Entertainment

JMGO O1: Best home theater solution for small apartments

Big screen experience that doesn’t break the bank

Published

August 31, 2021

Chay Lazaro

I love watching movies on the big screen. Who doesn’t? Movies after all are made for it.

When I moved to a studio apartment two months ago, I didn’t have a TV nor a sound bar. It’s small, like most apartments in New York City, but I knew I wanted to have a good home theater setup despite the limited space I have. The JMGO O1 ultra short throw projector solves this problem.

True home cinema setup

When setting up your own movie theater at home, there are three essential things to keep in mind:

Big screen. The bigger, the better for that grand cinematic experience
Space. If you live in a house where you can have a dedicated room for your home theater, great. But if you’re renting a studio apartment, this can be tricky.
Great audio. This is something we often overlook, but should definitely be on top of priorities, too.

The JMGO O1 Ultra Short Throw Projector ticks all three of these, and more. It’s also light-weight, a space-saver, and affordable.

Space-saving big screen

One of the main reasons to get a projector is that it lets you customize the size of your screen based on the space that you have. With a TV, this just isn’t something you can do; you’re stuck with the same big black screen.

With a regular projector, and even in the cinema, anyone who walks in front will cast a shadow on the screen. This can be annoying when you’re right in the middle of the action.

With the JMGO O1, that’s simply not the case. It’s an ultra-short throw projector so I put it on my existing credenza that’s flushed against the wall and I still got a large screen.

This means my big screen movie viewing experience will never be compromised just because my apartment is small.

With a throw ratio of 0.25:1, the JMGO O1 can be placed 10 inches from the wall and you get up to 100 inches of projected screen size.

If that doesn’t scream immersive, I don’t know what does.

On weekends when I’m doing meal prep, I normally rely on recipe videos and websites and use my laptop to view them.

Nowadays, I’ve gotten accustomed to moving the JMGO O1 to my kitchen peninsula and project the recipes on the wall. The screen is smaller, around 55 inches, which is actually still pretty big, if you think about it.

It has autofocus and Auto Keystone Correction available so I’m able to quickly set it up or adjust when I want to move it around.

Eye-protection mode is also built-in, which automatically lowers the brightness of the light source. This has been especially helpful when I have guests and they look directly at the light source when checking it out.

I think another underrated feature of the JMGO O1 is that it stays cool and quiet unlike regular projectors. Since it’s placed close to the wall, I never feel the heat it emits from hours of use or hear any hums, if it even makes any.

After all, the only sound I should be hearing is that of the audio of the movie I’m watching.

Co-created with Dynaudio

Speaking of audio, the JMGO O1 is co-created and tuned with Danish loudspeaker company Dynaudio. Simply put, I get built-in cinematic stereo sound to match my big display.

So even if the projector is placed close to the wall and not beside me on the couch, the enhanced audio is powerful and immersive. It’s more than loud enough to surround me with stereo sound in my studio apartment set up.

Luna OS and JMGO app

The JMGO O1 runs on an android-based Luna OS. The app store has most of my favorite streaming apps: Netflix, Disney+, and HBOMax.

I loved watching Black Widow on this. Even though it didn’t get the movie premiere that it deserves, it’s one of those movies you’re really gonna want to watch on the big screen to appreciate all the stunts and special effects.

Seeing the animated version of Portofino in Luca made me want to book a trip to the Italian Riviera as soon as possible.

Some nights I kept up with John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, and binged reruns of Downton Abbey.

For regular TV and movie watching, I use the remote that came with the JMGO O1 to navigate. It’s small, white, and has very few buttons. It’s easy to use.

I also downloaded the JMGO app and use my phone as a trackpad sometimes. In the app, there’s a companion tab where I can change themes from Original, to Retro Neon to Ocean Waves.

With it I can also customize the music visualizer when I play my favorite songs via Bluetooth.

Another feature I love is the Digital Art Gallery. It’s like having a live screensaver on my wall, which has been a conversation starter when I have guests over.

There are different artworks to choose from, and there’s an option to add them as widgets. This way, I can just use the remote to change the art depending on the mood.

One time, I projected this artwork called Blue sunlight by Liu Yaming on the empty wall, to the left of another piece of art. It looked like I had animated framed painting beside a still life.

There’s also a feature called Intelligent Image Flattening. With it you point your phone’s camera to align the edges of the screen. It then adjusts any plane distortion in case you have an uneven wall.

If you have streaming devices that you prefer like Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon’s Fire TV, you can use it with the JMGO O1. It has two HDMI ports at the back.

Outdoor movie nights

Another benefit of having a projector, apart from the big screen, is that it’s so compact and portable. When I move to another apartment next year, I wouldn’t have to worry about hauling a big TV and set it up all over again.

