Posts with «technology & electronics» label

The Oppo Find X7 Ultra is the first phone with two periscope zoom cameras

There was a time when smartphone makers rushed to quad-camera claims, most of which did so by throwing in a mediocre fourth camera — usually for macro shots, if not a monochrome filter or just a depth sensor. Nowadays, though, we are blessed with legit quad "main" cameras on some flagship phones, so brands need to be more creative to further differentiate themselves. In Oppo's case, it decided to feature not just one, but two periscope telephoto cameras on its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered Find X7 Ultra, as a leap from the triple camera system on the previous model.

The Find X7 Ultra's "HyperTone Camera System" features the same 50-megapixel resolution across all four rear Hasselblad cameras, thanks to their relatively large sensors compared to the competition, according to Oppo. The main imager packs Sony's second-gen 1-inch sensor, the LYT-900, which is more efficient in terms of power consumption and thermal performance. This is complemented by an f/1.8 aperture, OIS (optical image stabilization), a 23mm focal length and a 50-percent reduction in lens reflection. The ultra-wide camera features a 1/1.95-inch Sony LYT-600 sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, making this one of the fastest shooters in its class. This comes with a 14mm equivalent focal length and a focus distance down to 4cm. 

Then we're left with the two periscope telephoto cameras. The first one, a 3x optical zoom, has a 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX980 sensor — "roughly three times larger than" the competition, apparently. You also get an f/2.6 aperture, along with "Prism OIS," a 65mm focal length and a 25cm focus distance — handy for portraits and product shots. Then we have a 6x optical zoom periscope, which is powered by a 1/2.51-inch Sony IMX858 sensor and has an f/4.3 aperture, 135mm focal length, a 35cm focus distance plus Prism OIS. With AI-enhanced zoom at 12x, Oppo says its Find X7 Ultra handles a versatile equivalent focal length range of 14mm to 270mm."

Oppo

Oppo also claims to have made some major breakthroughs in mobile photography here. Most notably, it's finally rolling out its "HyperTone Image Engine," which supposedly improves computational photography results for HDR, as well as avoiding over-exposure and over-sharpening. This was apparently in development for two years, with input from professional photographers and color experts. It's all about "merging objective quality together with subjective emotional," as a spokesperson stated. Better yet, HyperTone Image Engine will eventually be rolled out to some existing Oppo devices, namely the Find N and Reno series, depending on compatibility.

Other areas of improvement include the quality consistency across the zoom range (especially in low-light environment), as well as more realistic portrait shots thanks to the new "Hasselblad Portrait Mode." For the latter, rather than getting fake-looking bokeh and poor edge detection, Oppo boldly promises to deliver "cinematic bokeh with foreground and background depth," with a stunning accuracy down to a single strand of hair, plus minimal shutter lag as a bonus.

Oppo is also offering a new "Hasselblad Master Mode" which is based on the characteristics of the Hasselblad X2D 100C medium format mirrorless camera. You get to fiddle with saturation, contrast, sharpness and vignette control to create your preferred style, as well as other shooting features like manual ISO, shutter speed, EV, focus, and white balance. This Master Mode also offers "RAW MAX" capture — pending an OTA update — which supports 13 stops of dynamic range, along with 16-bit color depth in BT2020 color space for each 50-megapixel still.

Oppo

The Find X7 Ultra comes in three color options: "Ocean Blue," "Sepia Brown" and "Tailored Black", all of which feature a vegan leather cover (and the black version comes with decorative stitches). Despite the extra periscope camera, generous 5,000mah battery (100W SuperVOOC wired charging) and wireless charging (50W) support, this device actually shares a similar weight and thickness as the Find X6 Pro. This is thanks to a slimmer wireless charging coil, thinner vegan leather and an improved logic board stack design. Oppo was also able to keep the entire rear camera module tightly packed by using "single-sided magnets," in order to avoid interference between the three OIS parts.

