Lenovo releases first projector smartphone at global tech conference

DemonstratING  its technology leadership and innovation credentials , global PC maker, Lenovo, has released  the world’s first smartphone with a built-in laser projector that allows users to create a virtual touchscreen or keyboard on any surface.

Dubbed Smart Cast, the innovative smartphone was unveiled in Beijing, China at Lenovo’s first exclusive global technology event, the Lenovo Global Technology World conference.

Although there few smart phones on the ecosytem,  with built-in projectors, these have focused on replicating the features of a standalone projector.

According to Lenovo, Smart Cast is designed to make smartphones as usable as PCs through virtual technology.


The virtual keyboard can be projected onto a table or other surfaces, giving smartphone users a standard keyboard on which to type.

The projector, Lenovo explained  can beam the content from the smartphone onto a wall or large screen, making it ideal for making presentations, watching videos and much more.

Similarly, Lenovo at the conference also unveiled the world’s first ‘dual-screen’ smartwatch, Magic View.

The smartwatch features a second, virtual display that is 20 times larger than the display of its main, physical screen.

The device, which Lenovo says will eliminate the limitations associated with small screens on wearable devices, uses optical reflections to create virtual images.
Speaking on the product, the  Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo, Middle East and Africa (MEA),  Shashank Sharma, described the new devices as breakthrough product concepts that will change the way people interact with technology.

“Lenovo occupies a unique position in the technology industry. This is because we can deliver the devices, smart connectivity and infrastructure required to create a great user experience and satisfy real user needs. More so, we communicate with our consumers everyday regarding how we can innovate together.  They are our partners in defining the future of technology.

We will continue to deliver innovation to solve problems and address customer pain points.  We will bring together hardware software and services to transform the user experience. This is our vision, and these new products present glimpses of the next wave of Lenovo innovation,” he said.

Another ground-breaking technology unveiled at the conference was Lenovo’s Smart Shoes concept which takes wearable technology to another level by outfitting high-tech shoes with the ability to display mood and fitness data directly on screens embedded into the shoes.

While still in their concept stage, these new products confirm that Lenovo is thinking beyond its origins as a PC manufacturer.
The company recently purchased Motorola’s smartphone business from Google which, combined with its smartphone business, makes it the world’s third largest smartphone maker.

In addition to unveiling new concept products, Lenovo also launched a new logo, which according to Sharma, is symbolic of its ongoing transformation.
The company now depends less on revenue from its PC division, even as this part of its business continues to record massive growth.

Its revenue channels have broadened significantly, with its PC division being responsible for only 65% revenue today, down from 82% six months ago, as smartphones and tablets, alongside other products and services continue to generate more income.

In the smartphone space, Lenovo shipped a record 76 million smartphones globally in 2014, seeing the company sell more smartphones than PCs during this period.