XGIMI continues to find new ways to market ideas that either no one has ever done before or just hasn’t done as well as they have. In this case, the company is displaying (at CES 2025) a new conceptual idea of blending a projection screen and a soundbar together for those planning to use a UST (ultra short-throw) projector. It is called the XGIMI Ascend.
The screen is a motorized ALR (ambient light rejecting) solution that opens from the floor to reveal a 100-inch surface area to project across. Since it is ALR, it will capture the light of the UST projector while rejecting many of the overhead light sources in the room (ceiling lights, tall lamps, etc.). It is capable of partial expansion to provide a small ambient display for things like a virtual fireplace, or fully expanding to the 100-inch size.
As for sound, XGIMI says two premium Harman Kardon soundbars built into the base of the screen provide exceptional sound to viewers. This keeps the setup’s footprint smaller while minimizing one typical need that the buyer would normally have to provide when building out a viewing experience (audio).
The XGIMI Ascend is designed to be paired with the company’s Aura 2 4K UST Laser Projector, although you would likely be able to make use of another if you already own a UST model (after all, they wouldn’t want to chase away those added potential sales).
Although it is showing the new Ascend off at CES 2025, it is considered to be a conceptual product on how two technologies can be combined together to create an exceptional product. This means it won’t (or at least may not) be available for sale in the near future. However, if it is a hit at the show, you never know what will become of the product.
The company is also displaying some of its other models, including the recently launched Horizon S Max, which we covered in a review back in November.