This new phone also features Oppo's brightest-ever QHD (3,168 x 1,440) panel, with outdoor brightness maxing out at 1,600 nits, and local peak brightness at 4,500 nits for HDR purposes. The usual 120Hz refresh rate and ultra-low latency are here to stay, along with "rain water touch" support for wet hands (it has IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating). You get up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

To our surprise, Oppo doesn't currently have plans to launch the Find X7 Ultra outside of China, so you'll have to source one from an importer. For your reference, this model ranges from 5,999 yuan (about $845) with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, to 6,999 yuan (about $990) with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. These three options are available for pre-order now, ahead of their January 12th retail launch. There will also be a special edition with satellite call support arriving in late March, but no price was mentioned.

Oppo

For those on a budget but still want the same fancy look, there's the Find X7 base model powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor. It only packs triple cameras on the back: a 50-megapixel main shooter (likely with Sony's 1/1.4-inch LYT-T808 sensor; f/2.0; OIS), a 64-megapixel 3x periscope zoom camera (f/2.6; Prism OIS; 1/2-inch sensor), and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera (f/2.0; 119 degrees). This flavor starts from 3,999 yuan (about $560) and offers 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, and maxes out at 4,999 yuan (about $700) for its 16GB RAM plus 1TB storage offering. In addition to the "Ocean Blue" and "Sepia Brown" designs, you may also consider the purple and black options, both of which come in a glass back.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-oppo-find-x7-ultra-is-the-first-phone-with-two-periscope-zoom-cameras-085332818.html?src=rss

Unistellar's latest smart telescopes take the hassle out of backyard astronomy

French telescope company Unistellar has launched two new tech-infused models at CES 2024 promising to eliminate the tedious parts of backyard astronomy. The new Odyssey and Odyssey Pro smart telescopes use new technology to focus on both nearby objects like Jupiter and distant stars or nebulae. They also feature new Nikon optics and an updated smartphone app that helps you align and focus the telescope, while automatically finding targets to image. 

Unistellar's current smart telescopes, the eVscope 2 and eQuinox 2, are primarily designed to image distant galaxies, stars, clusters and the like — they can also image planets, but focus can be tricky. However, the Odyssey and Odyssey Pro use what the company calls Multi-Depth technology to focus equally well on both near and far objects, letting you switch instantly from viewing the Moon to a distant nebula. 

Engadget

It works by using the full sensor resolution to image close-in objects, which are bright but relatively small. For dim, larger objects it combines four pixels into one, much like many smartphone cameras, to boost the light gathering capability, at the cost of some detail. As the company told us at CES, it also "stacks multiple images of the same spot to render a clean output."

They even work in light-polluted areas, thanks to a high-sensitivity sensor and smart image processing. "With the Odyssey, Unistellar is offering a new generation of smart telescopes that are both ultra-powerful and capable of instantly transforming your stargazing evenings into adventures across the cosmos with family or friends, even in the middle of the city," said Laurent Marfisi, Unistellar co-founder and CEO.

The other big update is the Android/iOS app. As before, it automatically points the telescope toward the desired target at the right time, by recognizing groups of stars and calculating exactly where a target should be. However, it can now suggest items to look at on a particular evening, and provide extra context about the body in question. 

Unistellar

Both telescopes have new optical tubes using Nikon optics and the company says they're the first that don't need manual adjustments — something that can be difficult for amateur astronomers. That marries with a new autofocus system — much like what you'd see on a digital camera — to deliver consistently sharp images. 

The new telescopes are cheaper than past models, though they do have smaller mirrors than the eVscope 2, at 320mm compared to 450mm focal length. The main difference between the two models is that the Odyssey Pro has slightly more resolution (4.1 megapixels compared to 3.4 megapixels), along with a Nikon-made eyepiece. The Odyssey is now shipping for $2,499, while the Odyssey Pro costs $3,999. The company also has a special edition Odyssey Pro Red Edition (above), that costs $4,499. 

