Struggling to get my toddler to sleep has become an almost nightly battle thanks to his chronic case of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). In an unexpected turn of events, the Anker Nebula Capsule Air has become an indispensable part of my evening routine alongside storybooks and soothing lullabies. Despite my hesitation about a TV in a child's room, this tiny projector has worked wonders.

Priced at $400, the Nebula Capsule Air is the compact powerhouse of Anker's line of portable projectors. Roughly the size of a soda can—and even comparably light at just 1.4 lbs—it’s easy to store in any bag or on a shelf. While it might not perfectly fit in your jeans pocket as some ads suggest, it’s versatile enough for on-the-go entertainment.

Setting up the projector is a breeze, essentially turning it into a miniature Google TV with access to all the popular streaming apps. The inclusion of PBS is a game-changer for us, providing unlimited access to shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood—both favorites in our household.

One remarkable feature of this projector is how its image size expands with distance. For example, when positioned about 8 feet away from the wall, it can project an impressive 100 inches of screen space. A bit of trial and error may be involved to find the ideal setup, but it’s worth it for the sheer fun it provides.

Equipped with an HDMI input, it’s also a gamer’s delight. I recently hooked up my Xbox Series X, transforming our dining room wall into a vibrant gaming screen. While it doesn’t support 4K gaming, it certainly made for an entertaining late-night session.

The Capsule Air has a battery life of just under two hours and charges conveniently via USB Type-C. Thanks to the additional Power Bank Tripod, which costs $90, I could extend my usage and enjoy a more stable projector setup—ideal for camping trips or movie nights under the stars!

Despite initial concerns about its brightness—150 ANSI lumens—I soon discovered it performs best in complete darkness. Although it may struggle in well-lit rooms, it excels in creating a cozy atmosphere for nighttime viewing, making it perfect for my son’s bedtime routine. The color accuracy holds up fairly well, and even with some brightness limitations, my toddler was mesmerized by the animated images dancing on the wall.

Beyond mere bedtime stories, the Nebula Capsule Air is fantastic for family outings, vacations, or impromptu movie nights in the backyard. We’ve turned our evenings into magical experiences, with my son believing I’ve conjured a grand projector from a simple “magic soda can.”

In summary, while the Nebula Capsule Air may not be able to replace a traditional OLED TV, its compact size, ease of use, and impressive features have made it one of my favorite gadgets of the year. Not only has it revolutionized our bedtime routine, but it has also brought our family together for unforgettable cinematic experiences. So, if you're struggling with a similar situation in your household, this may just be the bedtime solution you need!