Anker Nebula Capsule Projector Review - Page 2: Special Features, Hardware, Picture Quality
Anker won an award for their edgy design and I agree, it’s unique and stylish. Anker refers to it as Soda Can Sized, and it sure is – literally the size of a can soda, and is all metal. Being that small, it is readily transported in luggage, backpacks, etc, and will take very minimal space. It includes a travel/storage bag and lens cloth to keep it clean and safe. There is also a remote control included, which allows control over the projector, but not over all the apps that can be installed.
This projector runs off of Android 7.1 and has the abilities of a basic Smart Projector – that is, you can stream video directly to your projector via Netflix and other apps without having to first connect an external device, like a PS4 to access Netflix or Prime. Again, these apps run off of an operating system of sorts called Aptoid TV, which I’m becoming not-a-fan of. After trying multiple times with multiple apps, I was unable to download any of them and had to connect to an external media device via HDMI. I looked into several other reviews of this projector, and problems with getting apps to work seem to be fairly common. I was eventually able to download and test several apps, though I can’t explain why it suddenly works.
The Anker Nebula Capsule can mirror the screen of iOS and Android smart devices via Airplay and Miracast, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB. The internal battery boasts a lifespan of 4 hours for video and up to 30 hours as a Bluetooth speaker. This projector offers an onboard file browser and media library, with which I was able to connect to a USB thumb drive to display photos. Sharing photos seems to be the only reason I can think of for the Capsule to have this feature.
As mentioned, the Anker Nebula Capsule won an award for their soda can design, and it is pretty cool looking. I like the full metal housing and it has a little bit of weight to it, which makes it feel like it is well-made and durable enough for travel. The Capsule is round, so there aren’t really defined sides to it, but we’ll say the lens is fixed and recessed into the front side.
There is an IR receiver for the remote control in the back of the unit – you have to point the remote at the rear of the projector if you want it to do anything. Above the IR Sensor is the exhaust vent, and at the bottom of the rear side there are the only two inputs – Micro USB for media and charging, and a single HDMI slot. An adapter is included to convert the Micro USB slot to a USB-A port, but I expect most content will be streamed. A power block and charging cable are included.
The right side of the projector houses the focus wheel, which is small but easy to use, and seems to hold focus really well. The bottom of the projector is flat with feet to adjust and, being as small and round as it is, it cannot be “wedged” to project to a higher screen – you’ll need a tripod for that, and luckily there is a mounting hole for a tripod.
The top of the projector features a simple, four button control panel. There’s an On/Off button – hold for two seconds to turn it on or off. A plus and minus button control the volume, and then a strange symbol on the last button which toggles the projector between “projector mode” and “Bluetooth speaker mode.” A remote control is included and you will need this to do anything with the menus, and will eventually need to download their “Capsule Control” app for your phone or tablet.
I have to add something here: When I first turned on the projector, I was presented with a Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy states that Anker does collect usage data, including data related to web activities, stores and uses that data, and shares that data with third parties. You may accept the privacy policy, or decline. If you decline to accept the privacy policy, they claim the will stop collecting data on your usage and activities and your usage of the product will not be affected.
The Anker Nebula Capsule doesn’t offer color modes, but instead three color temperatures: Normal, Cool and Warm. There are also two brightness settings: Standard Mode and Battery Mode, with the option to automatically switch between modes when on battery or AC power. Normal in Standard Mode was what I used for all photos in the slider blow. These images were taken with projected image size of 46.22 inches diagonally.
It’s 480p, not HD, so don’t expect HD. It’ll play DVDs decently well, but there won’t be any noticeable improvement when playing content from BluRays. It’s okay, but there are better choices out there if resolution is important to you, which we’ll get to in a few minutes. Color is alright, and there aren’t really any options to adjust it. For what it is, it will do. Obviously you’ll get better color on more expensive units, but I’m not going to complain here – it’s good enough.
