Chinese brand ETOE is developing a new, tubular Google TV Full HD smart projector called the Dolphin that’s about the same size as a can of coke. It comes with simple set-up smarts and a powerful battery, and it’s available now via Kickstarter.
You may not have heard of ETOE before, because it’s a fairly new brand that only entered the market in 2018, but despite that, it has already managed to become one of the top three projector makers in Japan, and has a presence in the U.S. too.
It entered the European market for the first time last month with the debut of another cylindrical projector called the Seal Pro, which appears to be modeled on Samsung’s stylish Freestyle Gen 2 projector, and the Dolphin is an almost immediate follow-up.
ETOE says the Dolphin can “transform any corner of the home into a private cinema” despite being as tall as a coke can with a tad more girth. It has some impressive specifications, and it can throw up an image of up to 150-inches diagonally with 1080p resolution. Its LED light source can deliver up to 500 lumens of brightness, which is fairly decent for a portable projector model but not enough for daytime viewing, unless steps are taken to block out as much sunlight as possible.
Set-up features include a time-of-flight sensor that enables autofocus and auto keystone correction with minimal hassles, and the Google TV operating system means it has access to all of the usual streaming apps. Google Assistant is there for voice activated controls too, while Chromecast and Airplay support streaming from mobile devices.
You can also attach other devices to the Dolphin through its HDMI 2.1 and Type-A USB ports, and there are a pair of 5-watt Dolby-certified speakers built into the device for sound output.
The Dolphin also comes with a fairly beefy 10,000 mAh battery that should be good enough for up to 2.5 hours of viewing on a single charge, and it can be recharged through a laptop or portable power bank to extend beyond that lifetime.
Another notable feature is how quiet the Dolphin is, measured at just 25 decibels, which is about the same level of noise as someone whispering. What’s more, it's water proof too, meaning it can withstand rain and humid conditions, making it a nice companion for any treks out into the wilderness.
According to ETOE, the 100 x 114-mm Dolphin projector has been under development since April 2023, and the company is now fundraising on Kickstarter. The company has already far exceeded its funding goal of $4,991, with $18,095 pledged at the time of writing. Prices start at $399, which represents a discount of approximately 33% on the retail price, and for that you’ll get the Dolphin projector, a carry bag, wireless remote and charging cable thrown in. There are also optional extras such as a stand and a portable 50-inch screen.
The device is expected to start shipping in January.
“The Dolphin Projector easily adjusts to any environment, whether you're entertaining, lounging around the house, or taking a break while enjoying your outdoor activities," said Jeric Li of ETOE. “It enhances every moment with its vibrant graphics and flawless operation."
