Anker Nebula X1 review: a terrific home theater that goes anywhere
Typically, if portability is at the top of your wish list, then sound and picture quality will suffer. Prioritize a cinematic experience and you're looking at an expensive, hulking, noisy device that requires permanent placement inside a home theater. Over a month of testing across endless firmware updates and a variety of viewing conditions, the Nebula X1 did a superb job of striking the right balance with very few tradeoffs, delivering on Anker's promise.
But with a price starting at $2,999, or $3,998 for a kit that includes the highly recommended satellite speakers, it's not exactly cheap. And at close to 25 pounds (11.3kg) for the entire bundle — the Nebula X1 is more luggable than portable.
9
Verge Score
The Nebula X1 is a 3500 ANSI lumen triple-laser 4K projector with integrated four-speaker sound system. It runs Google TV so you get built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, and an official Netflix app (unlike many all-in-one projectors) that streams media over Wi-Fi 6. It includes a pair of USB and HDMI 2.1 ports (one supporting eARC) to attach your favorite game console or media drive. A satisfying, recessed handle pops up with a push to make the 13.7 pound (6.2kg) projection unit portable.
There's a long list of features that make the X1 unique for a portable projector:
Note: I did my best with the photographs, but they can only approximate the brightness, color, and contrast viewed with the naked eye.
I'll just say it: the X1's image quality is unmatched for a go-anywhere all-in-one projector. Its 3500 ANSI lumen output is better than many home theater projectors, allowing it to produce a vivid image across a range of challenging environments with no apparent optical distortion. It looked great at default settings when tested in a variety of lighting situations on painted walls, a traditional white-matte pulldown screen, a gray Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen, and a small folding Ikea tabletop.
The X1 will attempt to dynamically balance the colors and contrast on whatever surface it detects. Mostly it works, but colors, especially reds, tend to be over-saturated out of the box, making Gwyneth Paltrow's face overly ruddy, especially on my ALR screen. Anker offers plenty of manual overrides to dial in the exact image you prefer with just a few minutes of work.
The X1's lumen count made casual viewings possible in spaces flooded with ambient light. At times, I found the image to be too bright, especially when all that light was focused into a 32-inch diagonal on a glossy Ikea panel from just five feet (about 1.5 meters) away. Fortunately, you can manually reduce the power and iris settings to dim the image. That class-leading brightness makes the X1's HDR10 and Dolby Vision support more than just checkmarks on a sales sheet — color is mostly accurate with plenty of contrast, but it's still a DLP projector, so don't expect true blacks. The X1's lumen count should also do a decent job with 3D if you own DLP 3D glasses (I did not test this).
Importantly for a portable, the Nebula X1 features all the automatic placement features you'd expect. These include automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance, as well as automatic color adaptation to optimize the image based on the color of the paint or material used on the projection surface. These can be triggered manually from the device, Nebula app, or remote control, or set to engage at startup and when the projector is moved.
Autofocus worked 100 precent of the time, while the automatic placement features worked well when there was a clear border. I had to manually correct the edges more often than not when projected onto a blank white wall.
Startup is relatively fast. You can begin navigating Google TV in about 45 seconds from a cold boot, or just a few seconds if resuming from standby.
There's also an 'Extreme' game mode that disables digital keystone correction and motion smoothing to devote all that background processing to faster response times. For casual game play, the very slight lag is something you quickly get used to. The bundled mics, I can confirm, are fun for karaoke nights.
Sound is the killer feature of the Nebula X1. Even without the satellites, the sound is clear and immersive and easily fills a room. Connecting the optional battery-powered satellite speakers over a direct, low-latency 5.8GHz Wi-Fi connection to the main unit takes things to another level.
The satellites link automatically at startup and transform the X1's four internal speakers into a makeshift subwoofer, while the three speakers in each satellite take over responsibility for center, top, and side channels. The resulting soundscape is wide and impressive and plenty loud enough for a group to enjoy outdoors — so long as you have accommodating neighbors. There's also a 'Bluetooth Speaker Mode' that turns off the projection lamp to play music with plenty of bass when full, rich, warm audio is all the entertainment required. I used this feature several hours a day which helps to maximize value for money.
With the audio turned down the projector is largely silent thanks to its liquid cooling. The fan kicked in on an especially hot day of testing, but I could barely hear it (measuring just 26dB from a distance of 1 meter) over the regular din of a living room or waves crashing beyond.
