Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO Ultra Short Throw 1080p HDR Portable Projector, Triple Laser (RGB), Google TV with Netflix and Disney+ Certified, Home Theater Projector

Disappointment. Google TV dependent.
I am baffled by this product.What I thought Optoma had attempted here was an ultra-portable, short-throw projector from which one can get comparable image quality to its other models with far smaller footprint. Their previous, long-throw portable model recommends 100″ or 8+ feet for optimum image size/resolution. This model can project a functional image with just four inches (essentially against a wall) and achieve a 60″ screen size at the modest brightness of 600+ lumens. OR it can throw the maximum recommended image size of 100″ from just 10 inches away. That is pretty stellar performance, especially considering the color reproduction and overall image quality for what it is.Ultimately, however, this device is let down by some really strange connectivity choices, a dependency on the Google TV ecosystem, and lackluster automation.CONNECTIVITY and GOOGLE TV:First, there is only one USB-C port and it is for power/battery delivery. The power supply for this unit is a proprietary brick with an output of 140W. Battery life in my testing was roughly 1-hour. So, if you want this unit to remain plugged in to power, the USB-C port is going to always be occupied. The HDMI port is the only dedicated wired video connection. I think the addition of at least one more USB-C input for video would have made more sense for connectivity. Yes, you can buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable, but it seems superfluous these days.Second, there is only an optical audio out for wired output. I recognize that soundbars are ubiquitous and many take optical ins, but this isolates a host of other devices with 3.5mm connectors. Again, this is a portable device and I don’t know many optically capable soundbars I want to lug around in a backpack. That said, sound reproduction from the internal speakers is good for what it is (I’ve definitely heard worse), and it has Bluetooth connectivity but I was unable to test if this works for dedicated BT audio.There is a LAN port. I LOVE to see an RJ45 on anything and everything so that a device is not dependent upon WiFi connectivity, especially for streaming content but with all the other decisions, it makes me really wonder if this is truly a portable unit with SPDIF and LAN, but only one USB-C?Fourth, bluetooth connectivity and wifi are present, but there is no Airplay or Miracast for this device. That is because this device is entirely hamstrung by GoogleTV software. When I picked this up, I thought it was a device that included streaming service integration, but no, this is a GoogleTV product. Yes, you can sign in to your various streaming services without GoogleTV, but the software and functionality all run on the Google TV platform. This is, to me, a huge miss and it reduces the overall usefulness of this kind of product.My verdict on connectivity is this: A truly portable UST projector should prioritize broad wireless connectivity and mobile device connections for wired connectors. This doesn’t. It prioritizes fixed-location connections, does not include ubiquitous wireless protocols for mobile device connectivity, and forces GoogleTV / Home integrations for basic features.IMAGE QUALITY and AUTOMATION:The image itself (once you get past all issues) is really good. It has excellent color reproduction, exactly as I expect from Optoma. The resolution, from my experience, is good if not a little grainy. Pixel density (or whatever it is called these days) is just average. The brightness in semi-lit spaces is a little lacking too, unfortunately. The rich color helps a lot, but the overall brightness is a little dim . The FPS reproduction was extremely smooth, and it seamlessly switches between HDR modes beautifully. Streaming HD content via YouTube – as far as HDR, color, and sharpness – were excellent for a product like this.Where this device really stumbles is the automatic adjustment features. The unit has auto focus and auto-keystone. This is a really BIG deal for a device of this kind, because in theory you could just set the thing down and it automatically adjusts to those conditions. Unfortunately, it is very unreliable. The keystone is really, really, REALLY hit or miss. I had a ton of problems with this thing constantly repositioning and making some really bone-headed decisions. If I moved from one position to another, it seemed not to be able to adequately adjust and kept old settings. At one point, it just quit adjusting altogether, so I don’t know if it’s broken or not, but not a good showing for a brand new item. For the most part, the auto focus feature does a good job, though it has struggled from time to time, as well.Additional missing features for something at this price point: 3.5mm jack, a lens cover, a proper carrying case, and an adequate battery with at least 2hrs of life, at least in an eco mode.FINAL VERDICT:This product feels rushed to market and hampered by unnecessary ties to Google TV. If the auto focus and auto image adjustments worked reliably, I would definitely add a star. Add on top of this the fact that the unit does not include AirPlay or Miracast over-the-air connectivity, and some necessary but missing features, I simply can’t recommend it for the stated purpose.As it is, this is better suited as a stationary device with LAN and SPDIF connections in ideal conditions, and dedicated Google integration rather than seamless connection to mobile devices on the fly.