Engadget's Richard Lai contributed to this report.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/unistellars-latest-smart-telescopes-take-the-hassle-out-of-backyard-astronomy-084239993.html?src=rss

LG brought the world's first wireless transparent OLED TV to CES 2024

LG typically shows off a host of new TVs at CES each year, but they're usually the more traditional flat screens. This year in Las Vegas, the company is debuting something quite different in addition to M- and G-series updates. The OLED T is what the company calls the first wireless transparent OLED TV, with 4K resolution and LG's wireless transmission tech for audio and video. The unit also features a contrast screen that rolls down into a box at its base that you can raise or lower with the press of a bottom. 

The OLED T is powered by LG's new Alpha 11 AI processor with four times the performance of the previous-gen chip. The extra power offers 70 percent greater graphics performance and 30 percent faster processing speeds, according to the company. The OLED T model works with the company's Zero Connect Box that debuted on last year's M3 OLED that sends video and audio wirelessly to the TV. You connect all of your streaming devices and game consoles to that box rather than the television. 

The OLED T's base houses down-firing speakers, which sound surprisingly good, as well as some other components. There are backlights as well, but you can turn those on for a fully-transparent look. LG says the TV will come in standalone, against-the-wall and wall-mounted options. 

Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget

At first, some of the visuals on the OLED T are a bit unsettling. A singer on the transparent display appeared to be actually in the room — in miniature form, of course. Things like a fish tank were a bit more pleasant to look at and movie clips were crisp and vivid. LG also put what it calls the T-Bar on the OLED T, adding chyron-like mix of news, weather, song titles and more along the bottom while the rest of the screen stays clear. 

Samsung also announced a transparent TV at CES 2024, but that version is Micro OLED. It too looks bright and sharp, but there's also no word on when it could be available or what it'll cost. LG isn't talking pricing either, but the company did say it plans to sell the OLED TV in 2024.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lg-brought-the-worlds-first-wireless-transparent-oled-tv-to-ces-2024-071151174.html?src=rss

Samsung debuts the world's first transparent MicroLED screen at CES 2024

There's always a number of surprises at CES and during its First Look event, Samsung teased the world's first transparent MicroLED display. 

While there's still no word on how much it costs or when this tech will find its way into retail devices, Samsung showcased not one but three different transparent micro LED displays with slightly different designs. Two of the demo units featured tinted glass which made it easier to ignore any potential districting objects behind the panels, while another appeared to be as transparent as regular glass while also boasting a frameless design. 

Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

In person, the effect Samsung's transparent micro OLED displays have is hard to describe, as content almost looks like a hologram as it floats in mid-air. All of the demo units were freestanding and measured only about a centimeter thick, which adds even more to the illusion of a floating screen. Additionally, because of micro LEDs high pixel density, images also looked incredibly sharp. So far Samsung has only uploaded a single vertical video overflowing with EDM, but hopefully it gives you some idea what we saw:

According to a Samsung representative, because transparent MicroLED displays have higher brightness compared to transparent OLED panels, they are also less impacted by ambient light. 

The bad news is that with Samsung's current crop of non-transparent MicroLED TVs currently costing $150,000 for a 110-inch model, it's going to be a decently long time until these new displays become anything close to affordable.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-debuts-the-worlds-first-transparent-microled-screen-at-ces-2024-042634398.html?src=rss

Samsung's Q990D soundbar has the one thing the 2023 version didn't: HDMI 2.1

When I reviewed Samsung's HW-Q990C last year, my main gripe with the flagship soundbar was the fact that it didn't offer HDMI 2.1. That meant that it didn't have the 4K/120 passthrough for things like gaming consoles and streaming devices the competition did. At CES 2024, the company is addressing that concern. With the HW-Q990D (note the one letter difference), HDMI 2.1 is onboard even though the overall design hasn't changed. Samsung's priciest soundbar once again supports wireless Dolby Atmos with an 11.1.4-channel sonic setup, making it the most robust option in the company's 2024 home theater lineup. 

