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Nebula Capsule 3 Portable Mini Projector Review

Nebula Capsule 3 Portable Mini Projector Review

29 reviews between Feb 26, 2023 and Jun 07, 2023.

The Nebula Capsule 3 is a portable mini projector with impressive picture quality and easy set up. It has a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of playtime and can be connected to streaming apps. However, it has some drawbacks like the lack of native Netflix app, buggy software, and poor autofocus and keystone correction. Despite these issues, it is a great purchase for someone looking for a portable projector.

Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p, Smart, WiFi Bluetooth, Mini Projector, Portable Projector,
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29 reviews between Feb 26, 2023 and Jun 07, 2023.

Feb 26, 2023 - Jun 07, 2023
  • Very impressive, but....

    This project has impressive picture quality but you need to go deep in the settings and turn down digital sharpening, contrast and saturation. Out of the box picture looks like 720 with crazy contrast and no details. Another BIG Negative of this projector is zoom and Keystone correction it is not optimal but digital so you loosening resolution when you scaling down the screen or using keystone correction.

    Sentiment
    • Positive
    Content
    • Picture Quality
    Jun 07, 2023
  • remote don't works

    remote don't works

    Sentiment
    • Negative
    Content
    • Remote Control
    May 29, 2023
  • Love it

    Awesome image quality, at least to me. I put up my 100 inch projector screen, turned this baby on and that's where I will watch movies from now on. The only thing I wish this thing had is, back-lit buttons on the controller. Kind of hard to see in the dark, just gotta feel out the buttons and memorize them. Besides that, great projector. 👍

    Sentiment
    • Positive
    Content
    • Picture Quality
    May 22, 2023
  • Easy Setup

    Easy set up and great projection quality. It’s like going to the movies in your own home. I added a sound bar to my system for more dynamic sound quality but the standard 8 watt speakers aren’t to bad either. The remote works with ease and tons of streaming Apps to download. Works great with Netflix and all the other major streaming platforms.

    Sentiment
    • Positive
    Content
    • Set Up
    May 22, 2023
  • Quality of the video is great

    Very good quality and the pictures frame is like they say no complaints about this product i think wort what i pay very recommend it

    Sentiment
    • Positive
    Content
    • Picture Quality
    May 21, 2023
    • Projector review

      It works great at night but during the day you can’t see it much.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Brightness
      May 18, 2023
    • Worth the price

      This projector is great for night time / dark room projection. worth the money

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      May 16, 2023
    • Great but no Netflix.

      (updated)

      Pluses and minuses on no particular order…

      Not a terribly difficult but definitely not a seamless setup experience. It took a long time (software and firmware updates galore) and was riddled with more than its fair share of “who … the … tested this stuff?”. …or more correctly, who DIDN’T test this stuff. But, in the end, it just took some deduction mixed with patience and skipping setup steps to arrive at a device that was fully configured even though the setup process indicated otherwise.

      It’s a google AndroidTV device. The speaker is adequate. You can connect/drive external Bluetooth speakers (I have mine driving a pair of Bose BT “portable/soda can” speakers). So, no big there.

      The laser performance in and of itself is really solid. It automatically focuses and keystone adjusts. Really good stuff there! Not enough output to work well a lit environment. But in a dark environment the picture is genuinely good. Resolution is 1080P. I only have good things to say wrt the display performance (lit environment meh aside).

      The first app I tried to install was Netflix. Netflix is pictured in the advertising and such but no. It’s not pre-installed and NOT available.

      Everything else I wanted seems to be available… Amazon, Spotify, the crap apps from mainstream media. Even Apple TV! I installed Apple TV (no Apple TV+) and it found my iTunes video library and played a video in less than 30 seconds.

      -1 star for a crap-tastic setup experience and no Netflix. Otherwise, a really good product!

