience will depend on your Wi-Fi connection, but the graphics were crystal clear and the Freestyle 2 loaded games quickly with virtually no issues.
It was a unique experience to be able to play games outside or stream them on the ceiling while lying down without being tied to a specific room or a particular game console.
Now, apart from the gaming aspect, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is really a quality projector. It’s very simple to set up and get started: all you need is a Wi-Fi connection. And you don’t need to lug around an extension cord since its portable battery easily connects to the device, allowing you to use it ‘use virtually anywhere (which was perfect for our garden).
It comes preloaded with many streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more, so you can quickly log into your accounts and start streaming.
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By far, what impressed me the most was the sound: it comes from the built-in 5W 360-degree speaker, and for such a small speaker, it packs a punch. During a very windy nighttime outdoor showing of a movie, we could hear the sound clear and loud, almost as if we were inside and the sound was surrounding us.
The Samsung Freestyle 2 impressed me with both the image quality, the ability to autofocus – whether projecting onto a sloped ceiling or a projector screen – and the overall setup and streaming experience. For me, technology should make things faster and more accessible, and this device does exactly that, especially in terms of portability.
ZDNET’s purchasing advice
If you’re a gamer and want to be able to play a variety of titles without a console, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is a great option that lets you play games while camping, outdoors, literally anywhere.
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However, if you are buying a Samsung Freestyle for the cinematic experience, the first generation the specs are quite similar to these new model that you can save a few hundred dollars and still get the best projector.
Regardless of which model you choose, if you are looking for a portable or outdoor projector, this one is, in my opinion, the best on the market.