New Amazon Echo rival and a ring that replaces your mouse is Lenovo's future vision
Lenovo is holding its Tech World event where it's announced updates to AI and clever new devices.
An Echo-style smart screen that snaps onto your PC and a new way of controlling the on-screen cursor with a ring on your finger are just two of the futuristic devices that have just been shown off by Lenovo. The Chinese tech giant is holding its yearly Tech World 2024 showcase in Seattle and along with plenty of announcements about its advancements in AI there has been plenty of shiny new hardware that could appear in stores in the coming years.
Related articles
One of the most interesting ideas coming out of Lenovo's labs is the 3D TrackPoint Ring which slips onto your hand and lets you open windows and interact with your PC's display without ever touching the mouse. Simple gestures and swipes can zoom in on content, interact with files or open apps - it all looks and feels very Tom Cruise from The Minority Report.
Another device getting plenty of attention is Lenovo's “AI Buddy” concept which snaps to your desktop PC and transforms it into a powerful Echo-style smart-screen device.
Along with showing time, date, what music is playing and local weather reports, a friendly face also pops up on the screen when you ask a question.
Results, such as flight times or calendar reminders, are then displayed on your PC's main monitor.
"This digital assistant handles scheduling, reminders, and daily tasks efficiently, making it an essential productivity tool that integrates seamlessly into users' routines," Lenovo explained.
It's just a proof of concept for now but the "Buddy" could end up on your desk in the future.
Along with smart rings and personal assistants, Lenovo has also been giving attendees at Tech World the chance to check out its new 3D laptops and monitors.
These can seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D visuals and there's no need to don glasses with the effect being shown without wearing any accessories. It's a smart idea that works surprisingly well and certainly makes playing games and watching films feel far more immersive.
Most of these Lonovo devices are still in development but the company has also revealed a laptop that will officially launch next year.
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition will arrive in February and will offer features such as an Intel Core Ultra 200V series processor, super-bright OLED display and long 18-hour battery life.
This Copilot+ PC will also be super smart thanks to a swathe of AI experiences baked in. There are Live Captions with translation and Cocreator in Paint that allows you to produce unique artwork with the help of AI using text prompts and drawing.
Lenovo's Smart Share makes it easy to transfer files between the laptop and smartphones and Smart Care also provides instant access to Lenovo’s support tools with real-time problem-solving assistance.
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition will start from $2,199 (£1,700).
"At Lenovo, our vision is to deliver smarter technology for all, with an unwavering commitment to shaping a future powered by AI. With one of the most comprehensive AI portfolios in the industry, we provide powerful, flexible, and responsible devices and solutions that empower individuals and drive transformation across industries,” said Luca Rossi, President, Intelligent Devices Group at Lenovo.
“Our focus on personalized, productive, and protected experiences ensures that our AI-driven ecosystem helps unlock creativity, enhances collaboration, and seamlessly integrates into any digital environment."