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Set Up
      May 15, 2023
    • Buggy software, but great pic

      The software is a little buggy, but overall happy with the purchase. The unit is smaller than a 32oz mug, very portable. Speaker is pretty good considering the size of the unit. Picture quality at night is pretty darn good. The software needs some work - can access Prime from the main app menu, but Netflix, have to go to the Nebula store app and access from there. Paused a movie on Prime and when went to resume we had audio, but no video, had to exit out of the app and resume the movie. Another glitch I hit was starting another movie and the volume slider went to the bottom - again had to exit out and go back in. I'm sure updates will improve the user experience. Glitches aren't a deal breaker, happy with the purchase and would recommend.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Ease of Use
      May 14, 2023
    • Clear picture

      Great picture easy to use

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      May 03, 2023
    • Not bright enough

      I recently purchased the Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p mini projector and I have mixed feelings about it. On the positive side, the projector is incredibly portable and easy to use. The built-in battery is a great feature, and I was able to get up to 2.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is impressive for such a small device.

      The projector's autofocus feature is also a great addition, as it eliminates the need to manually adjust the focus, which can be a hassle. The picture quality is also decent, with crisp and clear visuals, and the Dolby Digital sound system adds to the overall viewing experience.

      However, there are a few downsides to the Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p projector. Firstly, the Wi-Fi connectivity can be a bit finicky, and I found that it sometimes took longer than expected to connect to my network. Additionally, the 120-inch picture advertised is only achievable in a dark room, and the brightness is not sufficient for well-lit rooms.

      Finally, although the projector claims to support 4K content, the picture quality was not as impressive as I had hoped. It was decent, but not as sharp as other 4K projectors on the market.

      Overall, I would recommend the Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p projector for those who are looking for a highly portable and easy-to-use mini projector with decent picture and sound quality. However, if you are looking for a projector that can handle bright rooms or deliver top-notch 4K content, this may not be the best option.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Auto Focus
      May 01, 2023
    • Fantastic Portable Projector!

      This is an incredible device. I upgraded from the Capsule Max to this version because of the increased brightness, and it is a bit brighter. Very helpful for use in a room with lots of natural light, as was the case with my first presentation using this projector.

      The previous version had Amazon Prime and Netflix as native apps. This version (Capsule 3 Laser) has Amazon Prime and Apple TV, but Netflix has to be accessed through the "Nebula Play" app. This is kind of awkward but does work. The Google Play suite of apps is quite extensive. The Android operating system works well even with the iPhone app controller.

      The two photos show the home screens of the older version (Capsule Max) and the Laser 3 Capsule, which includes AppleTV and all of the Google Play apps available.

      If you plan on using the Capsule 3 Laser projector primarily for presentations, none of this will matter, however. It simply works great for presentations through the HDMI connection. I'm guessing the Bluetooth phone connection works but I have not set that up. (I prefer wired connections for predictability.)

      The Capsule 3 Laser also uses a Micro C charging port, which makes it more universal than the proprietary mini plug on previous versions.

      The remote works well and so does the iPhone control app (Nebula Connect).

      This is a great product with improvements over previous versions and minimal downsides.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Brightness
      Apr 26, 2023
    • Portable Nebula Anker Capsule 3 laser projector

      Wonderful little portable laser projector is very sharp in resolution, has very good color spectrum, has auto alignment & focus, has tripod mounting screw port to connect standard 1/4 thread mounting screw, has built in speakers with good strong sound, has remote and can also be controlled by buttons on top of unit. Cames also with a USB- C cable & power adapter. Weights about 2 lbs, is 1080p resolution, and the company that makes this projector says it can projector up to 120 inch screen. I got it to about 200 inches and the image was still very sharp in a dark room or area of projection. Sound is very good and loud, plus it's not too distorted with some sound affects in a movie. Can run about 2 to 2 1/2 hours on it's built in battery. Has an HDMI port to connect video player, or game console, or video streaming sticks services, or other HDMI gadgets. Also, the USB- C can be used to project videos or pictures and is limited by the battery time because the USB-C port is used for charging the projector or playing videos or pictures but not charging and watching content from this port. That's the one negative, where as using the HDMI port you can have the projector plugged in and watch content all day. Finally the Bluetooth feature allows you to connect your phone to the projector and use it as a speaker or Chromecast through your WiFi or use the android 11 tv app installed to watch what ever you like to watch. Am very happy with my purchase.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      Apr 25, 2023
    • Best of the best

      Full HD good sounds small easy to carry around

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Portability
      Apr 19, 2023
    • AMAZING!

