User Interface

While the naming scheme across the Wemax Go and Wemax Go Pro may make it seem like the two devices are in many ways similar, that common ground ends at the light source technology and shape. The units differ in all other aspects: resolution, brightness, smarts, portability, setup, and convenience features. In the case of the Wemax Go, there are no tangible smarts to speak of, so the interface is meant to allow you to connect the unit to your wireless network to cast to it from your Apple or Android device. There are also four categories to pick from, which allow you to access media from USB connected storage; Movie for videos in general, Photo, Music for audio files, and Text for a variety of documents.


In the setting menu, you may adjust the image settings, including your choice of several color temperature presets. There is also an audio menu for a bit of control over the sound coming from the Wemax Go. That said, don't expect much from the 1-watt built-in speaker. Unfortunately, the Wemax Go lacks the Go Pro's Bluetooth connectivity, so your options to connect better speakers are limited to the physical audio port at the rear of the unit. The last three panels provide information on the device, which wireless network you are connected to, the OSD language setting, display duration, hardware controls around HDMI CEC, and an upgrade path for the firmware of the Wemax Go through USB.


The casting options naturally revolve around the OS you will use, be it iOS or Android. Once you select the one you have, a static screen tells you how to achieve connectivity and wireless presentation.


Setting up WiFi is rather clunky mainly due to the lack of a remote or smarts. But once you have selected your SSID, you have to traverse an onscreen keyboard with the buttons on the device, which is not a very organic and speedy process. Once you have typed in your password and hit Connect, the screen briefly flashes a success or failure message, so if you missed it, you have no idea if all that hard work of picking letters, numbers, and symbols paid off.