TCL reveals Playcube, its “magic cube” projector

TCL has introduced an intriguing new device at CES 2025, the Playcube, which promises to add a unique twist—quite literally—to portable projectors. While the company only briefly touched on the device during its presentation, it managed to capture our attention with its innovative design and potential.

The Playcube is a small, portable projector designed to project both video and, likely, audio. Its standout feature is its “magic cube” design, where one section of the cube twists to adjust the projection angle. This clever feature, combined with its compact size and built-in rechargeable battery, makes it a handy gadget for those who want entertainment on the go.

TCL is relatively new to the portable projector market, having launched its first model, the TCL A1, in late 2024. That projector offered 1080p resolution, 360 lumens of brightness, and Google TV integration, all for a competitive price of $499. It’s reasonable to assume that the Playcube will follow a similar path, likely featuring Google TV as well.

However, TCL hasn’t revealed key details about the Playcube, such as its resolution, brightness, or price. Judging by its size, it’s likely to deliver either 720p or 1080p resolution, similar to the A1. Its design and portability suggest it could target casual users or those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to larger home projectors.

While speculation about premium features like Google Gemini integration remains unanswered, TCL’s reputation for offering aggressively priced tech gives hope that the Playcube will strike a balance between affordability and functionality. Whether it’s a high-end 4K projector or a more basic entry-level option, we’ll have to wait for more details to see where this little cube fits in the market.

For now, what we do know is that the Playcube’s combination of portability, battery power, and Google TV makes it an appealing option for anyone wanting a compact entertainment solution. Time will tell if it can stand out in an already crowded portable projector space, but its innovative design gives it a promising start.