       This miniture projector is going to replace the Traditional Television. Omg! Easy set up, downloaded my favorite T.v streaming ap, connected to the internet and Baam! T.V on my Kitchen wall. You can move the capsule backwards or fowards to adjust screen size. A@#$%ing !. Going on a Camping trip and I can't wait to use this. Thank you

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Ease of Use
      Apr 13, 2023
    • Purchased New and Was Sent a Returned Product

      I was very excited about the Capsule 3, but received a returned product. Once I opened the box, the box that would have contained the remote, manual, etc. was missing and the items were just sitting in the box next to the projector. I wanted to like the product but didn’t give it a chance due to the poor experience that I just ended up returning it and going with a different projector from Xgimi.

      Sentiment
      • None
      Content
      • Set Up
      Apr 04, 2023
    • Portable and Versatile: A Review of the Nebula Capsule 3 Projector

      I am pleased to share my positive review for the Nebula Capsule 3, a portable and versatile projector that has impressed me with its features and performance.

      Firstly, the design of the Capsule 3 is sleek and compact, making it easy to carry around and set up in various locations. Despite its small size, the projector packs a powerful punch with 300 ANSI lumens brightness and a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, producing clear and vibrant images.

      Additionally, the Capsule 3 boasts impressive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB, allowing you to easily connect to your devices and stream your favorite content. The built-in Android TV system also provides access to a vast range of streaming services and apps, making it a convenient all-in-one entertainment solution.

      What I love most about the Capsule 3 is its versatility. You can project onto various surfaces, such as walls or ceilings, and adjust the image size up to 100 inches, giving you a true cinematic experience. The projector also features excellent audio quality, with dual 8W speakers that deliver rich and clear sound.

      Overall, I highly recommend the Nebula Capsule 3 for anyone looking for a portable and high-performing projector. Its sleek design, impressive features, and versatility make it an excellent choice for movie nights, gaming sessions, presentations, and more.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Ease of Use
      Apr 01, 2023
    • Great portable projector, the built in Android software is a bit slow - latest updates help

      This is an awesome little portable projector. Watching Netflix on a projector on the inside of a tent by the ocean is a neat and crazy experience. It seems almost unreal that such a thing is possible. This little projector is a great addition for a road warrior or business person on the go. The built-in Android TV software is a bit slow at times and feels under powered. The latest software updates (late March 2023) have helped, but it's still laggy to navigate at times. The auto-focus seems to have improved with the latest update as the release notes said it would which is nice. The auto-keystone correction blows my mind when it works, but doesn't often work how I'd want and I end up needing to adjust it manually. Auto-keystone might be better now with the improved auto-focus, but I've yet to test it much. Overall, I'm pleased. It's not the best projector for the money, but it's probably the best portable projector for the money.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Auto Focus
      Mar 28, 2023
    • No Netflix!

      TL;DR: This is a beautiful product, but it doesn't have a native Netflix app! :/ .
      My interest was to use this projector in a van, and it's quality and portability would make it a great product, were it not for the fact that it just doesn't have Netflix. In a van I can easily watch snackable media like YouTube on a laptop, but for longer formats, shared with someone, a projector makes sense. Netflix is really the default place to see a movie. The problem is that a Netflix app has to be installed EVERY TIME one wants to use it, and can only be controlled through the mouse interface on the app, which makes for a horrible navigation experience. After all this work to get it installed you then don't get the full 1080 resolution! Netflix supports downloading movies on portable devices, which is very useful when you are in areas with no network connectivity ... like in a van! But not on this device. Of course this projector deserves a higher rating, like a 2 or a 3, but no one reads those. This was a binary choice for me, either it was the best projector for movies in a van ... or it isn't. And i'm sorry to report that it's not.

      Sentiment
      • Negative
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      Mar 27, 2023
    • Awesome projector!

      This a pretty awesome projector for the price. I love the auto keystone adjustment along with the auto focus. Setup is a breeze. My only complaint is that I paid for a new projector and it looks new and was packaged like it was new, but it was already logged into another user's amazon and Google account?? Did I get a used one for a new shelf price? I'm thinking about returning it due to this.