It’s still summer here in New York so that means we can watch movies outdoors. One night I brought the JMGO O1 over to Josh’s patio, along with an outdoor projector screen. He prepared some snacks and Aperol Spritz, and we watched Toy Story.

It’s also perfect for romantic date nights or having more friends over to watch sports.

Affordable home theater system

The thought of having a home cinema is a little bit daunting especially with all the costs it involves. Bigger TVs and other short throw projectors usually start at $2,000, and that’s being conservative.

That’s not the case here. At just $699, the JMGO O1 is not just a space saving solution when you live in a cramped space like me, it’s one that’s affordable, too.

If you’re looking to start building a home theater for yourself, I highly recommend that you check out the JMGO O1.

It’s built well, looks and performs great, and most importantly comes with a price tag that doesn’t break the bank.

How to buy the JMGO O1

JMGO has already started shipping the O1 ultra short throw projector to backers. The company is currently offering an additional $50 off for GadgetMatch fans, bringing down the price to $649 for a limited time.

Since launching the Indiegogo campaign on June 1, 2021, JMGO has received support from backers across the globe, including the United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan. To date, the company has raised over half a million dollars, which is 50 times the original fundraising goal.

Related Topics:featured JMGO JMGO O1 ultra short throw projector

Entertainment

Samsung brings the Galaxy Z series into Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Tracking Spidey this summer

Published

June 17, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Samsung is swinging into theaters this summer.

Ahead of the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Samsung announced a new collaboration with Sony Pictures. It puts its Galaxy devices directly into the world of Marvel’s friendly neighborhood hero.

At the center of the campaign is the Spidey Tracker, an interactive experience inspired by the upcoming film. In the movie, Ned Leeds develops the tracker on a Samsung Galaxy device to help locate Spider-Man. Now, fans can use a real-world version through a dedicated website.

The tracker will serve as a hub for Spider-Man-themed content throughout the summer. Fans can follow sightings, discover hidden easter eggs, view cast appearances and interviews, and participate in community-driven activities.

Samsung says the Spidey Tracker will be available in 35 countries worldwide through SpideyTracker.com and on X via @SpideyTracker.

Galaxy devices join Spider-Man’s world

The partnership extends beyond marketing.

In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Samsung’s Galaxy devices will be featured throughout the story. Spider-Man will be seen using a Galaxy Z Flip, while Ned Leeds relies on Galaxy Z Fold devices and Galaxy Watch wearables as he searches for the web-slinger.

According to Samsung, the collaboration highlights how its devices help users stay connected, whether they’re sharing moments with friends, keeping in touch with family, or, in Spider-Man’s case, saving New York City.

The company also said the campaign reflects the importance of human connection and self-expression, themes that have long been part of Spider-Man’s story.

More Spider-Man sightings this summer

Sony Pictures says the partnership helps expand Spider-Man’s connection to his community beyond the movie screen.

Throughout the summer, fans can expect Spider-Man-themed appearances across live events, creator content, special activations, and even select Samsung Experience Stores.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens exclusively in theaters on July 31.

Meanwhile, fans can start tracking their favorite wall-crawler through the Spidey Tracker beginning June 17 at 3PM ET.

Entertainment

X-Men ’97 returns to Disney+ for second season

Emmy-nominated series to continue mutant team’s story

Published

May 30, 2026

GadgetMatch

Marvel Animation’s Emmy-nominated X-Men ’97 is returning to Disney+ for a second season, starting July 1.

Along with this announcement, a trailer and poster have been made available. The first season of the animated series was one of the most-watched Disney+ originals, and a hit with fans and critics alike.

Season 2 continues with the heroic mutant team of X-Men, divided and thrown across different eras in time as they struggle to navigate their return home.

Meanwhile, back in the 1990s, suspicious foes and new strains of mutant intolerance are on the rise in the wake of the protagonists’ absence.

The second season will be comprised of nine episodes. The voice cast includes:

Ross Marquand as Professor X
Matthew Waterson as Magneto
Ray Chase as Cyclops
Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey
Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm
Cal Dodd as Wolverine
Lenore Zann as Rogue
George Buza as Beast

The series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt, Julia Lewald, Eric Lewald, Larry Houston, and Beau DeMayo.

Jake Castorena serves as the supervising producer. Episodes were written by JB Ballard, Beau DeMayo, Bailey Moore, Antony Sellitti, Brian Ford Sullivan, and Mariah Wilson.

The episodic directors are Emmett Yonemura and Chase Conley.

Entertainment

Now Playing: The Mandalorian and Grogu

This is the way

Published

May 19, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles and Dawn Pangilinan

Image from StarWars.com

It’s been a while since a Star Wars movie made me walk out of a cinema feeling genuinely pumped. Not necessarily emotional nor mind-blown. And not even scrambling to re-evaluate the entire franchise. Just… pumped.

