Practical Smart Home

Why this 180-degree gimbal projector is a “small win” for solo living

At $200, the XGODY N6 Pro transformed my one-bedroom apartment into a sanctuary of independence

Published

March 29, 2026

MJ Jucutan

For a long time, I didn’t have a home entertainment setup.

As a young adult navigating the nuances of solo living, my iPad Pro was my constant companion. It was my theater and my window to the world, especially on those nights when the silence of a one-bedroom apartment hit a little too hard.

I’ve spent countless hours with that 11-inch screen as my only guest, filling the void with comfort shows while I worked, even though my space was perfectly capable of housing a real Smart TV.

But buying a TV felt like… commitment. A TV is a centerpiece you decorate around; an invitation for people to gather.

If you walked into my apartment, you’d see it doesn’t scream “hosting duties.” It screams sleep, train, grind, recover, and repeat.

There is no plush couch, no mahogany entertainment center. While it might look unusually sparse to others, it is mine.

And one of the best parts of living alone is making the final call on what actually fills your space. On one of my loneliest nights, the XGODY N6 Pro arrived, and suddenly, it shifted my state of mind from merely surviving to actually thriving in the life I built.

$200 of freedom

At US$ 200, the XGODY N6 Pro isn’t a casual purchase. When you’re living independently, every dollar is a tactical decision. There’s no safety net, no “calling home” if the budget breaks.

But even when you’re grinding, you deserve to have small luxuries; something that makes your life feel bigger than the room you are in.

For instance, watching your favorite shows projected across your own walls is the ultimate treat after a day spent exhausted.

What surprised me most was how the projector adjusted to me, not the other way around. The 180-degree gimbal design sounds technical, but in reality, it simply means freedom.

I don’t have a proper tech setup, so I used my bar stool as a stand. It didn’t matter. Whether I’m sitting on my fabric gaming chair or tucked into bed, I just pivot the lens to whatever surface works best.

For once, I’m not craning my neck over a screen and I’m not adjusting myself to fit the device. It fits into my life exactly as it is.

Seamlessly self-sufficient

Independence changes the way you see technology. When your brain is fried from a long day, you just need life to be a tad easier. I don’t want complicated or demanding; I just want things that do their job so I can breathe.

The remote-controlled electric focus and Auto Keystone Correction, in a way, are life-savers. I didn’t have to do anything, because the N6 Pro automatically squares the image as I pivot from wall to ceiling.

Its screen can stretch up to 200 inches, which still feels surreal to say out loud, though it’s smart enough to shrink if it detects an obstruction like a light switch.

Sometimes, it takes a moment to fully lock into clarity, though I have learned to appreciate that pause. It reminds me that not everything has to be instant to be worth it. (Especially since this is a budget device, I don’t want to ask too much.)

What truly impressed me was the WiFi 6 support. Streaming is smooth, and screen mirroring feels effortless. It reduces lag significantly, meaning my comfort shows never buffer.

With WhaleOS and 8,000+ apps built-in, I have everything I need right there.

Now Playing: People We Meet On Vacation

While I was getting used to the XGODY N6 Pro, Netflix dropped People We Meet On Vacation. And somehow, it felt personal.

Poppy, the main character, spends her life chasing the next experience. Her avoidance of settling mirrors my own desire for freedom. Always “catching flights, not feelings.”

Right now, every home is just a layover before my next destination. But having a projector like the N6 Pro makes me feel like I can take my sanctuary anywhere.

Poppy eventually found her happy ending, but I’m still in the chapters where I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places.

For now, this projector is a companion; it’s there for the mundane moments when I return home from a long trip and need to decompress after the vacation ends.

Turning into a ritual

Even with 15,000 lumens, let’s be real: this is a creature of the night. It’s vibrant and clear in a dark room, but like most budget LEDs, it struggles when the sun peaks in.

I’ve turned my movie time into a ritual: closing the curtains and letting the night soak in, so I can watch the colors come alive.

The 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 4K decoding provide enough depth to make the scenes feel sincere. Though, I’m happy with the 1080p native resolution already.

While the built-in 5W Hi-Fi speaker isn’t going to shake the walls, it’s enough for the eerie silence of a solo apartment. With Bluetooth 5.2, I usually pair my JBL Charge 6 for a fuller sound, but honestly, there are nights where the built-in audio is just enough.

