Lenovo likes to point out off idea units at commerce exhibits — earlier this yr at MWC 2024, it exhibited a laptop computer with a clear show. Quick ahead to IFA 2024 in Berlin, and I’ve acquired my arms on Lenovo’s ‘AutoTwist’ laptop computer which might alter the display screen for you relying on what you’re doing.
This proof of idea is ‘AI-powered’ — what isn’t lately? — and sees Lenovo utilizing synthetic intelligence for one thing totally different to the numerous picture turbines and ChatGPT clones which are on the market. There’s a extra luxurious really feel to the AI right here that’s extra akin to getting optionally available extras on a brand new automobile that imply the trunk will shut for you and even reverse parallel park with out you having to the touch the steering wheel.
So, what precisely can the Lenovo AutoTwist do? To start out, the motorized hinge can transfer the display screen to face you if, for instance, you’re on a video name and transfer round (very like the Amazon Echo Present 10 good show). Lenovo touts it as being appropriate for displays (when you’re on stage and transfer round so much however must see the display screen always) and generic ‘private use.’
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
It’s additionally voice-activated. You need to use the command “Hello Twist” adopted by “open lid,” “laptop computer mode,” and “pill mode,” and the show will transfer to the right place with out you lifting a finger.
Moreover, it would additionally shut robotically when you depart the laptop computer unattended, so somebody doesn’t steal that tremendous concept you simply jotted down in a espresso store whilst you pop to the lavatory.
It labored impressively properly throughout my hands-on time with the machine, with the trio of micro-motors built-in into the hinge working responsively to the voice instructions and motion.
I’m additionally amazed at how skinny and lightweight the laptop computer is contemplating what it could do! The AutoTwist idea is only one.27kg and 15.9mm.
Nonetheless, I do have some issues as properly.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
For starters, the show motion when following somebody across the room was fairly jerky. I dare to suppose how shaky the video shall be for the particular person on the different finish.
There’s additionally the query, as with issues like folding telephones, as to how lengthy the motorized hinge will final. Lenovo says it’s good for greater than 20,000 ‘instances’ which a spokesperson confirmed means closing, opening or swiveling.
Simply 20 actions per day would imply it has a lifespan of 1,000 days, so not even three years.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
After all, Lenovo’s AutoTwist is only a proof of idea, so that you received’t be capable of exit and purchase one any time quickly. Nonetheless, I might see Lenovo integrating the expertise right into a particular ‘AutoTwist’ version of a ThinkBook or ThinkPad after extra improvement.
The massive query is how a lot that optionally available further will value if it does arrive available on the market.