As expected, the X1 did not deliver on the promise of 4.2.1 surround sound. I struggled to hear any simulated channel separation from overhead or behind. Anker lists some strict placement requirements that I couldn't meet exactly in testing — you might have better luck. Those satellites also dropped connection occasionally requiring manual intervention that sometimes resulted in an audible pop. It's a little annoying, and has improved with each firmware update.
I saw 19 hours of battery life from those satellites (the projector does not have a battery) in my testing. That included two hours of film watched outdoors at a loud 50 percent volume, and the rest spent vibing to music at a relaxed 20 to 30 percent. Those IP54-rated satellite speakers even survived a small rain shower when I forgot them outside once.
Overall, I don't have any real complaints. Sometimes the automatic image placement features can miss the mark, but I find them far more useful than annoying. Sometimes the satellite speakers don't pair properly, but that can be quickly fixed with a power toggle. The Google UI verges on sluggish at times, but it's faster than any other portable implementation I've tried. And I've seen far too many firmware updates, but things keep improving.
Anker's Nebula X1 has left me utterly impressed. It produces incredibly immersive sound for its size, alongside a bright, vivid image comparable to home theater projectors costing closer to $5,000. The Nebula X1 with the satellite speaker bundle is expensive at $3,998, but anyone who finds themselves in need of a projector that can quickly approximate a home theater experience anywhere they go will get their money's worth.
Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
4 minutes ago
- Forbes
Solid-State Batteries Still Face Hurdles But The Prize Is Huge For EVs
3d rendering group of solid-state or rechargeable batteries Solid-state batteries have been hailed as a game-changer for electric vehicles — always five years away, but never quite arriving. Solid-state champions say the technology, if perfected, would slash EV prices and weight, and maybe double range. Government subsidies wouldn't be required to sell them. Buyers would be infatuated. The trouble is the technology remains on the drawing board. Some experts say a breakthrough is imminent. Others point to problems said to be intractable. Because the prize is so tempting – an EV that can match and beat internal combustion engine's all-around utility - the world's leading automakers and the Chinese state are investing massively. These next-generation batteries seek to use solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, replacing the liquid or gel electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. The consensus opinion is that success is one last heave away. You can exclude Donald Sadoway, Professor of Materials Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, from the consensus. Sadoway, in an interview, said not only is the technology incomplete, the ability to produce at scale remains elusive. The current lithium-ion battery technology, which has moved on from nickel-based chemistry to lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), will have to suffice for a while yet, he says. LFP batteries are cheaper with lower energy density providing less but acceptable range than nickel-based batteries. Nickel batteries will still be needed for more expensive cars which require longer range. Cambridge, England-based technology consultants IDTechEX's vice president for research Dr James Edmondson thinks progress is being made and points out solid-state batteries are not a single technology but encompass various strategies with the ultimate goal of removing the liquid electrolyte and replacing it with a solid one. Some solid-state batteries that already exist have small liquid components. Late in the decade Edmondson expects to see prototypes of truly solid-state batteries between now and 2028 with premium vehicles the first adopters late in the decade. 'In terms of seeing them in larger production volume vehicles we wouldn't expect that until the 2030s. Even by 2035, we are predicting just over 100GWH of capacity for solid-state batteries, compared with our prediction for the overall EV car market at around 3,800GWH in the same year,' he said in an email exchange. solid-state batteries have the potential to revolutionize the battery industry by offering improved ... More performance, safety and longevity; 3d rendering. Will they live up to the promise of half the price, half the weight and twice the power? 