TECHWEEK
To make portable projectors more functional, manufacturers often give them the capabilities of Bluetooth speakers – they get a more powerful audio system and they can be used in two ways. BenQ has taken this a step further with BenQ GS50, a rugged projector that, like Bluetooth speakers, resists moisture and small shocks.
The portable BenQ GS50 can be called very conditionally: the dimensions are 186x154x146 mm, and the weight is 2.3 kg. But unlike its younger brother, it is equipped with a large lens with a projection ratio of 1.21, a chip with a Full HD resolution, and its luminous flux is 500 ANSI-lumens.
BenQ GS50 audio system is also more powerful. It has a 2.1 configuration with stereo speakers and a 2×5 W amplifier, as well as a 10 W subwoofer. All this is controlled by a platform based on an Amlogic S905 Y2 chip with four Cortex A53 cores and 2 GB of RAM.
The projector is connected not only via Bluetooth, but also via Wi-Fi, and runs on Android TV 9.0 OS. Accordingly, it can play video and audio files not only from a flash drive, but also from online cinemas like Netflix, as well as from any external player when connected via HDMI.
The main thing is that BenQ GS50 has IPX2 protection, that is, it is not afraid of high humidity and splashes and can withstand drops from a height of 70 cm. That is, you can safely take it outdoors. True, the design of the novelty does not imply a vertical installation for projection onto the ceiling, despite its seemingly suitable almost cubic shape.
The projector is not cheap – in the US they will ask for $ 800 for it.
