Earlier this year, Samsung Electronics introduced the Samsung Freestyle – a smart portable projector that gives users a big screen theatre experience from anywhere. The projector which weighs just 700 grams comes with smart speakers, ambient lighting and a versatile cradle that allows it to rotate upto 130 degrees. This means that users can project onto any angle, like the floor, ceiling, wall or tables.
I’ve been interacting with the messaging around the projector and even attended a demo organized by Samsung Kenya and as I get to learn more about the device, I get to appreciate the versatility that it brings with it. Here are some things I’m appreciating as I wait for a review unit to come my way.
Portability
Picture this. You and your friends are taking a few days out of town. You have booked a short-term rental on AirBnb, packed up your bags, shopped, and hit the road. Indoor activities on vacation are often limited to board games and drinking games but what if you could add big screen movies too? That is where the Samsung Freestyle would come in because rentals tend to have small TVs, maybe 29” max. Slip the freestyle into your packing where it will barely occupy space, carry a Bluetooth speaker if you may, and add a punch to your vacation.
Since the Freestyle is a smart design that uses the same software as your Samsung TV, there is no gap or glitch in getting great content. You will be able to stream Netflix and other content apps, use Bixby or Alexa for voice controls, and stream music too.
As someone who splits time almost 50/50 between Nairobi and the village, this portability is very attractive for me.
Outdoor movie experiences
Hands up if you remember drive in cinemas and outdoor movies. Well, with the Samsung Freestyle which will project upto 100”, it is now entirely possible and easy to set up a big screen outdoor movie experience right in your backyard. Have some friends over, get some mats, folding chairs, haystacks, or floor cushions, get the barbecue going, grab a few drinks and popcorn and just like that you have a fun night with the girl or boys. The same goes for camping where the Freestyle would make the perfect companion.
It will work with any wall
There are no special preparations required to get the Samsung Freestyle up and running. The projector eliminates the need for a TV stand or a mounting specialist and the need to dedicate a space in the house. Just a wall, ceiling, counter, or even floor and you’re good to go. You could purchase a projector screen cloth but it is really not compulsory.
It is a point and play
One of the things that has always given people a fear for some electronics is set up. I remember when I bought my first TV and home theatre, got home, and as much as I was excited about the purchases, I was completely nil on set up until the next day when someone had to come over and help me out. Not so with the Freestyle. A few easy steps and you have a working TV or work projector. As powerful as it is, it is also as easy to use as one two three. The ports are well labeled, the freestyle will auto level the picture, and connection to external sound via Bluetooth is just a matter of paring.
Technology
As mentioned earlier, the Freestyle is fully equipped with the same software on the Samsung smart TV, meaning it is an extension of it in terms of software and content. To add to that, it can be linked to SmartThings App so that it is compatible with your mobile phone. That way, it becomes possible to adjust colour settings and brightness from the phone. I will have the gadget with me in a week or so and I can’t wait to practically try this exciting feature. Additionally, with smart calibration, the Freestyle will auto analyze your environment and adjust accordingly to give better viewing.
Availability
The Samsung Freestyle is currently available for pre-order from Samsung’s online store. Pre-order comes with perks like a discounted price and free carry case like the one above. The device is retailing at Ksh.139,995/-