Samsung packed in several new features for the Q990D. First, a Private Listening mode turns off all front-firing drivers and only uses the rear speakers so as not to disturb sleeping family or roommates. A new Party Play mode creates a balanced sound across the soundbar and rear speakers so that each element of the setup offers a solid mix. You won't just get the rear channels from those speakers at the back of the room, in other words. Other 2024 Q-Series soundbars will get these two new modes, including the Q910D, Q800D and Q730D. Plus, the entire Q-Series still works with Alexa and Google Assistant, in addition to Bixby, and support for Chromecast and AirPlay returns across the board. 

When connected to a compatible Samsung TV, the Q990D's sound can be analyzed by the display's NPU processor to smooth out sharp notes and bass tons for the ideal results. Q-Symphony is back as well, adding the speakers from a Samsung TV to the Q990D and some of the company's other soundbars to provide a more robust living room audio setup. The Q990D also supports Roon, a high-resolution music streaming service that allows you to beam music, including local files, to individual speakers or groups of devices. 

In addition to the Q-Series, Samsung has also updated its ultra-slim S-Series lineup. The key addition is a new 35-inch-wide S700D model that's designed to fit better with TVs sized 55 inches and smaller. The company promises the same "impressive sound quality" as the 46-inch S800D and S810D, which are also updated for 2024. All of these ultra-slim soundbars are meant to be used with low-profile displays, like The Frame, or in cases where customers don't want the imposing stature of something like the Q990D. More specifically, they're about a third of the depth of a typical soundbar. The S models still offer wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro and other premium features, but they top out at 3.1.2-channel setups. What's more, the S800D now has HDMI eARC if you still prefer a wired option. 

Once again, there's no word on pricing or availability for the Q990D, or any of the other new models, just yet. But for reference, last year's Q990C arrived in the spring and was originally priced at $1,900. It included two wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The top-of-the-line ultra-slim model, the S800B, was $900 at launch and included a wireless subwoofer. We're likely to get pricing info from Samsung closer to the shipping date for all of the 2024 items.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-q990d-soundbar-has-the-one-thing-the-2023-version-didnt-hdmi-21-030059753.html?src=rss

Samsung’s 2024 TV lineup at CES 2024 includes AI aplenty and a ‘glare-free’ OLED model

Samsung’s CES 2024 TV rollout is here. The company typically reserves finer product details (including pricing) for later, but it provided Engadget with a quick rundown of its new television lineup ahead of its press conference on Monday. Its new 8K TVs have new AI-powered features, including upscaling technology (to help with the scarcity of native 8K content), and it claims a “glare-free” OLED model looks equally clear in bright and dark rooms.

Samsung’s new quantum dot TVs have AI-powered upscaling tech the company hopes will nudge curious consumers into paying a premium for an 8K TV. With most content providers currently lacking native 8K streaming options, Samsung’s AI Upscaling Pro feature in its QN900D (65- to 85-inch) television can help by converting 4K content into 8K or HD / SD media into 4K.

The company says the QN900D is the “slimmest, most premium 8K TV to ever hit the market.” In addition to resolution upscaling, the television includes a trick to recognize when you’re watching sports and help track the game’s ball on the screen. Another algorithmic feature, Real Depth Enhancer Pro, helps boost contrast between the foreground and background, including in fast-paced content like car racing.

Samsung’s new QLED (8K and 4K) and OLED televisions also include Active Voice Amplifier Pro, a more advanced version of an existing feature that can boost dialog and “key sound effects” for more immersive audio. In addition, AI Customization Mode asks you to choose your “preferred picture” in a series of scenes when setting up the television; it will then use AI to detect the scene you’re watching and optimize the picture accordingly based on your preferences.

The company is also launching a (presumably cheaper) 8K QLED TV, the QN85D, that lacks the fancy AI conversion features. Meanwhile, the company’s 4K NEO QLED lineup includes the QN90D (43- to 98-inch) and QN85D (55- to 85-inch).

