Honor’s $84 Projector Turns Any Wall Into a Touchscreen
▼ Summary
– The Honor Choice AI Projector Air is a compact 1080p projector priced at 599 yuan (about $84) that transforms walls into an interactive whiteboard with stylus input and gesture controls.
– It features 280 CVIA lumens brightness, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI 2.0, a 5W speaker, and can tilt up to 160 degrees for ceiling projection.
– The projector’s “AI” refers to computer vision for gesture recognition and image correction, focusing on making the device smarter and more intuitive rather than generative art.
– Its success depends on responsiveness, as laggy stylus or gesture controls could be frustrating, and the low brightness restricts it to dark environments.
– Honor is creating a new niche by prioritizing interactive features over raw brightness, positioning it as an affordable experiment rather than a perfect home theater device.
Imagine sketching on a massive 150-inch canvas instead of being confined to a small tablet screen. Honor’s new Choice AI Projector Air aims to transform any wall into an affordable interactive display, priced at just 599 yuan (approximately $84). This compact 1080p LCD projector comes with stylus input, gesture controls, and a design that feels more like a tablet without borders than a typical home theater accessory. Available in white and purple in China from December 8, the device clearly prioritizes interactive features over sheer brightness, signaling a fresh direction for budget-friendly projection tech.
Specifications include 1080p resolution, 280 CVIA lumens brightness, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI 2.0, and a built-in 5W speaker. The real appeal, however, lies in pairing the projector with its included stylus. Users can tap on interface elements, draw directly onto the wall, engage in pen-based games, or sketch out Pictionary clues during social gatherings. Gesture controls and a flexible 160-degree tilt function also allow for ceiling projection. While details on tracking precision and available software remain scarce, the core idea is evident: this projector encourages active participation with the projected image, rather than passive viewing. Its success will hinge entirely on how smoothly these interactive elements perform in everyday use.
Honor’s strategy here is a smart departure from the standard budget projector competition. Rather than entering the saturated market of basic streaming devices with added projection, the company is carving out a unique space. The “AI” designation likely points to computer vision capabilities powered by a Hisilicon chip, enabling practical functions like gesture recognition, obstacle avoidance, and automatic keystone correction. This isn’t about generating artwork artificially, it’s about creating a more intuitive, user-friendly device, which feels like a genuine and appropriate use of AI at this accessible price point.
Responsiveness will ultimately determine whether the Choice AI Projector Air succeeds or disappoints. A stylus that lags on a large display would prove intensely frustrating, and unreliable gesture controls could easily become more bother than benefit. The modest 280 CVIA lumens rating also means it’s strictly for darkened environments, ideal for cozy bedrooms or evening movie sessions, but not for bright, sunlit spaces. Still, these limitations seem reasonable given the cost. Honor isn’t marketing a flawless projector; it’s offering an intriguing, interactive experience. For around $84, the company isn’t merely selling hardware, it’s inviting users to join a clever experiment, which feels far more engaging than yet another anonymous black box.
(Source: Yanko Design)
