The words “portable” and “ultra-short throw projector” rarely happen in the same sentence. The closest product in recent memory fitting that mold was Elite Screens’ MosicGO from 2020, which came in a bundle with a tripod and retractable screen, and was intended for movie nights in the backyard. Optoma has a new portable UST offering, though, with the introduction of the Optoma Photon Go, the first in its Photon series.
The new Optoma projector will use a triple-laser design — similar to other UST projectors like the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro. Separate red, green, and blue lasers provide the light without the need of a color wheel or yellow phosphor, as would be necessary with a single blue laser or LED projector. This should mean the Optoma will be capable of a wide color gamut (some triple-laser USTs can achieve 100% or greater of BT.2020) and more accurate color out of the box than a single laser or LED projector.
As we’d hope from a portable product, the Photon Go will have a built-in battery, so being near a power outlet won’t be a necessity, although it’s currently unknown how long the battery will last. Also built-in are stereo 10 watt Bluetooth speakers, so a separate soundbar won’t be necessary (although we’d still suggest one, if possible). It will use the Google TV OS for streaming app such as Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, and auto keystone adjustment and auto focus will make set up quick and easy.
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It’s unclear the exact size of the projector, although from the above picture it certainly looks smaller, and therefore more portable, than any other ultra-short throw on the market. The projector will debut on the floor of The Bristol Show in the UK today, so those details should be available soon.
A major difference from most UST projectors we’ve seen so far is that the Optoma Photon Go is a 1080p projector and not 4K (although whether it can receive a 4K signal and downconvert it wasn’t stated in the materials we’ve seen). The 1080p resolution is reflected in the price, though. Pricing is listed as £899 or €999 with a release in April 2025. US pricing or release has not been specified, but we will update as soon as we hear.