Lenovo‘s innovation is taking centre stage as the company is showing off a proof of concept device at MWC 2024. The concept? A transparent display on a laptop; more specifically, the company calls it the “ThinkBook Transparent Display” Laptop.
Being a ThinkBook, the device is a larger form laptop with a 17.3-inch display. It really brings that cyberpunk or “Minority Report” aesthetic by going all in on the transparent aesthetic. The display is a completely transparent, borderless 17.3-inch Micro-LED. The transparent keyboard area also adopts this aesthetic.
Lenovo is touting that the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop is a glimpse of the future as companies continue to leverage micro-LED technology. The technology allows companies like Lenovo to create transparent displays thanks to the high colour saturation and contrast and its 1000-nit brightness. The combination provides good visibility in both indoor and outdoor environments.
That said, the laptop is also a proof of concept that integrates virtual and real environments. Lenovo believes that the transparent surface provides an excellent surface for AI-generated content and collaboration. The transparent surface allows users to overlay digital information naturally within its environment. You’ll even be able to switch between a keyboard and a drawing board that supports input from a stylus. You’ll even be able to interact with data and applications in new ways according to Lenovo.
Samsung has been busy over the last year learning from the release of its Neo QLED, Lifestyle and Micro LED screens. They’ve been looking at trends and features that will help augment and enhance the user experience across the board when it comes to their displays. It looks like they’ve also taken some user and review feedback into consideration in the upcoming generation of displays. Also, Samsung has created one of the slimmest soundbars coming to a store near you.
Samsung’s Micro LED TVs Get Better Colour Accuracy, Slimmer Bezels and Better Brightness Control
Samsung’s Micro LED TVs are leading their line up with new enhancements that bolster the viewing experience of the TVs. The TVs come with better colour accuracy and more accurate control of brightness and colour levels. The new generation of Micro LED TVs come with over 1 million steps of brightness and colour levels. This improvement will be crucial in providing an even more true to life experience when viewing HDR content. In addition to this, the lineup covers 100% of the DCI and Adobe RGB colour gamuts. Samsung is also upping the ante when it comes to bezels as the new generation comes with a 99.99% screen-to-body ratio. That’s virtually no bezel!
Source: Samsung
The hardware enhancements are just the tip of the iceberg, the new generation Micro LED TVs will also be coming with Art Mode which we’ve seen exclusively in the company’s lifestyle TVs until now. Users are able to make their TVs blend seamlessly into their decor by turning the screen into stunning art pieces. It will also have an improved Multi View mode which allows users to view content from multiple HDMI slots in 4K resolution at up to 120fps.
The new lineup of Micro LED TVs will be available in three sizes, 89-, 101- and 110-inch.
Neo QLED TVs Get A New Neo Quantum Processor & More Immersive Sound
Samsung’s Neo QLED TV offerings are getting a new processor which allows its Neo QLED TVs to provide an even more immersive experience. The new Neo Quantum Processor brings a few more features that elevate the viewing experience. All the features address issues that were raised in the past by reviewers and customers.
The new Samsung Neo Quatum Processor is introducing advanced contrast mapping with back-light unit (BLU). This allows for finer control of brightness levels; increased from a 12-bit gradation to a 14-bit gradation. This translates to 16,384 steps or quadruple the 4096 of the previous generation. The increased control of the Quantum Mini LEDs will ensure your eyes don’t get blown out by the sudden whiteouts in movies while watching.
Source: Samsung
Together with this, the new processor also enables what Samsung calls “Shape Adaptive Light”. This feature will utilise the Neo Quantum Processor to analyse lines, shapes and surfaces to control the shape of light from the Quantum Mini LEDs. This will, supposedly, increase the brightness and accuracy of shapes on screen enhancing the HDR experience on Neo QLED TVs. The TVs will also feature a Real Depth Enhancer, an multi-intelligence algorithm that will make things appear more realistic on screen.
Samsung is also leveraging AI technology to help reduce eye strain. It’s EyeComfort mode automatically optimises the screen’s brightness using data from the built-in light sensor and sunset-sunrise information. This allows the processor to lower brightness based on ambient light information and decrease blue light emissions accordingly. Samsung has also improved Object Tracking Sound (OTS). OTS Pro incorporates a new set of upfiring speakes to create a more immersive soundscape.
Together with the new lineup of Soundbars, Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs will provide an immersive soundscape that will immerse viewers in their content. Q Symphony will also be supported wirelessly in 2022. The wireless Dolby Atmos connectivity will allow for a more adaptable setup for any room. The new HW-S800B spearheads the soundbar offerings as the first Ultra Slim soundbar.
Lifestyle TVs Mattified
Samsung’s line up of Lifestyle TVs are all getting matte displays. The new display finish reduces smudges, glare and reflectivity of the screens allowing for a more comfortable experience. In fact, The Sero, The Frame and The Serif are all triple certififed from UL (Underwriter Laboratories) for being ‘Reflection Glare Free’, ‘Discomfort Glare Free’ and ‘Disability Glare Free’. Multi View on The Sero is getting an upgrade. It will now work even in vertical mode. This will allow you to simulataneously view two sources on the top and bottom portions of the screen.
