Samsung The Freestyle Projector

Like someone crammed a movie theatre into a drink bottle

$1299, samsung.com/au

PROS

– Unexpectedly portable

– Sharp display on any wall

– Display up to 100 inches

CONS

– Autofocus can be temperamental

– Full HD rather than 4K

– Special battery for portable use

Cinema buffs, Samsung has shrunk the projector. The company’s new Freestyle entertainment solution slips into a container that genuinely looks like a Thermos even though this gadget can screen movies sharply, colourfully and up to 100 inches in size. The unorthodox projector is also easy to operate using a smartphone or the provided remote control, will stream video from services like Netflix and YouTube, and will work as little as 80cm from a wall. Its portability is the biggest game-changer and it makes a compelling argument for taking it to a party, although serious cinemaphiles may need to tinker with its focus and straightening settings before hosting a film night.

Verdict: ★★★★½

Foxtel iQ5

Pay TV cuts the cord and unleashes 4K

$199, foxtel.com.au

PROS

– Easy access to 4K TV

– 1TB drive for storage

– Works with Netflix, other apps

CONS

– Aerial needed for free TV

– Needs fast, reliable broadband

– Records two, not three, shows at once

Finding 4K content to feed your hungry, high-res television is hard work but Foxtel’s newest set-top box delivers it without a pesky satellite dish. Unlike those before it, this box uses a broadband connection to stream channels and on-demand shows and movies, and does so seamlessly. Its optional base also doubles as a one terabyte storage drive to stash downloads, it will support apps from services like Netflix and ABC iView, and will record two shows at once. Users must connect a TV aerial if they want to see free-to-air shows, however, and they’ll need a decent broadband plan.

Verdict: ★★★★½

Sonos Beam 2

Smarter than your average soundbar

$699, sonos.com

PROS

– Powerful audio with Dolby Atmos

– Speech Enhancement mode

– Works with Google or Amazon commands

CONS

– No remote control provided

– Trueplay audio only for iPhones

– No Bluetooth streaming

This gadget can upgrade your TV soundscape without taking up too much lounge space. The second generation Sonos Beam will nest comfortably beneath most TV screens as its sleek enclosure is just 65cm long. It manages to cram plenty of tech into that small frame, though, including four amplifiers, a tweeter, four midwoofers, and support for Dolby Atmos to produce compelling surround sound. Its Speech Enhancement mode should also impress anyone who’s tried to hear voices over sound effects, although its Trueplay feature that adjusts audio to the room only works if you set it up with an iPhone.

Verdict: ★★★★

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

A quick way to make your TV listen to you

$99, amazon.com.au

PROS

– Upgrade to 4K, HDR video

– Faster streaming and operation

– Ask Alexa to find your shows

CONS

– Recommends mostly Prime Video

– Can’t customise app shortcuts

– Missing Foxtel app support

If your television isn’t as smart as you’d like, or you’d like to command it to find certain TV shows, this ‘stick’ can help. The latest Amazon Fire TV Stick is the first to support 4K video and it’s equipped with a faster chip, more RAM and Wi-Fi 6 support to do so efficiently. Users can install and use a long list of apps from this device, including YouTube and Apple TV, and search for shows by voice after pressing its Alexa button. The remote control can also be trained to operate other TV functions, like volume, and will let you access Amazon devices, like a Ring doorbell.

Verdict: ★★★½

Chromecast with Google TV

‘Hey Google, find me something good to watch’

$99, store.google.com

PROS

– Supports 4K video

– Google Assistant on board

– Compatible with many apps

CONS

– Sluggish to start

– No support for Stadia games

– Can’t customise home screen

Google’s unexpectedly popular foray into television tech returns in a familiar form but with more features. The newest Chromecast device plugs into the back of your TV to stream 4K video from a long list of services, including Binge and Disney+. It also comes with a remote control offering shortcuts to Netflix and YouTube (naturally), and access to the Google Assistant that can be used to find shows, recommend new viewing, or control other Google-based smart home gadgets. This Chromecast can be slow to start or switch apps and won’t support its new game service, but could be a solid, inexpensive option for Google-friendly homes.

Verdict: ★★★½