Xgimi’s new ultrashort throw projector keeps dust and dirt off its lens

Xgimi has announced an upgraded version of its ultrashort throw projector. The new Aura 2 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor while delivering more brightness, but the most welcome improvement is an automatic sliding cover on top that protects the projector’s lens and helps minimize dust buildup.

Xgimi says the Aura 2 produces 2,300 ISO lumens of brightness from its “Dual Light 2.0” light source that uses a combination of lasers and LEDs. That’s up from 1,800 ISO lumens for the original Xgimi Aura, which should improve the Aura 2’s performance when used in rooms where ambient light can’t be completely eliminated. Xgimi claims the Aura 2 can project an image between 90 and 150 inches in size (measured diagonally), depending on how far it’s positioned from a wall.

The Aura 2 is thinner and narrower, making it easier to integrate into a home theater setup, and weighs just shy of 20 pounds, which is about five pounds lighter than the previous model. Sound is delivered through four front-firing 15W Harman Kardon speakers, while HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced formats.

Setting up the projector is streamlined through Xgimi’s automatic image alignment tools, including detecting and fitting the projection to a screen mounted on a wall or correcting the image when projecting on plain walls that aren’t entirely flat. When powered down, the Aura 2 also has a motorized cover that slides over the top of the projector to help minimize the amount of dust and dirt that collects on the lens. That’s a common pain point with ultrashort throw projectors, whose lenses typically point straight up.

The Xgimi Aura 2 is available now for $2,699, which is about $200 more expensive than the original Aura when it debuted in 2021.

Alongside the Aura 2, Xgimi also announced a new version of its MoGo portable projectors with an entirely new design. The 2.43-pound MoGo 3 Pro looks roughly the same size as a Stanley tumbler but incorporates an LED-based pivoting projector head that can generate 1080p images with 450 ISO lumens of brightness.

It’s got streaming apps like Netflix built in through Google TV, but it can also be used with a streaming dongle if you don’t mind dealing with an adapter, as the projector only has a Micro HDMI port. You can also use it as just a speaker, with an optional music visualizer that projects “vibrant colors that dance with every note.”

A pair of 5W Harman Kardon speakers in the base should provide adequate sound for a small audience, but unlike most portable projectors, the MoGo 3 Pro lacks a built-in battery. To make it truly portable, it needs to be paired with a portable charger. One isn’t included, but Xgimi has created an optional multipurpose accessory called the Powerbase stand, featuring its own rechargeable battery that can power the projector.

The Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro projector sells for $449, while the Powerbase stand is $129, but the two are available in a cheaper bundle for $499.