      Sentiment
      • Negative
      Content
      • Set Up
      Mar 26, 2023
    • Incredible

      Id never have something like this, and I love it. The image is so clear and the built in sound is really good, connectivity and quality is amazing. Anker is really good at their products, im never disappointed.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      Mar 19, 2023
    • Great image quality, poor autofocus and keystone correction

      Good resolution, colour and brightness for a portable. Speaker sounds good and gets pretty loud. Works well as a travel display and sound system for my laptop.

      Auto focus and auto keystone correction are rubbish. I disabled them and set them manually. By default, the projector is doing some kind of frame interpolation which is headache inducing but can be disabled by turning off ‘MEMC’ in the projector options. Only one USB port means that I had to buy an adapter/splitter so that I can charge and have a drive plugged in simultaneously.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Ease of Use
      Mar 19, 2023
    • Amazing

      I bought this on impulse one day. I don't really have space for a TV in my room, so this was the next best thing. The projector was able to cover the majority of my wall. Picture and color quality were great (surprisingly so on my blue wall) and autofocus worked well. The speakers were also very good. Sounded like a regular TV. I have since returned it though since it was an impulsive purchase. If you have the budget (I didn't), I think it's definitely worth it (preferably during a sale).

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Portability
      Mar 11, 2023
    • Simply the best portable HD projector

      I have had a few portable projectors over the years. But, this one blows away the rest considering the total package. It is truly portable. It has a rechargeable battery lasting more than two hours. It's a native 1080p projector. I had been deceived by others when they say the projector "supports" 1080p or 4k. That is Not the same as having a native high resolution. The picture in a relatively dim place is remarkable for this size projector, and it's a laser projector!

      The auto focus and keystone corrections are fast! The sound for its size if fantastic.

      Android TV 11 and Google store give you the options of many entertainment apps.

      The con is a bit pricey.

      Overall, there is nothing like it currently on the market given the size, sound, resolution, battery, features , etc.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      Mar 07, 2023
    • Sharp, bright, color-accurate projection. Pricey with some shortcomings

      BOTTLE-SIZED PROJECTOR
      Anker recently released its newest model in the Nebula Capsule series — the Capsule 3 Laser (Model D2426) — with some excellent upgrades over its predecessors in nearly every way — but also with some annoyances. Portable projectors had seen quite an increase in popularity over the past few years, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe in March 2020, forcing millions of people to stay at home and disrupting travel. That built pent-up demand for entertainment when theaters were severely struggling to stay in business with the sudden drop in viewership.

      While the pandemic continued to rage on, Americans had also exploded in their interest in the outdoors as a safer way to travel away from crowds. Overlanding, boondocking, and “Van Life” — terms that were very unfamiliar — suddenly rose to the top of minds of quite many of my friends. Camping had been an activity I had enjoyed for nearly three decades, and my children had also developed their love for it. One of their favorite things to do when we go boondocking? Watching a movie. Do not worry, we are conscious of our neighbors and do not play one if it could disturb the peace of those around us. In many instances, we had even invited them to join us (and they almost always did).

      For the kids, we had spent a good amount of our hard-earned money towards the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro (720p) that we had fallen in love with even to this day. Its portability, excellent sound, and long-lasting battery life had generated lots of great memories for our family and friends.

      Compact, battery-powered projectors — they bring little children extraordinary joy, allow parents to pack lighter, and be able to focus on cooking at campsites without worrying where the kids are!

      The Nebula Capsule series is Anker’s super-compact line of projectors the size of a large soda can. There is only so much technology that can be thrown into such a small area, projection brightness included and why I went with the Mars II Pro and Xgimi Halo. But in the 2.5 years since, technology had progressed so much, the Capsule 3 Laser‘s specifications — despite its larger footprint than its predecessors — caught my eye. It was time to see if it could finally replace our Mars for air travel where luggage space is usually at a premium (especially with kids!)