The Mandalorian and Grogu feels like a proper Star Wars blockbuster again. The kind built for crowded cinemas, loud reactions, and collective gasps during action sequences. More importantly, it feels approachable in a way the franchise hasn’t always managed to be lately.

As someone whose interest in Star Wars slowly waned after The Rise of Skywalker, this movie felt oddly refreshing.

I watched the film alongside occasional GadgetMatch contributor Dawn, whose relationship with Star Wars sits somewhere adjacent to mine. Familiar with the Skywalker Saga and select spin-offs, but not necessarily deep into every corner of the lore either. Not because it reinvented the wheel. Quite the opposite, actually. It understood exactly what kind of movie it wanted to be.

I came into the film fairly blind. No rewatches, just a little prep work, and no “required viewing” marathons beforehand. And somehow, none of that really mattered.

Even without context from multiple seasons of Disney+ shows, Din Djarin and Grogu’s bond clicks almost immediately. You don’t need a detailed explanation for why these two care deeply about each other. The movie trusts viewers enough to simply accept their connection and move forward.

Grogu also remains ABSOLUTELY THE CUTEST. No further notes.

Well, maybe one more note.

That little guy carries an absurd amount of emotional weight throughout the movie. Whether he’s unintentionally causing chaos, silently reacting to situations, or simply existing onscreen, he consistently draws laughs and reactions from the audience.

There’s one sequence in particular where Grogu takes care of Din that managed to get a few giggles. It’s a small moment, but one that perfectly captures why this duo works. They don’t feel manufactured. They just feel natural.

Safe storytelling done right

One thing we kept coming back to after the screening was how easy the movie was to watch. Not “easy” in a dismissive way. More accessible and comfortable.

It’s the kind of blockbuster that lets you settle into the experience without requiring homework beforehand.

One observation that stood out during our post-movie discussion was describing the film as a “palate cleanser spin-off.” Despite growing up with the Skywalker Saga and several Star Wars spin-offs herself, she appreciated how welcoming the film felt.

“It’s interesting enough to lure you back into the lore and fall back into love with the franchise,” she said.

That really captures the movie’s biggest strength.

The Mandalorian and Grogu doesn’t spend its runtime obsessing over lore density or trying to prove how important it is within the larger Star Wars timeline. Instead, it focuses on delivering a straightforward adventure with familiar emotional beats.

Sometimes, that traditional recipe is enough.

There are definitely moments where the story feels predictable. We found ourselves correctly guessing certain developments well before they happened. But surprisingly, that never hurt the experience.

If anything, the predictability made the movie feel oddly comforting.

The film knows when to slow down for tender scenes, when to ramp things up with explosive action, and when to simply let viewers breathe inside its world. There’s also very little visual fatigue throughout the runtime. The pacing stays clean and the movie rarely overstays its welcome.

One of my favorite sequences involved Rotta the Hutt in a gladiator-like setting that weirdly reminded me of Thor: Ragnarok. It was chaotic, funny, and surprisingly entertaining.

Also, I need it on record that I identified with Rotta look-wise.

That comparison was apparently questionable according to my companion for the screening.

A low-friction way back into Star Wars

More than anything else, The Mandalorian and Grogu reminded me why people fell in love with Star Wars in the first place.

Not through endless callbacks or franchise homework. But through companionship, adventure, and a healthy helping of heart.

Underneath all the sci-fi spectacle and action sequences is a story about choosing to care for people even when it might not be the smartest thing to do in the moment. Din and Grogu’s relationship may often get described online as father-and-son, but honestly, they felt more like disproportionately-sized bros constantly looking out for each other.

And somehow, that dynamic works incredibly well.

By the end of the movie, we arrived at almost the same conclusion. We wanted more.

Not necessarily because this was the greatest Star Wars story ever told. It isn’t trying to be. But it successfully reignited interest in a franchise that can sometimes feel daunting from the outside looking in.

One immediate effect of the movie was successfully convincing my co-viewer to finally start The Mandalorian Season 1 once schedules calm down a bit. In the meantime, Grogu doomscrolling on Instagram will apparently suffice.

Meanwhile, I’m suddenly considering diving back into Star Wars shows I skipped over the years. I might check out The Acolyte. Maybe Obi-Wan Kenobi. Maybe even tap into gaming with the adventures of Cal Kestis if time and workload permit.

That’s probably the biggest compliment I can give this movie. It made me want to care again.

For longtime fans, The Mandalorian and Grogu delivers good, clean Star Wars fun with heart and hype.

For newcomers, it offers a surprisingly low-friction entry point into a universe that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

That might be exactly what Star Wars needed right now.