Samsung’s second-gen Freestyle projector is now obtainable — and it’s nonetheless overpriced

Samsung’s unique Freestyle transportable projector had a ton of promise, nevertheless it actually fell aside within the execution and was severely overpriced for the {hardware} specs on provide. Nonetheless, the blueprint was encouraging, and it appeared like simply the type of product that Samsung might nail the second time round — or so I hoped.

However again at CES in January, the corporate confirmed off a barely modified revision of the Freestyle that addressed just about none of my quibbles with the unique. It was up to date with Samsung’s newest TV software program, which meant homeowners would be capable to entry the Gaming Hub and varied cloud gaming providers from Xbox, Nvidia, and extra. Samsung additionally demonstrated a neat “sensible edge mixing” trick whereby you could possibly mix two Freestyle projectors for an enormous 150-inch image. This may make it doable to “watch content material in a 21:9 configuration with no guide lining up or adjusting,” Samsung mentioned on the time.

Quick-forward to at the moment, and the Freestyle Gen 2 is now up for preorder beginning at $799.99. That’s $100 inexpensive than the unique, albeit nonetheless larger than quite a lot of different transportable projectors available on the market. Samsung says the Freestyle Gen 2 “boasts elevated reminiscence, which permits a snappier UX and makes it simpler to expertise your favourite content material proper from the sensible projector.” Sluggish, laggy software program efficiency was one among my essential gripes with the first-gen mannequin, in order that’s at the very least a step in the correct course.

At CES 2023, Samsung demonstrated two Freestyle Gen 2s working collectively to provide an enormous 21:9 picture. Sadly, this characteristic solely works with the SmartThings app at launch.

However curiously, Samsung’s press launch incorporates zero references to the sting mixing characteristic that it showcased in Las Vegas. There’s nothing about it on the product web page, both. I assumed that possibly it didn’t work as seamlessly as the corporate had hoped and was dropped throughout growth. That’s not the case, however its utility is, uh, slightly restricted.

At launch, sensible edge mix can solely be used with Samsung’s SmartThings app — not leisure apps. Shopping for two Freestyles (or pairing yours with a buddy’s) was already a distinct segment concept, however should you can’t use streaming mainstays like Netflix or Disney Plus with the sensible edge mixing characteristic, I’m unsure I see the purpose.

With out that, you’re left with a Freestyle Gen 2 that’s principally a rerelease of the flawed unique with some pace enhancements and a more moderen Samsung SolarCell Distant. I’m certain there are some enjoyable use instances for the Gaming Hub on the go — you possibly can pair a Bluetooth controller with the Freestyle, in spite of everything — nevertheless it continues to come back throughout as a tool that’s extra of a multifunctional toy than a real projector. For lots of people, which may do the trick, however I’d nonetheless look ahead to a hefty low cost earlier than contemplating the Freestyle Gen 2. Samsung’s at the very least throwing in a free case this time for early patrons.

Images by Chris Welch / The Verge

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