At CES 2024, we saw many new and upcoming technologies. From transparent TVs to AI being infused into every device possible, it's easy to get caught up in the future. While flying cars, self-driving trucks, and holograms are exciting to see, we won't know when we'll ever see them in the real world. Here are a few cool concepts we saw that we hope will be available in the near future (and doesn't become vaporware).
Samsung Glasses-Free 3D Monitor
Samsung had a massive booth in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for CES 2024. Showcasing everything from the brand's TVs to smart home solutions, including an elaborate Ballie demonstration, there was also a section just for gaming. In addition to showing off its recently announced OLED Odyssey monitors, Samsung had a demo for a monitor that can achieve 3D… without glasses. The active lenticular lens switches between 2D and 3D to suit your gameplay and content. Combined with real-time eye and head tracking, with the help of AI, the monitor will be compatible with existing VR games and content from sources like SteamVR. Samsung is working with other game publishers to utilize this monitor fully. It was also nice that the 3D monitor used a Neo QLED display for added brightness and color vibrance.
We gave the Samsung monitor a try and the 3D effect was done quite well. Playing Lies of P, your main character, a humanoid Pinocchio, is on the forefront. The detail was still crisp in the background, making the combat quite immersive. We have to say—it was nice to have some 3D gameplay without needing additional devices. Putting on a separate pair of glasses or even a VR headset can get a bit cumbersome, especially if you wear eyeglasses. As expected, the 3D effect pretty much requires you to look at the monitor straight on. Moving too far left or right will distort the image. Nevertheless, this monitor is a nice alternative for people who want 3D gameplay without the hassle of glasses. No price or release date, but we hope to see it soon.
Honorable Mention
Samsung had its own transparent display, appropriately called the Transparent MICRO LED. Visually, it was quite stunning, with sharp image quality. While it remains to be seen what practical use a transparent display has in the home, Samsung seems to be focused on commercial applications for this display.
ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED Display
Foldable screens and OLED displays are all the rage, so ASUS decided to combine them. Meet the ZenScreen OLED. It fully opens to a 17.3" screen and features 2560 x 1920 resolution. When folded, it has the same profile as a 12.5" display. As mentioned before, it is an OLED display, so you get all the benefits, such as deep black levels, high contrast, and vibrant colors. ASUS said it's hoping to meet the requirements of VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification with this display, so you can enjoy HDR movies and games.
To keep the display portable, ASUS utilized a waterdrop-style hinge, which is different from the U-shaped hinges you usually see. This hinge also works to minimize the gap and crease of the fold. Fully opened, the ZenScreen Fold OLED measures just 9.7mm thin. It also weighs about 2.5 pounds. For connectivity, there are two USB-C ports and a mini-HDMI port. ASUS also included a 3.5mm headphone jack. Overall, the ZenScreen Fold OLED is an interesting concept, allowing you to have a multi-display setup on the go.
ASUS AirVision M1 Wearable Display
ASUS announced the AirVision M1 wearable display. It wears like a pair of glasses but provides a Full HD 1080p Micro OLED display with a 57-degree vertical field of view. The display can also reach up to 1100 nits of brightness, keeping images clear and text readable in brightly lit environments. Low response times minimize blur for when you're gaming or watching fast-paced content, such as sports.
We tried on the AirVision M1at CES 2024 and, while it's not as bulky as a VR headset, it wasn't as light as a pair of glasses. There was a multi-function touchpad on the left side of the frame, which provides easy access to the controls and made navigating around easier. It was neat to pin a virtual screen to a specific location, so it doesn't follow you around when you turn your head. When you switched your focus from one virtual screen to another, the ASUS Motion Sync feature made the transition smooth. You will need to connect the ASUS AirVision M1to a compatible device via USB-C, so if you're looking for a wireless setup, this might not be for you.
What was your favorite CES 2024 product reveal? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