      ANALYSIS
      Anker had made some excellent projectors for different use cases, and the build quality of their products had been noticeable ever since I purchased my first power bank over a decade ago. The Nebula Mars II Pro (720p) had been my favorite for the last 2.5 years for road trips and outdoor adventures. I mainly selected it over the smaller Nebula Capsule 2 (720p) for its larger battery, brighter images, and louder speakers. With the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser (1080p) housing a 52Wh battery, increased brightness, and slightly louder speakers than its predecessors, I had high hopes for it to dethrone the Mars 2 Pro as my favorite portable. Did it accomplish that? Yes and no.

      Let us first go over the positives and then some of the frustrations and workarounds. This review will go over some projection basics and what makes a projector better than another.

      HARDWARE
      Immediately noticeable when unboxing the Capsule 3 Laser’s packaging was a similar, polished feel to that of the excellent Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K‘s. A deep black box with a professional, colored design that opens to reveal a piece of beautiful hardware accented with a red ring around its lens. I really like that ring emphasis — kudos to the designer!

      The original Capsule prided itself on being the size of a soda can, but subsequent iterations increased both the diameter and height to house ever-more powerful technologies — the Capsule 3 included at 6.7″ H x 3.3″ W x 3.3″ D. That is still quite portable and can be held with a single hand, but the 2.1 lbs could eventually wear you out. Anker increased the brightness to 300 ANSI Lumens (see “Projector Basics” section in this review to learn about this rating) to match the larger, non-Pro Mars 2’s, and bests the Mars 2-series’ 720p resolution with a sharper 1080p for more readable text and crisper images at a projected size of up to 120″. Imagine that… a 120″ screen while out at the park from the size of a bottle or large can.

      With a throw ratio of 1.2, a 16:9 aspect ratio image could be projected to the following diagonal sizes from the listed distances:
      - 60″ @ 5.17′ (1.58m) / 70″ @ 6.08′ (1.85m) / 80″ @ 7′ (2.13m) / 90″ @ 7.8′ (2.38m)
      - 100″ @ 8.75′ (2.67m) / 110″ @ 9.58′ (2.92m) / 120″ @ 10.65′ (3.25m)

      Default brightness is set at 40% while on battery, changes to 100% when connected to a sufficient power source (45W+) and can be overridden from the System Settings.

      Capsule 3 Laser’s 300 ANSI Lumen brightness rating makes it best suited for small-to-medium sized rooms.

      Battery capacity increased from 20Wh (Capsule 2) to 52Wh to accommodate the greater sharpness and brightness, although the runtime remains unchanged at 2.5 hours — I confirmed that with a YouTube video streaming test at the default brightness of 40% (1:34pm to 3:56pm). That calculates an average output of 21W although the manual states up to 45W consumption. Indeed, while camping in 37F cold temperatures, my Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD power bank showed a 40W draw. One should note that cold temperatures lower the performance of batteries, and so the Capsule only lasted for roughly 1.5 hours before needing to recharge. Daytime performance in a shaded room was better than expected from a projector this small with movies being very watchable with good color accuracy, barely noticeable rainbow artifacts, and good contrast.

      One should note that unlike Anker’s Cosmos Laser series, the projection does not get dimmed when a child, pet, or any object passes in front of the lens — lasers are dangerous and should never be directly looked at, but at 300 ANSI lumens, the brightness is not high enough to cause damage to the eye when briefly looked at. I was disappointed that the company continued to not include a lens protector like it did with the Mars 2 Pro, and so I strongly suggest getting a nice travel case for protection against damage and smudges.

      Laser light sources, unlike LEDs and lamps, can be adjusted to recreate a wider color range to produce more accurate, true-to-life images.

      ANSI OR ISO LUMEN RATING?
      The ANSI Lumen standard was considered the most accurate, international measure of a projector’s light output. However, the ISO Lumen had been gaining ground because of its stricter measurement methods across a larger sample size under the ISO21118 specification. An exact conversion between both standards, as such, is not possible. Major companies, including Epson and Philips, had agreed to use ISO Lumen as the de facto standard, and the former started suing companies that did not. Many projectors we had come across indeed had grossly overstated their ratings with insignificant, non-standardized measures like lux, contrast ratio, and lumens, to unfairly confuse and attract consumers. Look for those that have ANSI or ISO Lumen numbers during your research.

