Convenient Smart Home

Formovie Xming Episode One review: Beaming, blazing just like that

Wonderful, powerful, yet portable projector

Published

November 29, 2024

Vincenz

It’s been almost two years since the 50-inch TV I bought from *redacted* with my hard-earned money got unresponsive — and died eventually. To make it worse, it was already way past its warranty period.

Instead of buying a new unit, I thought I can survive without one. After all, I have several devices I can choose to use — a smartphone slab, hybrid foldable, gargantuan tablet, and even the all-rounder MacBook Pro with its brilliant 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display™️. 🤧

Yet I was wrong. I still keep searching for big screens when it comes to consuming content.

But maybe the heaven is on my side. Formovie personally reached out and decided to offer the Xming Episode One for an in-depth review. Of course, I didn’t hesitate and grabbed the opportunity right away.

It’s also a fresh take for me as I have never ever used a projector in the entirety of my life.

For whom?

ICYMI, Formovie is an innovative brand from China with smart projectors and laser TVs as their specialty.

To make it even more interesting, the brand was co-founded by Xiaomi and Appotronics — making them a part of the vast Mi ecosystem alongside other brands.

And if that isn’t enough, they have bagged awards from prominent design competitions such as Red Dot Design, iF Design, CES Innovation, Good Design, among others.

Sleek and on fleek

With design awards in mind, Formovie’s Xming Episode One has a quirky design with a straightforward purpose of being a projector on the go.

It might not be the most premium projector ever made, especially with its choice of materials, but its roundedness makes it overall appealing. This goes most especially for first-time projector users like me.

Seeing it for the first time never felt intimidating. And to make it even a lot more inviting, it weighs at just 1.2 kilograms (2.8 pounds).

I also love those intricate details in orange — body edges, logo placeholder, decals, speaker grilles.

Portable whenever, wherever

With the projector’s actual heft already stated, now is the best time to brag about its utmost portability.

Like this projector review, my recent trip to South Korea was also a first. I then thought, why not bring the Xming Episode One with me? After all, Formovie has assured me that the projector is travel-friendly.

✅ Check-in Luggage

*For demonstration purposes only. The projector was packed in a separate storage bag for utmost safety.

Since the projector isn’t equipped with any type of battery, it’s very safe to store it in your check-in luggage wherever you go, whenever you want to.

✅ Backpack

I recently bought Nike’s 37L Utility Elite 2.0 Backpack. For enthusiasts, you might be aware that it has a dedicated shoe compartment.

*For demonstration purposes only. The projector was packed in a separate storage bag for utmost safety.

While the bag has a lot of space for my storage woes, that particular compartment is where the Xming Episode One comfortably sits and fits.

✅ Crossbody Bag

This adidas Y-3 bag has been my go-to for smartphones and other handy essentials I bring out and about.

To my surprise, the product fit like a glove. There’s even an extra space for my smartphone — or pretty much any other item I want to store inside.

✅ Shoulder Bag

Last but definitely not the least, here’s a HK$ 59 (US$ 7) shoulder bag I purchased from GU in my last Hong Kong trip.

Even with its thin strap, the Episode One’s lightweight body simply made it like I’m bringing nothing.

And as the bag has an extra zipped compartment, I was even able to store the power adapter and remote control inside.

Tiny yet mighty

The Xming Episode One may be light in weight, but it’s heavy in terms of the hardware packed inside.

First, its 150 ISO Lumens delivers bright visuals. And with a combination of 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, any type of content will look enticing — more on that later.

As for audio, it features two 3W speakers that are also Dolby Audio certified. And if that would not suffice, there’s also a 3.5mm audio port for you to connect your dedicated surround sound speaker setup.

But, if the very messy wired connection is one of your pet peeves, you can instead pair your wireless speakers thanks to its seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

There’s even an HDMI 2.1 port if you wanted to project content straight out of your laptop, PC, or even the gaming console that’s very close to your heart.