Is the XGODY N6 Pro your GadgetMatch?

Living alone is made up of small wins.

Cooking your own meals. Keeping your space clean. Learning how to sit with yourself. And sometimes, turning a blank wall into your own home theater.

At US$200, the XGODY N6 Pro projects the pride of a life built on my own terms. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a massive living room to live a massive life.

Swipe Right if you’re a young adult trying to make it in the city, living in a space where every square inch is precious real estate.

It’s for the independent soul who wants the “Smart TV” experience through Android TV 11 and WiFi 6 without the bulky furniture that usually comes with it. It offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio for anyone who treats their home like a sanctuary, or a temporary layover.

Swipe Left if you are the kind of person who needs absolute technical perfection to feel satisfied. Similarly, if you’re an audiophile who expects a 5W built-in speaker to mimic a Dolby Atmos theater, you’ll find the sound a bit thin.

This isn’t the device for those who want a permanent, high-end home theater installation; it’s too scrappy and mobile for that kind of rigidity.

As I look up at the ceiling, I appreciate how far I’ve come from that 11-inch screen. And I realize I am no longer passing through. I am home.

The XGODY N6 Pro is available through its official website and online retailers like Amazon.

Philippines

TCL’s smart home solutions arrives at Automatic Centre Sheridan, Mandaluyong

Take advantage of that limited-time sale from March 25 to April 5.

Published

March 26, 2026

GadgetMatch

TCL Philippines has officially launched its smart solutions into Automatic Centre’s Sheridan Mandaluyong branch. The atmosphere at the Sheridan branch was electric as guests explored how global tech fits into a local lifestyle.

Every corner showed how TCL’s innovations are designed to elevate the everyday. The launch drew a crowd eager to see the visionaries behind the brands.

Key leaders from both sides — including TCL Sales Director Cyd Montebo and Automatic Centre Store Head Ms. Sheena Mangahas — gathered to witness this new chapter.

But the celebration belongs to the customers. To mark the occasion, TCL is launching a limited-time sale from March 25 to April 5.

It’s an invitation to upgrade your lifestyle with global technology at a discounted cost at your nearest Automatic Centre.

Accessories

Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide

Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered

Published

December 20, 2025

Chay Lazaro

The best gifts aren’t impulse buys nor extravagant. This year’s holiday gift guide is about giving with intention. Each pick was chosen not as a novelty, but as something that adds value to your loved ones’ lives. They support routines, encourage rest, create shared moments, elevate everyday comforts, and provide peace of mind. These are the kind of gifts that feel considered, personal, and truly meant for the person receiving them.

Peace of mind, wherever the day goes

OrbitKey Travel Sling (3L), US$89.90

This sling is designed for moving through the day feeling organized and secure. Along with its compact, structured layout, it includes RFID-protected pockets that help shield cards and personal information from digital theft. It’s ideal for both commuting and traveling and comes in Black, Stone, and Terracotta.

Statik TireHero Smart Tire Pump, US$69.99

This is the kind of gift that helps people feel prepared rather than reactive. Compact and easy to use, it quickly inflates tires at home or on the road. A small tool that offers real reassurance, it’s especially useful for drivers and cyclists alike.

ExpressVPN Aircove Go, US$169.90

This pocket-sized router creates a secure, VPN-protected network anywhere, making public Wi-Fi far safer to use. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone handling sensitive information on the go. It’s small enough to travel with but powerful enough to protect privacy beyond the home.

OrbitKey Foldable Duffel, US$49

Having an extra bag when you didn’t know you need one can remove a surprising amount of stress and unnecessary expenses. This duffle folds down flat for easy storage, then opens into a 55L bag when packing gets too ambitious and you’re being charged at the airport for your overweight suitcase. It’s reliable, flexible, and quietly reassuring to have on hand.

Thoughtful tech for home and productivity

Native Union WEIGHTER, starts at US$19.99

Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference. This weighted desk accessory keeps charging cables from slipping out of reach, reducing friction in everyday routines. It’s a subtle but satisfying improvement for someone who works from home or their messy night stand. It comes in Black and Sandstone, and two models: 1 Cable and 3 Cables.

Rocketbook Core, US$38.99

For someone who loves writing by hand but also wants their notes organized digitally, this reusable notebook allows handwritten notes to be stored in the cloud. It’s great for planners, students, even creatives that don’t want clutter. It combines the satisfying tactility of pen and paper and digital convenience.