      Automatic focus and keystone correction are some of the key features available in today’s higher-end projectors. A few seconds after moving the device, a black-and-white calibration graphic is displayed and then analyzed by a small lens right above the “Nebula” logo at its front. Seconds later, you usually end up with a sharp image. The process can also be initiated by pushing the appropriate button on the remote. I took the Capsule camping and tried to project against a large rock, but it unfortunately could not autofocus due to its uneven, black-and-white texture. We remedied this by holding a sheet against the rock and initiating autofocus via the Nebula Connect smartphone app. The picture can be projected in front of or behind a screen whether standing up or hanging upside down thanks to a threaded 1/4″ hole on its bottom for mounting to a tripod or ceiling.

      The projector houses an internal 16GB eMMC storage (with 9GB free) and can be augmented with a FAT32-formatted USB thumb drive via the USB-C port.

      Charging was at up to 45W (20V @ 2.25A), going from empty to full in roughly 3 hours — like many modern electronics, it starts fast and slows once it reaches about 80%. Anker included both a USB-C cable and a 45W adapter. If you get another wall charger, I strongly suggest one that outputs at least 45W, such as those by Goal Zero or Anker. The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD and 100AC power banks (with USB-C PD at 100W) worked extremely well with the Capsule 3 in both charging and keeping it charged. I suggest getting a USB-C to USB-C PD cable with LED lighting (like this Ihao) so nobody trips over the projector in the dark while out camping.

      The projector can be controlled with the included remote (3 AAA batteries) or with the touch-sensitive, backlit buttons at the top of the device. Many manufacturers skip the physical controls that allow for volume changes, fast-forwards, rewinds, and play/pause without having to reach for a remote or mobile app, and I am quite happy that Anker continues to include all these options. That is really convenient and welcome. Yes, the Capsule 3 can be used via Bluetooth with an Android/Apple iOS app, the Nebula Connect, and some non-TV optimized apps actually are best controlled with it.

      Like the Capsule 2, the newest Capsule 3 Laser comes with 8W speakers that produce clear, crisp sounds with a good amount of bass even at high volumes. That is not a surprise considering that Anker also has a speaker division: Soundcore.

      SMART FEATURES
      At the heart of the user interface is Google’s Android TV 11, a version even newer than Anker’s flagship Cosmos Laser 4K. Keep in mind that even though the latest Android TV is version 13 (released December 2022), developers usually lag behind due to the extensive testing that should be done prior to production release of their own products. Android TV is a television-optimized operating system that provides access to 7,000+ apps through the Google Play Store and includes Google Assistant (voice control and queries) and Chromecast mirroring technology. The latter allows mobile devices to project their screen or audio to the Capsule 3. Alternatively, you can also install the “AirScreen” app to enable Apple devices to mirror their screens via AirPlay. I was pleased to find that Anker did not lock down its projector, and so I was able to sideload apps (via USB or WiFi) that were not available through its Google Play Store, including Total Commander (apk) file manager.

      Setup was simple with Google guiding you through the process. Do note that a Google Account is required for the smart features to work. You may choose not to provide one, but usability will be severely hampered. Sign up for a throwaway dummy account with fake information if privacy is a concern for you. When you sign in with an existing Google Account, you will be prompted whether to copy any settings to the projector for simplified setup.

      Pre-installed apps included: YouTube, YouTube Music, Amazon Prime Video, and AirScreen (for Apple AirPlay support). Some of my favorite apps to install are: Netflix (see note below), VLC Player, ABC News Live, Plex, Total Commander, File Explorer, or X-plore. “File Explorer” will also be installed with the Netflix process detailed below.

      NETFLIX INSTALLATION
      Due to certification requirements set by Netflix, the app unfortunately cannot be directly downloaded from the Google Play Store. Instead, launch the Nebula Play app on the projector and follow the “Netflix Installation” instructions. It will also prompt you to install the “File Explorer” app through the Google Play store. After that, it gets interesting for those technically not inclined but give the instructions below a try.
      - Launch the “File Explorer” app and navigate to Device > Local > Download. Select “Netflix.apk”. You will be prompted to go to “Settings”
      - From the “Install unknown apps” setting screen, choose “File Explorer” as an Allowed app, then push the Back button on the remote or projector
      - You will be back at the “File Explorer” app. Navigate back to Device > Local > Download > Netflix.apk, but this time, choose “Install” when prompted
      - Congratulations! Netflix is now installed and available from the “Nebula Play” strip at the very bottom of the main menu

      As previously stated, because this version of Netflix is not optimized for TVs, navigational controls require a mouse, but do yourself a favor and download the “Nebula Connect” app from the Google Play Store for touch control from your mobile device. Netflix also cannot be added as a Favorite App to show at the top. I know, I know… I wish that Netflix and Anker/Android TV played well too, but this problem is not unique to just Anker. I have seen it with other manufacturers too.

