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[1]
Samsung Updates Its Freestyle Plus Projector With 'Additional' AI
Samsung has announced the latest version of its small, cylindrical projector at CES 2026, now called The Freestyle Plus, where the "Plus" is the addition of current buzzword: AI. In this case, most of the device's AI features are actually fairly standard fare for projectors in 2026, including automatic keystone correction, automatic screen fit, and some less-common tricks which are manual in other projectors. Like previous Freestyles, the Plus has a gimbaled base that lets you easily aim it in a variety of directions to project on most surfaces. The speaker emits audio in 360-degrees so the angle of the projector has minimal effect on the sound. A 'suite' of AI features As Samsung describes it, "the Freestyle Plus builds on the distinctive design of the original version of The Freestyle, while introducing smarter AI capabilities...". These AI capabilities are part of a "suite" of features that together are called AI OptiScreen. This includes the aforementioned automatic keystone and screen fit, both of which are fairly common among portable projectors. Meanwhile. a real-time focus feature is less common. Typically, projectors with autofocus verify the said focus when you first turn them on or when they detect movement. I'm not sure what the benefit of ongoing focus adjustments is, or what AI has to do with it. The last feature is Wall Calibration, which adjusts the image based on the color of the wall the Freestyle Plus is projecting on. This is also fairly common among portable projectors, but is usually a feature you set or activate manually. The Plus also has Vision AI Companion which, according to Samsung, results in more natural interactions: "Vision AI Companion delivers a more natural and conversational experience that understands context and offers follow-up questions, enabling more fluid interactions that feel like a real conversation -- no commands, no menus, no typing." I wouldn't say that an AI companion is necessary in a projector, but what is necessary is a Samsung account to access any streaming features in the Freestyle Plus. Otherwise you can't install apps and only the single HDMI connection will work. I reviewed the first-gen Freestyle in 2022 and found it underwhelming for the price. The biggest issue was the brightness, rated at a fairly mediocre 550 lumens and 197 as measured. The Freestyle Plus doesn't seem like it will be improving that, as it's rated at 430 lumens. However, these are ISO lumens so it's possible/likely that it won't be any dimmer. Samsung says this is twice as bright as the most-recent generation, which I didn't review, that was rated at 230 ANSI lumens. Regardless of the actual numbers, this is a small projector that's not very bright. That'd be fine if the Freestyle wasn't pitched as a higher-end display. The Freestyle plus will be available globally in the first half of the year. No pricing yet, but the original Freestyle was $900. The second-gen model is currently priced at $800, so expect the price to land somewhere around there. Alternately, check out the TCL PlayCube which is brighter than the previous Freestyles and has a built-in battery.
[2]
Samsung aims for ultimate flexibility with latest canister projector
Despite the crisp visuals shown in the promo shots, The Freestyle+ only puts out 430 ISO lumens so viewers will get the best results in the shadows Back in 2022, Samsung released a cool-looking portable projector aimed directly at Gen Z and millennials. A game-friendly edition followed, and now the AI-packin' Plus model has emerged - which is not just brighter, but sports a plonk and play design. Three years ago, packing 1080p portable projector smarts into a canister shape was fairly novel but we've seen - and even tried - a few rivals since then. Though the LED light source at the heart of Samsung's effort only put out 230 ANSI lumens, competitors from the likes of XGIMI, Dangbei and JMGO have managed to go a little brighter. The Freestyle Plus now gains some ground, delivering 430 ISO lumens - which still won't be a match for bright ambient lighting or daytime outdoor use, but heading to the shadows should reward you with fairly decent HD visuals. However, where this new gimbal-stand projector really shines is viewing flexibility. Samsung has cooked in something called AI OptiScreen technology to automatically massage the thrown image into submission after the unit is placed down and powered on. This suite includes 3D keystone that will even try to give you a decent viewing rectangle when the business end is pointed at corners, curtains, angled walls and so on. Surfaces that aren't completely flat can prove challenging for other projectors, so this may be a useful feature for some and appears to work as advertised if the first look demo on Facebook is anything to go by. There's continuous autofocus too, which promises to keep imagery sharp in real time. Screen Fit will snap the visuals to screen dimensions, and Wall Calibration "analyzes the color or pattern of the projection surface and minimizes visual distractions for clear viewing." The gimbal stand caters for 180-degree vertical rotation, so you can send the imagery to the ceiling if you want to, or to multiple viewing angles in between. Naturally, Samsung has opted to run its own TV Plus platform for streaming entertainment over Wi-Fi, rather than Google TV, and has also included its Gaming Hub for cloud access to thousands of titles through a single portal. A HDMI port is included for cabled content. The company has baked in an AI-powered version of its Bixby virtual assistant for help with searches and "natural, conversational interaction with on-screen content." And finally, Samsung promises room-filling, immersive sound from the built-in 360-degree speaker - though its Q-Symphony feature is also on hand to sync with compatible soundbars. "The Freestyle+ reflects Samsung's vision to create displays that adapt naturally to how people live and move between spaces," said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. "By combining true portability with intelligent AI that optimizes both the viewing environment and the content itself, The Freestyle+ makes it easier to enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience wherever you are." The Freestyle Plus is on show at CES 2026 in Las Vegas this week, ahead of a phased global rollout starting in the first half of this year. Pricing is not known at present. As with previous versions, this model will likely require power via USB-C rather than hosting its own battery.