Right after I powered on the device, it barely made any sound. The aircon’s hum was even louder.

Smart at heart

Overall aesthetics, utmost portability, and hardware are just parts of the overall story. What truly makes (or breaks) a product is how it can deliver features based on what it has promised to consumers.

Other projectors may already have this feature but I love how the Episode One has a focus sensor. This helped me a lot during my first set-up in a crammed hotel room.

I don’t have a proper location to place it other than the room’s teeny-tiny table. But, after stacking some travel magazines and brochures I’ve collected in the airport, it performed its auto keystone correction as well as auto-focusing function after placing the projector in its awkward, tilted position.

There’s even a handy-dandy smart obstacle avoidance — which avoided that clothes rack beside the bed as well as that small LCD TV mounted at the right side of the room.

But what ultimately enticed me with the Xming Episode One was that, it runs Google TV and Netflix straight out of the box.

This just means I don’t need an additional Chromecast, Android TV box, or any other unnecessary feature like wireless casting just to enjoy the full benefits of Android and its vast app ecosystem.

Other projector brands have serious compatibility issues mainly because they equip their projector units with their proprietary (and bug-infested) OS.

This remote control was very reminiscent of that bundled with my old Android TV. 👀

Setting it up was easy-peasy. It only took me under ten minutes to make everything work. Just make sure you have a fast Wi-Fi connection to make everything buttery smooth.

That aforementioned smart Android TV got updated to Google TV — making the overall look and feel familiar for me

Having Google TV as the primary OS also meant I have all the other necessary apps for entertainment.

Whether that’s YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, they all ran well without hiccups.

Spotify and TikTok weren’t installed right away but are both supported — in case you wanted to use those platforms on a bigger screen.

Wonderful and powerful

Now with everything in place, overall usability and performance come last.

#NewJeansNeverDie!!!

I may not be able to measure the exact size of the screen the Episode One has projected onto the wall but I can assure you it looked crisp and clear.

That’s probably with its 1080p Full HD resolution. Other brands only offer 960p or 540p for the same value.

Gawon’s visuals look more admirable even in such a large, projected screen

And for comparison’s sake, I can tell is how it’s larger than the 50-inch TV I’ve mentioned in the very beginning.

So is Ella Gross’ with her cat-like fierceness…

And with that in the topic, the Xming Episode One can display between as small as 40-inch and up to a max of 120 inches. It will just depend on how near or far you place the product away from the wall.

Finally, I tried the actual audio output with YouTube Music.

As expected, it’s not the best among the rest. But, for such a small form factor, its surprisingly loud with an acceptable level of highs, mids, and lows.

I even minimized it below 20 percent when I played songs before midnight kicked in. Although I still think some type of hum or buzz was heard from the room next to me.

What’s in it for you

Here’s everything you’ll get if you wanted to own the Formovie Xming Episode One.

@gadgetmatch Wonderful, powerful, yet portable projector. Meet the Formovie Xming Episode One! 📽️ #Formovie #Projector #Fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Is the Formovie Xming Episode One your GadgetMatch?

The Formovie Xming Episode One retails for US$ 299.99 / EUR 299. Although as of this writing, it has a slashed price tag of just US$ 199.99 / EUR 199.

It’s currently being sold in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, as well as other major European regions.

As a refresher, we are bringing back GadgetMatch’s dating app-like matching feature where we choose to recommend or refuse a product by swiping.

Swipe Left if you want a more budget-friendly projector without minding the compromises.

Swipe Right if you’ve been wanting a power-packed yet portable projector without spending a premium.

From where I stand, I’m Super Swiping the Formovie Xming Episode One as it was able to exceed my expectations in a projector this portable.

✨ It’s like GOLD 🎶

Obviously not in a literal sense. Figuratively, Formovie’s Xming Episode One is like gold as it’s hard to find one in such a niche market.