Samsung

Samsung also has new OLED models for 2024, including the S90D and S95D (both 55- to 77-inch). The latter includes the company’s “OLED Glare Free” tech, which it claims will let you “enjoy the best possible viewing experience across both bright and dark rooms.” Samsung says the feature doesn’t affect the picture’s viewing angles or contrast and can depict Pantone-validated standard colors. The S95D has a 4K 144Hz panel, and it measures just under 11mm thick.

The company’s 2024 offerings also include “more ultra-large screen options than ever,” including 98-inch models in its Neo QLED 8K and 4K, QLED 4K and Crystal UHD lineups. Yet another AI-powered feature will address the problem of pixels becoming more discernible as screen size increases. Samsung’s Supersize Picture Enhancer feature uses AI upscaling to enhance the perceived sharpness and reduce visible noise on each pixel to help offset the bigger TVs’ larger dots.

Engadget is on the floor at CES 2024 and will check out the hardware and software-based features in Samsung’s new televisions. You can also tune into the company’s press conference on Monday at 5PM ET.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-2024-tv-lineup-at-ces-2024-includes-ai-aplenty-and-a-glare-free-oled-model-030046720.html?src=rss

Samsung debuts Music Frame speaker to pair with your Frame TV at CES 2024

Samsung's The Frame TV has become a key part of its home entertainment lineup since the product debuted in 2017. The company has upgraded it a few times over the years, but at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung revealed a new audio accessory to accompany the TV that doubles as a showcase for art and photos. The company calls it Music Frame (HW-LS60D): a wireless speaker that once pulls double duty as home decor, much like its television counterpart. This unit doesn't have a screen, though, instead it holds printed photos or art that you'll need to swap out manually. However, the basic idea is the same: a piece of home theater gear with the appearance of a picture frame.

Inside are two woofers, two tweeters and two mid-range drivers. The speaker array is capable of Dolby Atmos audio and it leverages Samsung's SpaceFit tech to calibrate the sound to the room. The company says the Music Frame has a "wide radial sound range" so that it can deliver quality audio wherever you're sitting around it. The two woofers are rear firing while the other four drivers are front firing, a setup the company explains contributes to the speaker's clear, natural sound. Music Frame is compatible with Samsung's Q-Symphony technology that uses TV speakers along with any additional home theater audio gear to boost overall sound quality. 

The Music Frame can be used as a standalone Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speaker or as part of a home theater setup alongside a Samsung TV or soundbar. You can also install two of them on either side of a Frame TV for as a stereo pair or employ the Music Frame as rear speakers or even as a subwoofer. The device is ready to be wall mounted and it has a built-in stand if you'd rather set it on a table. Samsung also packed a full IoT hub into the Music Frame and made the speaker voice-enabled so you can employ your go-to virtual assistant to control music and more.

No word on pricing or availability for the Music Frame just yet, but that's usually the case for Samsung's CES product announcements. Those key bits of info typically come closer to the devices shipping, which is almost always after their January unveiling. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-debuts-music-frame-speaker-to-pair-with-your-frame-tv-at-ces-2024-030024733.html?src=rss

Samsung updates its smart monitor that works without a PC for CES 2024

Samsung always has a major presence at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, and this year is no exception. The company just unveiled an update to its existing line of smart monitors. This is a modest refresh of last year's Smart Monitor M8, which was already feature-packed. This one looks to keep many of the same specs from 2023's release, from resolution to the detachable camera. However, there have been some software updates. 

The Smart Monitor M80D boasts a 32-inch 4K panel and all kinds of high-tech bells and whistles. The big news here is that you can use the display without a PC or a gaming console.

This doesn’t mean it’s a full-fledged computer on its own. The standalone tasks include video calls via the detachable webcam and streaming content from providers like Netflix and Prime Video. The monitor also includes Samsung’s Gaming Hub, so you can stream all kinds of titles via the cloud. Finally, there are standalone apps for controlling smart home devices, word processing and one for accessing fitness metrics.