      PERFORMANCE
      Images were sharp, clear, and excellent to view with brightness sufficient for a sunlit room — especially when connected to a suitable (45W) power source and brightness set to full. Videos projected without any visible lag, and audio was crisp and clear with a good amount of bass. High-intensity gaming, unfortunately, was not possible due to input lag, but casual games like Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City played wonderfully.

      That leads us to one of my biggest, initial gripes with the Capsule 3 Laser: its Android TV 11 performance. Despite videos playing perfectly once launched, the menu/user interface was very sluggish, and controls were quite delayed in their responses. Honestly, I was very shocked to see that coming from Anker. Stutter is often observed upon initial configuration of an Android device (like smartphones) because of the number of concurrent processes that run during setup. It eventually subsides once optimizations are automatically applied. However, after days of waiting, the Capsule 3 never improved — that is, until I updated the Firmware to the latest version at the time: 11.1.43. The lag was MUCH improved. I encourage you to update your projector to the latest software as soon as possible.

      TIP: Get the latest updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements by updating the projector’s firmware. Do so by going to Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update. Be sure the battery is as full as possible and charging. An upgrade should never be interrupted once started.

      PORTS
      At the back of the projector is an infrared sensor to interface with the remote, a Bluetooth switch that turns the projector into a speaker, a power/sleep button, and three ports: AUX audio-out, HDMI ARC, and USB-C. WiFi (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth (including external speaker output) round up the remaining connectivity options.
      - AUX: Connect a 3.5 mm audio cable or an adapter (not included) to route sound to an external speaker
      - HDMI ARC: Connect a laptop, Apple TV, Fire TV, Playstation, and other HDMI devices to project its screen and audio
      - USB-C
      -- Can be used for charging OR with an accessory (ie. USB thumb drive)
      --- Previous models had 2 USB ports and allowed for charging AND use of an USB accessory at the same time
      --- Can be remedied with a USB-C Hub:
      ---- Anker Hub with 100W PD (Charge + USB Accessory use)
      ---- Idsonix Hub (USB Accessory use only)
      -- Charging: Recharge projector’s battery with a 45W power source (Capsule came with a 45W wall charger)
      --- If charging from USB-A to USB-C, note that USB-A cannot provide enough power. Instead, use a USB-C PD to USB-C
      --- Tried using the projector to charge my Samsung Galaxy S21+. It worked when the phone was powered off, but it appeared to be a slow charge
      -- Thumbdrive (USB Accessory): Support for FAT32 filesystem up to 4TB (see FAT32 limitations)
      --- Tested with 32GB drives (FAT32)
      --- USB-A to USB-C adapter could be used, such as one by Anker or Syntech
      - Bluetooth: Pair an external speaker via Settings > Remote & Accessories > Add Accessory
      - Power Button

      CONCLUSION
      The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser (1080p) produces sharp images with relatively good brightness (300 ANSI Lumens) in a very small package just 1.4 times the height of a standard soda can. No other projector I had tested of that size had anywhere as close an ANSI/ISO Lumen rating as Anker’s latest. It is best suited for a small- to medium-sized room with enough capability to be used during the daytime. The projection quality could be enhanced with a 1.1 Gain (or higher) screen.

      When asking the question on whether it could replace my trusty Mars 2 Pro (720p), that would depend on the needs:
      - For space savings, sharper (and more color accurate) images, and the newer Android TV interface, the Capsule 3 Laser is hard to beat as it easily fits inside pockets
      - For brighter images, longer battery life, slightly louder speakers, and lower cost, the Mars 2 Pro would be my preferred choice

      I would continue taking either one on travels and camping trips, but for business presentations, the Capsule with its sharper 1080p resolution would be the one to bring.

