Chinese technology giant Lenovo unveiled a prototype laptop on Monday featuring a transparent screen, signaling its efforts to innovate amidst challenging times for the PC market.
Equipped with a trackpad incorporating a touch keyboard and stylus for drawing or navigation, the laptop showcases new possibilities in computing.
The key question arises: What purpose does such a device serve? Lenovo demonstrated some of its potential applications.
During a CNBC demonstration, a representative placed an artificial sunflower behind the transparent screen. The laptop’s built-in camera identified the object as a sunflower and provided relevant information using artificial intelligence technology.
Another showcased use case is in the field of construction. Architects, for instance, could utilize the transparent screen to overlay designs onto real-world structures, allowing them to visualize their creations more effectively.
Similar to augmented reality (AR), the technology enables digital content to be superimposed onto the real world. While AR has been popularized by devices like Apple’s Vision Pro glasses or headsets, Lenovo’s laptop offers a unique take on integrating digital elements with physical surroundings.
As a concept product, Lenovo has no immediate plans to commercialize the device. However, the unveiling underscores PC makers’ efforts to explore new horizons amidst challenging market conditions.
PC sales experienced a surge during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but witnessed a decline as people resumed normal activities. According to Gartner, PC shipments dropped by nearly 15% year-on-year last year, reflecting the shifting dynamics of consumer demand.
Lenovo showcased the innovative laptop at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world’s largest mobile industry trade show, signaling its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
Lenovo has a track record of teasing concept devices to showcase its innovative prowess. At last year’s Mobile World Congress, the company unveiled a smartphone featuring a roll-up screen, further emphasizing its dedication to pushing technological boundaries.