Get ready for a projector that's about to change the game, but not in the way you might expect! Samsung has unveiled its latest innovation, the Freestyle Plus, at CES 2026, and it's all about adding a dash of AI to their popular cylindrical projector. But here's the twist: the AI features they're boasting about are not as groundbreaking as you might think.
The Freestyle Plus builds upon its predecessor's unique design, but with a focus on 'smarter' AI capabilities. Samsung describes it as a 'suite' of features called AI OptiScreen, which includes automatic keystone correction and screen fit - nothing too extraordinary for projectors in 2026. However, the real-time focus feature is a bit of a head-scratcher. I mean, what's the point of constantly adjusting the focus, and why does AI need to be involved?
Another feature, Wall Calibration, adjusts the image based on the wall color, which is a nice touch but again, not exactly revolutionary. These features are common among portable projectors, and it's a bit of a stretch to call them 'AI' when they're manual in other devices.
But here's where it gets controversial: Samsung also introduces the Vision AI Companion, which they claim will deliver a more natural and conversational experience. While it might enhance interactions, I can't help but wonder if an AI companion is really necessary for a projector. It's almost like Samsung is trying to justify the price tag by adding fancy AI labels.
Speaking of price, the original Freestyle was a whopping $900, and the second-gen model is currently $800. With the Freestyle Plus set to launch globally in the first half of the year, we can expect a similar price point. And this is the part most people miss: for that price, you're getting a projector that's not very bright, rated at only 430 lumens.
So, is the Freestyle Plus worth the hype and the price? That's for you to decide. Do you think Samsung's AI additions are enough to justify the cost? Or are they just trying to cash in on the AI buzz? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this controversial upgrade!