      High-intensity gaming was still not possible with this projector due to lag, but we are hopeful to see the technology continuing to improve where one day, one could play Call of Duty on a huge 120″ screen without any loss of detail and responsiveness. Also encouraging were automatic adjustments of focus and keystone.

      For a portable device, we were disappointed with the lack of input options — we would have liked to see the USB-A port come back, a SD card slot added, and a wired ethernet connection for bandwidth-hungry video sources.

      Overall, we were quite happy with the Capsule 3 Laser’s performance despite the initial stutter in its user interface (fixed with a simple firmware upgrade). If you are looking for something much higher end, read about Anker’s new Cosmos Laser 4K projector that bested its previous flagship, the Cosmos Max 4K and its unusual, oval design I was not particularly a fan of. Those not needing 4K should consider looking at the Cosmos Laser 1080p that retained the 2,400 ISO Lumen brightness for $500 less.

      PROJECTOR BASICS
      Brightness: Lumens, ANSI Lumens, ISO Lumens, and Lux

      For a very long time, the lack of an apple-to-apple comparison between projector brightness had been a source of frustration. Measurements I had commonly seen were in lumens, ANSI lumens, and lux — and even then I found that two projectors with the same rating did not produce the same amount of brightness. Worse yet, a 6,000 lumen unit was dimmer than the 500 ANSI lumens (which generically is about 3,500 lumens) of the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro during one of my tests! You will find that there is no easy way to convert ANSI lumens to generic lumens.

      ANSI/ISO Lumen-to-Room Size Recommendations
      Common ANSI lumen ratings recommended for various room sizes are shown below. Keep in mind, however, that image brightness can be affected by ambient light, projection distance, screen size and type, light output technology and age, and other factors.
      - Small room: 200-300 ANSI / 250-375 ISO
      - Large room: 400-600 ANSI / 500-750 ISO
      - Large auditorium: 2,000+ ANSI / 2,500+ ISO

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Portability
      Mar 04, 2023
    • This thing WILL NOT autofocus reliably and apps crash on first launch after a reboot

      This thing WILL NOT autofocus reliably beyond about 5 feet. Even if it starts perfectly in focus the autofocus will display, take it out of focus, and not find the focus point again for 5 or more attempts sometimes. Additionally, on boot no matter what app you go into the app will close and return you to the home screen at least once after minimal interaction.

      Sentiment
      • None
      Content
      • Auto Focus
      Mar 02, 2023
    • YIKES

      This is a great purchase for somebody who wants to make a Entertainment Room out of the garage
      Very clear picture and easy to use. This video projector plus some comfy chairs and adult beverages equals instant movie party

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Picture Quality
      Mar 01, 2023
    • NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

      I finally received the projector over a month later since ordering it and when I opened the box I noticed I was sent a second hand used product. The charging cord was already unraveled and the box packaging was dirty and damaged. The projector itself was dirty and has trouble adjusting the keystone automatically.

      Sentiment
      • Negative
      Content
      • Set Up
      Feb 26, 2023
    • Laser 1080P Quality

      I received this projector and couldn't wait to power it up. I began setting it up and was astounded by the ease of getting thru the process. It had all the apps and more once installed I used my mobile device and logged into them one at time. The image quality was sharp and as bright as can be expected. It's only 300 lumen so it was good at full brightness. The auto keystone and focus worked very well. So while using it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker the audio sounds really nice. Couldn't complain about anything else it's a solid piece of tech.

      Sentiment
      • Positive
      Content
      • Sound Quality
      Feb 26, 2023

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive(23)
    79%
  • Negative(4)
    14%
  • None(2)
    7%
65 Net Promoter
Score

Popular Topics

  • Picture Quality(10)
    34%
  • Set Up(5)
    17%
  • Ease of Use(4)
    14%
  • Auto Focus(3)
    10%
  • Portability(3)
    10%
  • Brightness(2)
    7%
  • Remote Control(1)
    3%
  • Sound Quality(1)
    3%

Languages

  • English(29)
    100%

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