'Solid state batteries will inherently start at a high cost due to their much less scaled manufacturing. Average cell cost for typical (lithium-ion) was around 80$/kWh in 2024, and we wouldn't expect solid state to match this until the late 2020s. Half the price would be a long way off, and maybe not possible, especially as lithium-ion is still decreasing, you eventually run into a base bill of material costs,' Edmondson said. 'Energy density for solid state certainly has the potential to be higher than the typical Li-ion. We would expect solid state cells to be able to achieve about 900Wh/L whereas the average high nickel NMC is around 400Wh/L,' he said. Packaging the cells is complicated. 'Overall, solid state should still be able to achieve a significantly higher energy density, but it won't be as straightforward as having cells that contain twice as much energy means a pack with twice as much energy,' Edmondson said. This is premature though, according to MIT's Sadoway, saying fundamental technical barriers remain. 'Solid-state technology is still in the research and development stage and I don't see anything in the market coming close to the finished product,' Sadoway said. Fundamental physical barriers Eliminating the liquid element is proving to be an elusive problem. 'We don't see anything coming into the market-place because of fundamental physical barriers, not any time soon. That's my assumption. I'm prepared to be surprised but I don't see how you can have all the key elements as solid. It really looks too difficult at the moment to overcome these barriers and if you do, there's the ability to manufacture. So there's a scientific problem and a manufacturing (at scale) problem,' Sadoway said. Sadoway has for years pointed out basic problems developing solid-state technology haven't been solved. Sadoway has been working on an aluminum-sulfur battery, which he has said would be cheaper at scale and safer than lithium-ion because it was incapable of burning. The project has stalled for lack of funds. Dr Timothy Gotsick, VP of Technology & Innovation at MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, said today's batteries are already highly effective and efficient. 'It's easy to imagine even greater energy storage. By replacing lithium ions and liquid electrolytes, which are like using a basket-ball sized sponge to hold a cup of water, with lithium metal, you could pack the same energy into something the size of a tennis ball. The theoretical ratio of energy density between a graphite node and lithium metal is a little over 10. That is the basic principle behind a solid-state battery,' Gotsick said. Propel EV beyond ICE cars 'The implications are enormous if this technology can be realized. EVs are already capturing significant market share. With maximum energy density, enhanced safety, and faster charging, nearly all objections to EV adoption would be eliminated. In fact, such advancements could propel electric vehicles beyond the capabilities of today's ICE cars,' Gotsick said. Solid-state battery technology, the next frontier in energy storage, mind map infographics sketch. 'Of course if it were easy, it would already be done. But with stakes this high, many are racing to make it happen,' he said. Gotsick pointed to the leading invetors in solid-state research – Gotsick thinks the emergence of solid-state batteries can be measured in years, not decades. 'The change, when it comes, may look sudden. Due to the modular nature of EVs, it will probably be very easy to swap a smaller battery and its control systems into automotive designs. As a result, as soon as solid-state batteries are viable, they will see rapid adoption,' he said. IDTechEx's Edmondson believes solid-state promise a lot but still have hurdles to jump. Li-ion will maintain market majority 'We would expect production cars with solid-state batteries to be on the roads before the 2030s, but not in much larger production vehicles until the 2030s and even then, traditional Li-ion will still likely maintain the majority of the market share,' Edmondson said. In Europe, politicians have decreed that no new ICE vehicles will be sold after 2035. Forecasts show that is very unlikely with current technology. Rapid introduction of solid-state would transform EV sales. In the U.S., the Trump Administration dropped the plan to force at least half of U.S. new sedan and SUV sales by 2030 to be EVs. That's just as well because MIT's Sadoway says by 2035 in the U.S., ICE, hybrid and EV sales will be roughly the equivalent of today, but another problem will be demanding attention – the electric grid. 'Yes, in 2035 the U.S. the automobile market will be roughly the same as today, but by then the massive demand for electricity from computers, AI and EVs will combine to demand more electricity than the grid can supply,' Sadoway said. Rapid solid-state rollout clearly won't solve all the problems for EVs.