Projectors are not as widely available as TVs. There aren’t much choices either no matter which consumer bracket you belong to.

As frustrating as it seems, you either have to pay a lot for a projector that’s rock solid in terms of look and performance or sacrifice overall build and quality for the less-expensive option. There’s barely any in between.

I sound like a broken record for always saying that this was my first ever projector review. But, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen other projectors prior this.

That said, I can attest that the Xming Episode One delivered a stand-out audiovisual quality even with its small size. Its output can even beat those cheap smart TVs ranging between 32 to 60 inches.

And the fact that you can scale it up twice by 120 inches and still bring it anywhere you want to are just two of the greatest feats this product has. That overall flexibility is something you cannot do in flat screen panels that are already fragile to begin with.

Lastly, the projector’s smart software and set of features make it a very convenient plug-and-play device. Its user-friendliness and overall experience fully complete this large puzzle.

The Formovie Xming Episode One rightfully deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval for everything it offers in such form factor and value. It is a projector that’s wallet-friendly, user-friendly, and travel-friendly altogether ✈️

Convenient Smart Home

This is the BRIGHTEST 4K Projector In Its Class!

Meet the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max

Published

October 15, 2025

GadgetMatch

Since THE Michael Josh lives in New York, space is an ultimate premium.

While he has space for a huge TV, having a big black piece of glass imposing itself on his entire living room isn’t the vibe.

Thankfully there’s a better option that lets him have his home cinema and a luxe flat.

Cue the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max!

It’s gotta be the ultimate all-in-one home entertainment 4K cinema solution without all that bulk and clutter.

Head over to XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max on the spotlight to know everything about the brightest 4K Projector in its class!

Convenient Smart Home

Spotlight: ECOVACS DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone

NEXT-LEVEL Suction Power!

Published

September 10, 2025

GadgetMatch

When it’s beautiful and sunny outside, the last place you want is to be stuck at home babysitting a robot vacuum.

Now, if you’re looking for a new robot pal to take care of the cleaning at home, this robotic vacuum cleaner and mop might just be your GadgetMatch.

Here are five ways ECOVACS’ DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone redefines automated cleaning.

CHECK-OUT NOW!

USA

Original Price = US$1,499.99
Deal Price (with Page Coupon) = US$1,299.99
Final Price (with Page Coupon + Promo Code) = US$1,199.99

⚠️ Additional $100 off limited to the first 300 orders Promo Period: Sept 4–14

Canada

Final Price = CA$1,599.99

Convenient Smart Home

Let the robot do the cleaning, I’ve got a life to rebuild

The Eureka J15 Max Ultra takes over the cleaning so you can take back your time

Published

September 3, 2025

MJ Jucutan

After everything in my life unraveled, I didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with life’s little messes.

Not the dishes piling up. Not the tangled strands of hair on the rug. Certainly, not the coffee I accidentally spilled on the floor because my hands wouldn’t stop shaking that week.

I’ve always believed in the power of movement to reset. But recovery needs structure too.

So, when the Eureka J15 Max Ultra entered my life after I moved homes and cities, it became a sturdy reminder that some things could still be handled — on my behalf, even when I couldn’t.

It goes where I can’t (or where I don’t want to)

Most days, I’m either in the gym, on a race trail, or at my desk buried under product launch calendars. I leave the house early and get home late. And when I’m home, I want to rest and not do chores.

The Eureka J15 Max Ultra became the roommate I didn’t know I needed.

With my limited time to clean and reset, I know I wouldn’t get the job done, especially on corners which take a lot of time.

Let’s be honest: corners have always been where messes settle and get forgotten.

The J15 Max Ultra does the opposite of forgetting. It sees them, and knows they’re there. And when it finds them, it extends its brush and mop, literally reaching out to scrub what most robots ignore.

That alone would’ve made it impressive. But what made me trust it was how it doesn’t tap furniture or jerk around awkwardly. It approaches carefully, cleans thoroughly, and pulls back without leaving a mark.