Anker Nebula Capsule Projector Review - Page 2: Special Features, Hardware, Picture Quality
Anker won an award for their edgy design and I agree, it’s unique and stylish. Anker refers to it as Soda Can Sized, and it sure is – literally the size of a can soda, and is all metal. Being that small, it is readily transported in luggage, backpacks, etc, and will take very minimal space. It includes a travel/storage bag and lens cloth to keep it clean and safe. There is also a remote control included, which allows control over the projector, but not over all the apps that can be installed.
This projector runs off of Android 7.1 and has the abilities of a basic Smart Projector – that is, you can stream video directly to your projector via Netflix and other apps without having to first connect an external device, like a PS4 to access Netflix or Prime. Again, these apps run off of an operating system of sorts called Aptoid TV, which I’m becoming not-a-fan of. After trying multiple times with multiple apps, I was unable to download any of them and had to connect to an external media device via HDMI. I looked into several other reviews of this projector, and problems with getting apps to work seem to be fairly common. I was eventually able to download and test several apps, though I can’t explain why it suddenly works.
The Anker Nebula Capsule can mirror the screen of iOS and Android smart devices via Airplay and Miracast, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB. The internal battery boasts a lifespan of 4 hours for video and up to 30 hours as a Bluetooth speaker. This projector offers an onboard file browser and media library, with which I was able to connect to a USB thumb drive to display photos. Sharing photos seems to be the only reason I can think of for the Capsule to have this feature.
As mentioned, the Anker Nebula Capsule won an award for their soda can design, and it is pretty cool looking. I like the full metal housing and it has a little bit of weight to it, which makes it feel like it is well-made and durable enough for travel. The Capsule is round, so there aren’t really defined sides to it, but we’ll say the lens is fixed and recessed into the front side.
There is an IR receiver for the remote control in the back of the unit – you have to point the remote at the rear of the projector if you want it to do anything. Above the IR Sensor is the exhaust vent, and at the bottom of the rear side there are the only two inputs – Micro USB for media and charging, and a single HDMI slot. An adapter is included to convert the Micro USB slot to a USB-A port, but I expect most content will be streamed. A power block and charging cable are included.
The right side of the projector houses the focus wheel, which is small but easy to use, and seems to hold focus really well. The bottom of the projector is flat with feet to adjust and, being as small and round as it is, it cannot be “wedged” to project to a higher screen – you’ll need a tripod for that, and luckily there is a mounting hole for a tripod.
The top of the projector features a simple, four button control panel. There’s an On/Off button – hold for two seconds to turn it on or off. A plus and minus button control the volume, and then a strange symbol on the last button which toggles the projector between “projector mode” and “Bluetooth speaker mode.” A remote control is included and you will need this to do anything with the menus, and will eventually need to download their “Capsule Control” app for your phone or tablet.
I have to add something here: When I first turned on the projector, I was presented with a Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy states that Anker does collect usage data, including data related to web activities, stores and uses that data, and shares that data with third parties. You may accept the privacy policy, or decline. If you decline to accept the privacy policy, they claim the will stop collecting data on your usage and activities and your usage of the product will not be affected.
The Anker Nebula Capsule doesn’t offer color modes, but instead three color temperatures: Normal, Cool and Warm. There are also two brightness settings: Standard Mode and Battery Mode, with the option to automatically switch between modes when on battery or AC power. Normal in Standard Mode was what I used for all photos in the slider blow. These images were taken with projected image size of 46.22 inches diagonally.
It’s 480p, not HD, so don’t expect HD. It’ll play DVDs decently well, but there won’t be any noticeable improvement when playing content from BluRays. It’s okay, but there are better choices out there if resolution is important to you, which we’ll get to in a few minutes. Color is alright, and there aren’t really any options to adjust it. For what it is, it will do. Obviously you’ll get better color on more expensive units, but I’m not going to complain here – it’s good enough.
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