Video content is usually either shackled to a large screen (although definitions of “large” vary) or greatly downgraded to fit the size and bandwidth of tiny screens on tablets or handheld devices. New mobile projectors finally have the necessary brightness and battery life to be a viable option and allow mobile video to be experienced as it was intended to be.

The Architechnologist has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

We used the ZTE Spro 2 mobile projector to bring video out of the home theater and make the world into our screening room. What makes the Spro2 better than most pico projectors is the built-in Android smart device with a 5-inch touchscreen, allowing applications to be downloaded to the device itself. Since the projector itself is smart, there is no need to stream from a secondary device – no lag from a Bluetooth connection, no extra cables and adapters, the entire experience can be on-board the Spro 2.

Thanks to the substantial battery life, we planned on having an outdoor movie but instead some of the RethinkTOYS team (a favorite site of ours that features kids reviewing tech toys) “borrowed” the Spro 2 and created a private theater for themselves to watch nearly 2 1/2 hours of streaming video. The projector’s handheld size (only 5.3” x 5.2” x 1.2”) let the kids bring the Spro 2 into their “reading nook” and binge-watch Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. The kids are familiar with Android and were able to launch some of their favorite shows before the adults even got in on the fun.

After retrieving the SPRO 2 from the kids the other features of the project have been put to great use:

• We used the HDMI port to turn a wall into a 120 inch, 720p HD gaming screen for the grownups.
• We installed a few video apps from the Google Play store and streamed the latest episode of HBO’s Silicon Valley over lunch — and created a new weekly lunchtime routine.
• We loaded up a microSD card with a bunch of Mel Brooks comedies and finally had that outdoor movie night.

The ZTE SPRO 2 Wireless Smart DLP Projector is available now at Best Buy — click below for specifications and to order online.

While there are quite a few mobile projectors on the market, the Android system on the SPRO 2 takes advantage of all of the hardware features and makes it a fantastic option for taking big screen entertainment anywhere you travel. In a few weeks we will be taking the kids on a flight and will need to be at the airport hours before take-off… sometimes you get to the gate with enough extra time to make anyone stir-crazy. This time, I will have the SPRO 2 with me to turn the airport into a screening room.