TCL’s PlayCube: An Innovative Rubik’s Cube Meet Projector
TCL, usually not a brand that stirs strong cravings, recently made a revelation at IFA 2025 that’s piqued my interest. The unveiling of PlayCube, an innovation that folds characteristics of a Rubik’s Cube and TARS into a singular device, has left me curious about its potential utility in my life. This all-in-one Google TV projector harmoniously combines use and elegance while boasting a 3-hour battery life. First brought to light as a concept in January, this attractive innovation will be on sale starting September 5th.
However, contemplating whether its price tag of €799 (approximately $930) justifies its aesthetics and features is where I’m left undecided. As an enthusiast of all things cuboid, TCL’s PlayCube managed to grip my attention from the get-go. Its design, specifically tailored to cater to the outdoorsy, offers a unique attribute of ‘camping projection’, which instantly makes it stand out.
What caught my attention, even more, is the fact that it is Netflix accredited, aligning perfectly with the certain demographic that enjoys streaming on the go. The choice to incorporate hardware that is manipulable, mirroring the adjustable trait of a Rubik’s cube, appealed to me as it permits users to direct the image per their requirements. The device is not only aesthetically pleasing but also smartly designed–its artificial intelligence features automate the focusing of the image, align the picture accordingly, offer obstacle awareness, and even rectify its keystone.
The PlayCube is impressively compact, managing to squeeze this technological prowess into a package measuring just 5.9 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches and 2.7 pounds in weight. It boasts a premium glass lens drivers to project a 1080p image, illuminated by 750 ISO lumens, and makes for a fine show, whether it’s being used for casual viewing during the day or setting up an outdoor cinematic experience at night.
The said image quality and brightness are just good enough to turn a small area into an intimate screening room for daylight binge-watching or a wider space into an outdoor theatre when the sun goes down. TCL reports that it hums along at less than 26dB while operating, a noise level that is effortlessly drowned out by the projector’s own 5W speaker or an inserted 3.5mm audio device via the audio jack.
Finalizing the list of its commendable features are its versatile connection options. It offers HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity, giving way to a greater array of user-friendly features and compatibility options with other devices. This makes PlayCube a comprehensive and adroit device that is as functional as it is attractive, capable of quite literally projecting the brand into a new light.