The previous-generation M8 Smart Monitor already boasted some features that worked without the use of a PC, but this new version kicks things up a notch. You also get HDR10+ visuals, built-in 2-channel speakers and Bluetooth for connecting directly to other gadgets, like wearables. There’s even a tool that lets you quickly send images and text from other Samsung devices, like Galaxy smartphones and Book laptops, to the monitor. It also integrates with Galaxy Buds to offer a “surround sound-like experience” with minimal latency.

This model will be available sometime this year, but Samsung hasn’t released pricing details. As a comparison, the previous-generation launched at $700, but was commonly available with steep discounts.

Samsung also used CES to announce something truly odd, a 3D monitor in the year 2024. 3D technology was extremely popular more than a decade ago, but has since fallen out of favor due to limited use case scenarios. This display offers a potential new use for 3D tech, access to VR content without a headset.

Samsung promises the monitor can run most VR applications without any wearable accessories whatsoever, though the experience will be markedly different. There’s eye and head-tracking integrated into the display, so it can mimic VR movement, but the field of view will be limited by the monitor. A built-in algorithm automatically adjusts the 3D response to provide the most “immersive gaming experience” and it works with all Steam VR titles. Of course, you can also use it to watch traditional 3D content, like 2009’s Avatar or whatever.

There’s no release date yet, though Samsung says it’ll release more information about the monitor as the year progresses. The company also announced a monitor called The Link that’s intended for multi-screen setups. There isn’t much information available for this one, with more to come “later in 2024.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-updates-its-smart-monitor-that-works-without-a-pc-for-ces-2024-030013578.html?src=rss

Samsung debuts Premiere projectors that turn any surface into an interactive display for your home theater

To go along with its new TVs and soundbars in Las Vegas, Samsung also announced new projectors to fill out its home theater lineup. At CES 2024, the company has four new Premiere models to choose from, and while the Premiere 8K and Premiere 5 are the two most interesting, the entire lineup for this year is getting a feature called Lightwarp that turns any object or surface into an interactive display. 

Samsung says this is the first time that projection mapping has been available outside of a professional environment and in consumer-grade devices. The tool allows you to project any content on any surface, including a customizable dashboard full of widgets for a clock, weather and more. The company says you'll be able to tap on the projection to interact with it, citing examples like writing on sticky notes or playing a tabletop game. There aren't too many details available yet, but we should get more info, and hopefully a demo, at CES now that the projectors have been announced. 

The entire 2024 Samsung projector lineup will also get the company's Gaming Hub. This will let you access thousands of games without a console. All four can be used as smart speakers without having to turn the screen projection. 

Samsung calls the new Premiere 5 a "do-it-all" model. The company describes it as "the world's most compact triple-laser ultra-short-throw projector, ticking the tape at 7.9 inches high, 5.4 inches wide and 5.4 inches deep. It also weighs just 3.7 pounds, so it can easily be repositioned around your living space. The smaller stature should come in handy when moving it around to make use to Lightwarp and an included stand helps you beam visuals on tables and desks. 

When placed 17 inches from a wall, Samsung says the Premiere 5 can display up to a 100-inch image, automatically adjusting for focus and color balance. The Premiere 5 features a multi-function key that enables mode switching, mobile connection and a screen off feature. That last item keeps audio on while disabling the visuals, and you can also easily mirror a smartphone display by tapping the device on the projector. The company didn't specify whether this needs to be a Samsung phone, but we'll update this post if and when we find out. There's a built-in 10-watt speaker too, which the company says it capable of "rich, room-filling sound." 

At the top of the lineup sits the Premiere 8K. This coffee-table-sized unit is the first 8K projector with wireless connectivity for devices you'd typically connect with cables, according to Samsung. A Wireless One Connect Box is where you'll hook up all of your streaming gadgets and consoles, and it then sendscontent to the projector from up to 10 meters (around 33 feet) away. 

