When it comes to portable projectors, the LUMOS FLOAT Smart edition offers an exciting blend of flexibility and functionality. Having tested it extensively, I want to share my honest thoughts on its performance — from its unique features to areas that could use some improvement — and how it stacks up against its predecessor, the LUMOS RAY.

Design and Flexibility

The LUMOS FLOAT immediately stands out for its compact size, slightly smaller than the LUMOS RAY. Despite its smaller frame, it doesn’t compromise on flexibility. One of the most impressive features is its adjustable projection angle. You can effortlessly tilt it to project not just on walls, but even on the ceiling — perfect for watching movies in bed or lying on the ground. Plus, it can project a massive 150-inch screen on a wall, creating a true home-theater experience right in your living room.

NOTE: Get the best experience by using it under total darkness

Adding to this, the automatic keystone correction allows you to adjust the screen projection into a perfect rectangular shape, even when the projector is angled — like when pointed at ceilings or wall corners.

NOTE:  Get the best experience by using it under total darkness 

Connectivity and Compatibility

Wi-Fi Connection: While connecting to Wi-Fi, I noticed a slight delay — you have to wait a bit for it to establish a stable connection. There was also a minor issue with YouTube, where it sometimes displayed an “unable to connect at this moment” error. However, after some time, I was able to connect smoothly and I’m hoping it will be stable for the next use. A quick system update might resolve this and make sure the projector always has a 5 bars strong signal on the homepage.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity was a bit inconsistent at times, but once paired, the audio sync was smooth. A useful tip: place the Bluetooth receiving device closer to the LUMOS unit to get faster pairing. The FLOAT does a decent job ensuring there’s no noticeable lag between sound and visuals.

Screen Mirroring: I was able to successfully mirror my iMac computer on the LUMOS FLOAT, adding even more versatility to its wireless capabilities. This makes it a handy option not only for streaming but also for presentations or casual web browsing.

USB and Movie Formats: When playing movies via USB, I ran into a few format compatibility issues. MP4 files worked seamlessly, while MKV formats sometimes had audio glitches. I recommend sticking to MP4 for a hassle-free experience.

Compatible Video Formats: The LUMOS FLOAT supports MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, and FLV formats. However, MP4 remains the most reliable option, especially for avoiding audio-compatibility issues.

Input Sources: The projector is versatile, handling various input sources including USB drives, HDMI devices (like laptops and gaming consoles), microSD cards, and wireless screen mirroring via Wi-Fi.

Audio and Visual Performance

Brightness: With 3000 lumens, the LUMOS FLOAT delivers bright, clear images — a definite improvement over the RAY. Whether you’re projecting in a dim room or a space with some ambient light, the visuals remain vibrant.

Video Quality: One of the most notable upgrades is that the LUMOS FLOAT now supports 1080p resolution, a big jump from the 720p offered by the LUMOS RAY. The picture quality is crisp, and the new focus feature — now conveniently adjustable via the remote button — makes it easy to fine-tune the sharpness without much effort. This is a huge improvement over the manual focus dial on the LUMOS RAY, making the FLOAT more user-friendly and efficient.

Sound Quality: Audio quality is fairly solid, though not groundbreaking. The internal speakers produce clear sound, but for a more immersive experience, I’d recommend pairing it with external speakers.

Practical Use and Considerations

Stability: Since we didn’t have a proper projector stand, we improvised with an old speaker stand. It worked, but it highlighted the importance of using a stable surface — especially if you’re using it outdoors or in breezy environments. Flat walls work best for projection.

Fan Noise: One noticeable downside is the fan noise. In quiet spaces, the sound of the fan is quite prominent, and the unit does get warm after extended use. It’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a silent movie night. However, for action movies with loud sound effects and dynamic scenes, the fan noise may be less noticeable.

Accessories and Extras

The LUMOS FLOAT doesn’t come with a built-in battery, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in. It also includes a remote, though I found the keyboard function a bit clunky. An interesting upgrade would be the ability to add a voice dictation feature — this would make typing and app navigation much smoother.

Apps and Streaming

The projector supports a wide range of apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, and Facebook. This gives you plenty of streaming options for both movies and music. Once connected to Wi-Fi, the app experience is generally smooth, aside from the occasional connectivity hiccup mentioned earlier.

Price and Final Thoughts

In terms of price (P7,999), the LUMOS FLOAT- Smart edition offers solid value for its feature set. With its brighter projection, compact design, flexible angles, and upgraded 1080p resolution, it clearly outshines the LUMOS RAY. The added convenience of ceiling projection, automatic keystone correction, and improved focus make it a more versatile choice.

Final Verdict: While the LUMOS RAY was a solid option, the LUMOS FLOAT takes it up a notch with better brightness, more intuitive controls, and increased portability. If you’re deciding between the two, I’d confidently recommend the FLOAT.

Suggested Upgrades:

• Add voice dictation to the remote for easier typing
• Improve hot air circulation to prevent the unit from heating up
• Improve fan noise control for quieter operation

The LUMOS FLOAT may not be perfect, but it’s a worthy upgrade from its predecessor and a great addition to any movie night setup.