The Serif is getting a larger, 65-inch option in addition to its 43-inch and 55-inch options. The Frame is available in sizes ranging from 32-inches to 85-inches.
SmartHub Brings Game Streaming, NFTs & Emotional Connection
SmartHub is getting a little bit of a redesign this year. The redesign brings the focus back to content curation with content discovery front and center. The sidebar is also more streamlined. Users will be able to seamlessly jump between Media, Gaming Hub and Ambient sections to navigate their content. Together with this, SmartHub is also getting smart calibration which will optimise your settings for the best picture quality. Basic calibration will take 30 seconds while Professional mode will optimise in about 10 minutes.
Source: Samsung
The visual upgrade also brings along a new NFT platform where you’ll be able to display, discover and purchase NFTs. Gaming Hub is also getting a new upgrade with more content coming to the platform. Samsung has partnered with NVIDIA GeForce Now, Google Stadia and Utomik to bring AAA titles and other top tier games to their TVs. You’ll also be able to take advantage of higher refresh rates in Neo QLED TVs. You’ll also be able to watch your favourite shows while on video chat with your loved ones – making the distance between that much closer.
Together with the additions to SmartHub, Samsung’s TV catalogue is getting a new Auto Rotating Wall Mount and Stand. This will bring the viewing experience of The Sero across all the whole TV line up for 2022. The mount will allow you to mirror vertical screens seamlessly. The accessory is also getting a dedicated rotate button on Samsung’s remote control.
Samsung’s new line up of Smart TVs and home entertainment systems was just recently announced internationally just recently. The line up, spearheaded by a new generation of Samsung’s Neo QLED equipped televisions is looking to fill up multiple niches in entertainment and fitness in the home. From TVs which adapt to content from your mobile phone to ones that blend into your decor to ones equipped for the ultimate entertainment experience, the new line up is built to address anyone.
Ultimate Entertainment with Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs & Brand New Micro LED TVs
The Neo QLED Televisions are built with ground breaking technology that not only allows for better picture quality but also for more energy saving benefits. The new micro layer light source allows for blacker blacks and brighter whites. This also creates better dynamic contrast and sharper, more realistic images. Paired with the latest generation of Samsung’s Neo Quantum 8K processor, the Neo QLED TVs will deliver every pixel of detail even from resolutions below 4K and 8K. This processor also allows users to get the best gaming experience optimising image quality and dynamic range for every detail on the screen. The Neo QLED TVs also bring 120Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution for smooth video transitions and quick response when gaming. The TVs are also capable of low latency mode, variable refresh rates and come with a treasure trove of other gaming centric features.
Of course, sound is important for complete immersion, Samsung’s new Neo QLED TV also come with Q Symphony which enhances the sound experience when used in tandem with a Samsung Soundbar. It immerses the user in object centered sound allowing you to hear sounds coming from all around you.
Source: Samsung
Sometimes bigger is better. Drawing its inspiration from Samsung’s The Wall LED panels, the new Micro LED TVs from Samsung stay true to a large form factor. Coming in 99-inch and 110-inch sizes, the Micro LED TVs are looking to bring a cinematic experience to homes. Its edge to edge design is made to immerse viewers in their content. The Infinity Screen also ensure that there are no jarring designs which may take away from your home’s design. You can even view multiple pieces of content with “4Vue”. With 4Vue you can have a game tutorial playing while you try to traverse that unbeatable stage or even keep an eye on all your Premiere League games at one go!
Seamless Integration with the Latest Lifestyle TVs
Samsung’s latest line up is completed with a slew of refreshes and improvements to their lifestyle TV line up. This year, the Frame takes center stage as it gets a much needed update and refresh. The Frame now comes with more options for its bezels allow it to blend into the decor better. If you need more functional space around the Frame, it also comes with more mounting options including the new Slim Fit Wall Mount. It is also slimmer this year coming in at half the thickness of previous iterations of The Frame.
Source: Samsung
It also brings a wider, more diverse selection of art in its Art Store with artwork now available from places like NAVA Contemporary and Etsy. It can also learn the artwork you like thanks to the new AI-based auto curation technology. This AI will recommend artwork based on your previous selections allowing you broaden your horizons and curate your own art pieces.
Keeping with the times, Samsung is also bringing its first triple laser projector. The aptly named The Premiere brings 4K resolution for your home cinema setup; the best part – you don’t have to have an unsightly chunk of machinery dangling from the ceiling. Samsung has designed a compact, minimalist body for the projector with a fabric finish to blend in with your interior. It’s also a short throw projector requiring at least 5-inches for projection.
Pricing & Availability
The new Samsung TV line up is available at Samsung Experience stores and retail partners. Prices are as listed below.