The secret is in its dual-extension system. While most robot vacuums are equipped with a single extending brush or a non-pressurized mop that dangles and wipes, this one features ScrubExtend and SweepExtend, both engineered to adapt to hard-to-reach spaces like edges, table legs, and irregular wall corners.

Even when it detects uneven shapes or changes in your furniture layout, it applies consistent downward pressure while mopping — up to 8 Newtons — to scrub, not just swipe.

The entire movement is supported by a flexible swing arm design, which retracts safely and smoothly, without ever bumping into your chairs or walls.

It even manages to clean the edges in testing, which you’ll see when you walk barefoot and there’s no gritty dust left clinging to corners.

The tech that puts your peace of mind first

Eureka’s J15 Max Ultra isn’t just another round disc that bumps around and calls itself smart.

It’s designed with thoughtful innovation that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it with consistency. Its Hyper-Fusion Technology delivers a whopping 28,000 Pa of suction power, which means it doesn’t miss a spot.

Its FlexiRazor Roller Brush is designed to adjust to different floor types and debris. Hardwood, tile, carpet, cat litter, dry food crumbs, this vacuum eats it all up without getting tangled or whining about the effort.

But what makes it truly different is its IntelliView AI 2.0 system. It doesn’t clean blindly. Using 3D structured light and RGB cameras, it identifies objects on the floor, recognizes rooms, and even adjusts cleaning patterns based on the mess.

It knew when my cat knocked over his litter box and when I dropped cookie crumbs next to my desk during a post-breakup binge. It knew and cleaned accordingly.

I can’t always keep up, so it cleans itself

Most robot vacuums return to base to charge. Some auto-empty dust. A few rinse the mop. This one does all of it, and then some.

The All-in-One Base Station refills clean water, empties dirty water and dustbin, washes the mop with heated water, and dries it with hot air. It also cleans the base tray underneath and collects tray waste into a separate dust bag.

That last part matters. Other bases skip tray cleaning, which leads to odor buildup. Eureka solves this with a tray scraper system that scrubs after every cycle, then separates solid from liquid waste before the next run.

It’s the kind of low-maintenance routine you don’t need to think about. The dust bag lasts up to 75 days. The clean water tank can handle up to 500 m² of mopping. And the 6400 mAh battery gives it up to 360 minutes of runtime.

That means it can clean the entire apartment, rinse itself off, and do it again without needing a recharge or refill.

That’s more than enough support for someone trying to stay afloat.

The caveats

Of course, nothing’s perfect. The vacuum’s All-in-One Base Station is large. You’ll need to make space for it, preferably somewhere with easy water access. If you live in a tiny apartment or a studio, the footprint might feel intrusive, which is the case with my 28sqm apartment.

Also, the setup required some time. Mapping your home for the first time takes a few runs, and you’ll have to be patient while it learns where things go. You’ll also want to play around with the app to adjust schedules, no-go zones, and cleaning preferences.

The map also doesn’t capture my space neatly. It wasn’t able to determine which one is my bedroom, and I had to customize the map so that the zones work seamlessly when I decide to clean the house.

But once you’ve set everything up, you rarely have to think about it again. And I think, that’s the point.

Is the Eureka J15 Max Ultra your GadgetMatch?

If you’re the kind of person whose brain needs external structure before you can function, who wants to come home to a clean space without feeling the guilt of not having done it yourself, and if your idea of self-care involves reclaiming control over your space without wasting hours vacuuming or scrubbing tiles, then yes. This is your GadgetMatch.

At US$ 1,299, the Eureka J15 Max Ultra may be on the premium end of robot vacuums, but it delivers on every feature.

Picture it this way: You’re buying back time, energy, and mental clarity. Because this one clears the emotional debris that builds up when you’ve been too tired, too broken, or too busy to care.