Chinese tech giant Lenovo unveiled a prototype laptop on Monday featuring a see-through screen, highlighting its commitment to innovation amid challenging times for the PC market. The laptop comes with a trackpad incorporating a touch keyboard and a stylus for drawing or navigating.
“Why would you want this kind of device?” Lenovo addressed this query by showcasing some of its capabilities. During a demonstration for CNBC, a representative placed an artificial sunflower behind the screen. The laptop’s built-in camera successfully identified the object as a sunflower, utilizing artificial intelligence technology to provide relevant information about it.
Another potential application, as explained by the representative, is in the realm of construction. For instance, an architect designing a house extension could visualize the existing structure through the transparent screen and use the stylus to sketch their proposed design.
As with all new technology, there may be unforeseen uses yet to be discovered. The technology bears resemblance to augmented reality (AR), where digital content overlays the real world, popularized by devices like Apple’s Vision Pro glasses or headsets. Although the laptop remains a concept product, Lenovo currently has no plans to commercialize it.
Nevertheless, PC manufacturers are exploring avenues for growth following a challenging period. PC sales surged during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but witnessed a decline as people resumed normal work routines. According to Gartner, PC shipments dropped by nearly 15% year-on-year last year.
Lenovo showcased the transparent laptop screen at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the largest mobile industry trade show globally. Lenovo has a track record of teasing concept devices to demonstrate its innovative capabilities. At last year’s MWC, the company showcased a smartphone with a roll-up screen.