The company says the Premiere 8K is also the first to combine 100-watt output with 8.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and Sound-on-Screen tech — a feature that makes it seem like audio is coming from the projected image rather than the projector. This unit can muster a 150-inch image at 12 inches away from a wall where Samsung says the competition needs five meters (around 16 feet) to do the same. And if you're worried about a lack of 8K content, the projector can upscale 4K items thanks to onboard AI-powered tech. 

Last but not least, Samsung says the Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 are the follow-ups to the current Premiere LSP7T and LSP9T options. Both of these short-throw projectors will offer brighter projection and a Quantum 4K processor. Dolby Atmos sound is also onboard for "a theater-like experience," according to the company. 

Samsung didn't announce any details regarding pricing and availability, but that's typical for CES. That information typically comes closer to launch, and we'll keep you updated as those specifics emerge. 

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-debuts-premiere-projectors-that-turn-any-surface-into-an-interactive-display-for-your-home-theater-030006840.html?src=rss

LG Gram Pro 2-in-1 hands-on: A lightweight convertible laptop gets a better, faster OLED screen

In recent years, LG has rolled into every CES with an update to its Gram series of super thin and light laptops. And each time, I delight in seeing how hard (or easy) it is to squeeze in a quick arm workout on the showfloor with the newest version. This year at CES 2024, the company is launching a pair of Pro models that feature upgraded OLED panels that support touch input and variable refresh rates. They also come with Intel's Meteor Lake processors and up to NVIDIA's RTX 3070 graphics cards. 

This generation of LG's Gram Pros come in 16- and 17-inch models, with OLED and IPS display options to choose from. The company also upgraded its stylus so it recharges when magnetically attached to the laptops. The stylus available at the showfloor was not working, so I wasn't able to see if its slimmer body affected the writing experience at all. Plus, the sample model of the Gram Pro 2-in-1 also stuttered every now and then when changing the screen's orientation as I flipped it between landscape and portrait modes.

Cherlynn Low for Engadget

I'm willing to chalk that up to the units running pre-production software, which is also why I didn't get to check out the software features that LG is rolling out with these laptops, either. For one thing, the Gram Pros' processors are equipped with Intel's AI Boost, which is supposed to help the machines perform AI tasks more quickly. LG is also offering its Link software that can let you use Windows, Android and even iOS devices as companion secondary displays to the Grams. Neither of these features were shown off at the CES 2024 demo area, though. 

What I did get to check out in person is the build, which an LG representative told me is more durable than before. It uses a nano-magnesium alloy, and impressively houses a dual-fan cooling system. For a system that contains that hardware, and includes two USB-A, two USB-C and an HDMI port (along with a headphone jack), the 17-inch Gram Pro that I picked up was surprisingly sleek. It has a contoured edge that is thicker at the port end and tapers off to a strikingly sharp end. 

Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

The 2-in-1, which only comes in a 16-inch size, has won a Guinness World Record for "lightest 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop." It weighs 3 pounds, which made it not at all challenging for the bicep curls and shoulder presses I was doing with it. But that also means it won't add too much to your load when you're on the go. 

We've had concerns with the Gram laptops' build quality in the past, as they've been so thin that their chasses have exhibited flex. This year's model is similarly sleek, with a profile measuring 12.4mm, and it has a nano-magnesium frame like the non-2-in-1 version. The unit I checked out certainly felt a little stronger than those I've seen in previous years, but I can't give you specifics since I wasn't trying hard to break it. 

You can choose between OLED or IPS panels, with the former offering a variable refresh rate between 48 and 120Hz and the latter stretching that range to 31Hz and 140Hz. The Gram Pro series will be available in February and start at $1,499. For more details on what's new with the 2024 Gram Pro laptops, check out our news post here.

We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lg-gram-pro-2-in-1-hands-on-a-lightweight-convertible-gets-a-better-faster-oled-screen-025942736.html?src=rss