ViewSonic M1+_G2 Projector Review: Not so portable, portable projector

In theory, I love the M1+_G2. It is a small, portable projector that runs an array of apps including Netflix. It’s the ultimate hot summer night BBQ companion. Throw pillows to the grass, chuck on a movie, and couple it with a crisp beer, or the stickiness of an ice block dripping between your fingers, and you’re facilitating lifelong memories. It’s the Tasty recipe on how to be the Cool Aunt. Just a few steps to success.

Alas, like most of those well-edited videos getting the desired result is a bit more difficult than it looks.

While the design is not only cute but makes logical sense, the operating system on the M1+_G2 is anything but. The device uses Aptoide TV, which is a free app store alternative for Android TV and set-top boxes. With most free things, you’re going to pay a price and in this instance, you’ll feel like you’re sideloading apps where they don’t belong. 

Every major streaming app available on Aptoide requires a mouse in order to get full functionality - and there aren't very many. Netflix and Amazon Prime are on board, but you won't find Disney+, Stan, or Binge, for example.  Using just the included remote you aren’t able to scroll, search, or even play and pause reliably. You can make it work, but it isn’t cohesive with a lazy summer Sunday vibe.

There are other options to connect to the projector: you can use a laptop and a HDMI cord or chuck whatever you want to watch on a USB, and you can screen mirror your phone or iPad, but screen mirroring doesn't work with video.

Each of these are solutions, but they all require a little bit of forethought. If you were planning a permanent set-up then adding a mouse, or even a laptop connection isn’t the worst thing, but as a portable device, the idea of needing to add extra pieces of hardware for it to work properly defeats the purpose.

I can’t help but think about how much better this device would be if ViewSonic had licensed Android TV for the software instead. The premise of the projector is positively dreamy, but by going with Aptoide over Android TV, ViewSonic shot itself in the foot. I have a cheap TV which cost around $600, and it is not a good piece of hardware, but even that has Android TV. The M1+_G2 sits around the same price point, and licensing Android TV doesn’t cost anything - on the surface there is no good reason why ViewSonic didn’t take this route. They didn’t even cheap out, they just didn't. 

Ultimately it is a shame, but if we remove wish lists the M1+_G2 is still a fun product that can fulfill your summertime fantasies. You’ll just need to plan a little bit further ahead.

The design itself is both sleek and adorable all at once. It is about the size of a hand, with a lens cover that hinges out to be a stand for the projector. Simple. Sophisticated. Pint-sized. Visually, how good the picture quality is will depend on how far out you’re projecting from. When the display gets too big you’ll be able to clearly see pixels, especially if you’re sitting too close to the screen, but if you figure it out just right then it is good enough for the purpose.

From a hardware perspective, the only issue I’d want to point out is the battery. I did, in fact, set this up for an outdoor movie night and I'm glad we picked a shorter movie. Apparently, the battery lasts exactly one Notting Hill. It would be nice if it could accommodate longer viewing sessions between charges.

ViewSonic M1+_G2 - Final Thoughts

As a premise, the M1+_G2 portable projector is great, but in practice, it just doesn’t work out. While it is portable by definition of the word, the portability is stumped by an underperforming user experience. By choosing Aptoide TV, ViewSonic has cornered users into using additional pieces of hardware, and in doing so hindered the portability aspect.

It is a shame that such a great piece of hardware has been undermined by the user experience, especially when it holds the potential to create memorable experiences for the user.

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