Nomad Stand One Max, US$159

Built with Qi2 25W, this charger brings calm to the end of the day. With one solid, beautifully weighted base, it charges the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one place. It reduces clutter and decision-making, turning charging into a simple ritual.

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, starts at US$105

Extra storage becomes invaluable once someone starts creating, traveling, or documenting more of their life. This portable SSD offers fast, reliable storage with a magnetic sleeve that makes it easy to attach and carry. It’s ideal for backing up photos, videos, and important files without fuss. It’s a practical gift to support that creative in your life and help them stay organized.

Rituals, wellness, and slowing down

Üllo Original Wine Purifier, US$79.99

For someone who enjoys a glass of wine as part of winding down but hates the headaches that come after: Üllo removes sulfites while aerating the wine. It helps enhance the flavor and aroma of wine while being gentler for those sensitive to additives. Add the hand blown Decanter that’s made from ultra transparent lead-free crystal to make any bottle taste fancier.

La Jolie Muse Season of Stories Trio Set, US$60

With artful vessels and clean-burning soy wax, these candles feel as much like decor as they do self-care. The scents are cozy and ideal for winding down or hosting. It’s a gift that invites pause.

LEGO Botanicals, starts at US$14.99

A calming, screen-free build that becomes a beautiful piece of home decor, each set invites someone to slow down and enjoy the process. With flower bouquets, bonsais, and plants to choose from, it’s a satisfying project that brings a sense of completion without the upkeep of real plants. As an added bonus, if you can build it together it turns the gift into a shared memory, so every time they see the finished piece, they’re reminded of the time you spent creating it together.

Small joys, big upgrades

SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush, US$135

This device makes an everyday habit feel more intentional. Created with sustainability in mind, it’s a sleek yet practical gift that elevates anyone’s bathroom shelf. It’s got wireless charging and the redesigned travel case powers UV cleaning on the go. It comes in five colors: Winter Fern, Sea Mist, Sunset Bloom, Midnight Black, and Morning Waves.

XGIMI MoGo 4, US$499

This portable projector makes it easy to turn any wall into a big screen. You can give the gift of a quiet solo night for someone who needs to decompress from work, or movie nights shared with their loved ones. It’s great for a cozy home setup this winter or the outdoors when the weather starts to get warmer.

Eve Flare, US$109.95

Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in any space, but is truly transformative. This smart LED lamp creates soft, customizable ambient light that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for someone who just moved into a new apartment, or that person in your life who cares about mood and intentional design.

Liiton American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set, US$129

This glassware set transforms drinking into a sensory experience, whether on display or in use. It’s a great conversation piece and makes a nightcap more intentional. Place your glass in the freezer and get chilled and aerated whiskey in just 18 seconds thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System. Made from lead-free crystal, the glassware is sculpted with the majestic U.S. mountain peaks: Mount Whitney, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier, and The Rockies.

For growing lives and staying connected

loog mini acoustic, US$129

With fewer strings and a simplified design, kids can start playing real songs quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It builds confidence and creativity while introducing musical fundamentals. It’s a gift that supports learning through play.

Instax Mini Link 3, US$99.99

This gift turns fleeting moments into tangible memories. With a few taps, photos on your phone become physical prints that can be shared, saved, and displayed. In an age where taking photos has never been easier, having physical prints encourages reminiscing without increasing screen time. It’s a wonderful gift for families and friends who love documenting life.

Arzopa Digital Photo Frame, starts at US$99.99

Bring warmth to someone’s home without requiring technical effort. This photo frame is great for that loved one who’s moved far away. Photos can be updated remotely, making it easy to feel closer despite the distance. It comes in two sizes: 10″ and 14″, both with a champagne colored bezel.

Entertainment

The Glow That Changed Everything + Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro GIVEAWAY

Govee TV Backlights past, present, and future

Published

September 25, 2025

Chay Lazaro

Beyond ambiance and well-being, smart lights can make home entertainment more immersive. In this video we’ll deep dive into Govee’s TV Backlights, past and future. Plus, we’re giving away two sets of the yet-to-be-released Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro. Enter via Gleam.io and let me know what your favorite Govee product by leaving a comment on the YouTube video for more chances of winning.

Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro GIVEAWAY