Associated Press
4 minutes ago
- Associated Press
NewSky Security Expands into Cyber Security Private Investigations to Combat Sophisticated Botnet and VPN Threats
NewSky Security Expands into Cyber Security Private Investigations to Combat Sophisticated Botnet and VPN Threats REDMOND, WA, UNITED STATES, July 20, 2025 / / -- NewSky Security today announced the expansion of its services to include specialized private investigations into cybersecurity breaches, with a focus on incidents involving finance, the Internet of Things (IoT), VPNs, and botnets. This provides unparalleled expertise and a proactive defense to financial institutions, IoT-dependent businesses, and corporations globally. 'In today's hyper-connected world, the lines between physical and digital security have blurred. We are proud to announce our enhanced capabilities in cyber security private investigations, which will be crucial in not just stopping cyber threats, but in identifying and helping to bring the perpetrators to justice,' said Scott Wu, CEO at NewSky Security. 'Our new focus on financial, IoT, and VPN-based threats allows us to offer a new level of Cyber security, protecting our clients' most critical assets from sophisticated botnet attacks and other emerging threats.' NewSky Security's expanded services will leverage the company's proprietary AI-powered threat detection and real-time network monitoring to conduct in-depth investigations into the source of cyberattacks. The company's team of experts will work to uncover the methods and identities of attackers, providing crucial intelligence to law enforcement and helping to prevent future incidents. This enhanced service includes a focus on VPN Security, ensuring that remote connections do not become a weak point in an organization's security posture. The rise of interconnected devices in the financial and IoT sectors has created new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. Botnets are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and securing VPNs is more critical than ever with the rise of remote work. NewSky Security's enhanced focus on cyber security private investigations directly addresses the growing need for a proactive and investigative approach to cybersecurity, moving beyond simple defense to active pursuit of threats. NewSky Security has a proven track record of identifying and mitigating threats, having already identified numerous botnets and malware campaigns for its clients. The company's unique approach involves studying the attackers themselves to build more robust defense mechanisms. About NewSky Security NewSky Security is a cybersecurity company that utilizes artificial intelligence to protect and defend the Internet of Things (IoT). Founded in 2015, the company provides real-time threat visibility and control to prevent business disruptions from cyberattacks. NewSky Security's mission is to empower a hack-proof experience for its clients, allowing them to focus on their core business without the fear of cybercrime. Contact Information: Media Relations NewSky Security +1 425-441-3441 [email protected] Scott Wu New Sky Security email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
4 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Topnotch Crypto launches innovative cloud mining app to help users easily increase the value of digital assets
Houston, Texas, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Topnotch Crypto has officially rolled out its all-new mobile cloud mining app, making it easier than ever for anyone to mine popular cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and DOG. The app delivers a seamless, zero-commission mining experience with no need for hardware, technical skills, or complicated setup — and is designed to work anytime, anywhere, straight from your smartphone or desktop. Whether you're drinking coffee at your favorite café, on vacation at the beach, or simply relaxing at home, Topnotch Crypto ensures that your mining operations stay active, secure, and profitable — 24/7. Cloud Mining Made Convenient and Mobile Topnotch Crypto's latest innovation offers something many platforms don't — true freedom and flexibility. The mobile app transforms your device into a full-fledged mining dashboard, so you're not chained to bulky hardware or stuck monitoring rigs from a desk. From registering and activating a mining contract to checking real-time earnings or making withdrawals, everything can be done with just a few taps on your phone. You can start earning passive income with crypto even while traveling, running errands, or enjoying your downtime. Mining Without the Mess – No Hardware Needed Forget expensive GPUs, noisy mining rigs, and skyrocketing electricity bills. Topnotch Crypto operates entirely in the cloud, so you get access to high-performance mining power without any of the usual tech stress. Here's how it works: One-Tap Mining with Real-Time Insights With just one tap, users can activate mining contracts and monitor live stats — such as hash rate performance, daily earnings, and withdrawal status — through a clean, responsive dashboard. The app's real-time data lets users make smarter decisions and track their profits as they grow, all while going about their day. Whether you're aiming for short-term gains or building a long-term passive income strategy, the app makes it effortless. Zero Commissions, full Rewards Unlike many platforms that charge hidden fees or take a cut of your rewards, Topnotch Crypto follows a zero-commission model. That means: Every mining cycle is optimized for maximum efficiency, ensuring the highest return on your time and energy — literally. Built for Beginners and Pros Alike Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned miner, the app is built to support all experience levels. The intuitive design removes the learning curve, while the advanced cloud infrastructure provides power and speed for more serious investors. Key Features: Military-Grade Security and Full Transparency Topnotch Crypto doesn't just make mining simple — it makes it safe. The app uses: All user data and transactions are securely stored and protected, while wallet integrity and system uptime remain consistently reliable. Rapid Growth and What's Coming Next Since its early access release, the app has gained rapid popularity among crypto users around the world. The community continues to grow on platforms like Telegram, Twitter, and Discord, where miners share results, strategies, and feedback. Topnotch Crypto is planning exciting updates soon, including: These additions will further enhance profitability and functionality for all users. Start Mining from Anywhere — Today Getting started takes just a few minutes — and with no upfront investment in hardware or technical skills required, anyone can now participate in the crypto economy. Whether you're looking for a side income or building long-term crypto assets, Topnotch Crypto gives you the power to mine smarter, faster, and wherever life takes you. About Topnotch Crypto Topnotch Crypto is a global blockchain company focused on democratizing access to digital wealth. Through cutting-edge Web3 tools and secure cloud-based mining technology, the company empowers users worldwide to mine and earn with ease — anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit Media Contact: [email protected] Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in the loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Contact: [email protected]