[3]
Samsung unveils Freestyle+ projector with AI features you'll actually use
Samsung has just announced a new portable projector that combines advanced AI with a range of impressive features for immersive entertainment wherever, whenever. As the name implies, the new Samsung Freestyle+ projector advances on what made the original Freestyle so popular, adding an AI OptiScreen suite of advanced features aimed at making everyday use effortless. The projector will also be equipped with a 360-degree speaker and 430 ISO lumens of brightness. An official launch date and price for the projector have yet to be determined, but CES 2026 attendees can get their first taste of the Samsung Freestyle+ on the show floor in Las Vegas starting January 6. At the forefront of the new Freestyle+ is a robust collection of features, which Samsung calls AI OptiScreen. That literally stands for AI screen optimizations that adjust and recalibrate the image for improved immersion, no matter where or what you're watching. Samsung notes four primary features that make up the bulk of AI OptiScreen: Real-time focus, Screen Fit, 3D Auto Keystone and Wall Calibration. Most of these features already exist in many of the best projectors, but with OptiScreen, the Freestyle+ can also leverage Samsung's Vision AI companion, as well. Here's a breakdown of what the AI OptiScreen features do: These are all the ways the Samsung FreeStyle+ stands out with its slew of AI advancements, but it will also have a few additional features that should give it an edge against the competition. Even with the Freestyle+ looking nearly identical to its predecessor, the new model packs quite a punch with several key advantages beyond its AI OptiScreen functionality. For starters, it promises a much brighter output. The original Samsung Freestyle was rated at around 220 to 240 ANSI lumens, whereas the Freestyle+ boasts 430 ISO lumens. Samsung even notes the higher brightness as being "nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation" in its blog post announcing the Freestyle+. That's a hefty leap for a projector of this size, which is nearly identical to a large coffee mug. Samsung hasn't revealed any official dimensions of the newer projector, but the first-generation Freestyle measured just 6.8 x 4 x 3.7 inches, putting it on par with the XGIMI MoGo 4. The Freestyle name refers to the projector's extensive portability, allowing you to freely place it in practically any location for optimal viewing. The Freestyle+ is similarly built on a 180-degree design, allowing you to watch your favorite shows and movies on a variety of surfaces, including even the floor or ceiling. You'll also get incredible audio support, which isn't usually the case for portable projectors. Samsung touts a new 360-degree speaker on the Freestyle+ that aims to make content feel far more immersive despite the projector's more compact design. The projector also offers Samsung Q-Symphony support, letting you connect the Freestyle+ to select Samsung soundbars for synced, stress-free audio immersion.
[4]
Meet the Freestyle+, Samsung's Latest Smart Projector - Phandroid
In addition to its smartphone business, Samsung also pushes a ton of R&D into its home entertainment products such as its smart TVs and monitors, and even smart projectors. Speaking of the latter, the company recently announced the global launch of the Freestyle+, a new addition to its portable smart projector lineup. According to Samsung, the Freestyle+ builds on the features of the original model with new AI-powered features which allow for more immersive entertainment experiences, reducing the need for lengthy setup processes. Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung comments: The Freestyle+ reflects Samsung's vision to create displays that adapt naturally to how people live and move between spaces. By combining true portability with intelligent AI that optimizes both the viewing environment and the content itself, The Freestyle+ makes it easier to enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience wherever you are. These new features include AI "OptiScreen," which uses smart algorithms to instantly adjust picture size and clarity depending on how you've positioned the projector. This also comes with 3D Auto Keystone that reduces distortion on uneven surfaces, real-time focus that lessens visual noise when moving the projector, screen fit and wall calibration Samsung adds that the projector also comes with its Vision AI Companion which integrates conversational interaction with its Bixby smart assistant. Other features include brightness levels of up to 430 lumens, 180-degree rotation, 360-degree audio, and support for Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Gaming Hub. Samsung will showcase The Freestyle+ during CES 2026 on January 6-9 in Las Vegas, with a global rollout planned for the first half of 2026.
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Samsung Unveils AI-Powered Freestyle+ Projector Ahead of CES 2026
The Vision AI Companion brings Bixby-powered smart interactions Samsung on Friday unveiled Freestyle+, its newest portable projector designed to bring smarter and flexible entertainment across a wide range of spaces. As per the South Korean tech conglomerate, it will be showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, which begins next week. The updated Freestyle+ builds on the design of the original model, while introducing a suite of artificial intelligence (AI)-backed picture optimisation features. Samsung Freestyle+ Unveiled The new Freestyle+ projector is designed for users who want a portable screen that can adapt to its surroundings with minimal input, the company said in a newsroom post. One of its highlighted capabilities is AI OptiScreen, a set of AI-powered enhancements that include four notable features -- 3D Auto Keystone, Real-time Focus, Screen Fit, and Wall Calibration. Samsung claims the aforementioned features can automatically adjust focus, keystone correction, and screen alignment based on how and where the projector is placed. Courtesy of these improvements, the projector is claimed deliver a properly aligned image, irrespective of whether it is aimed at a wall, ceiling, or other uneven surfaces. For an intelligent viewing experience, the brand is leveraging a personalised AI platform dubbed Vision AI Companion. It is said to offer integration of the Bixby virtual assistant with AI services from global partners for conversational interaction with on-screen content. The new Samsung Freestyle+ also improves upon its preceding model's brightness levels. Its 430 ISO Lumens lamp is is claimed to achieve nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation. It features a cylindrical design and rotating stand return, which allows it to be positioned at different angles without additional mounts or tripods. For audio, the projector comes with a 360-degree speaker. Apart from this, the Q-Symphony feature enables it to work in sync with compatible Samsung soundbars. On the software front, the Freestyle+ projector integrates Samsung's smart TV platform. This is said to provide users with access to streaming apps, the Samsung TV Plus app, and the Samsung Gaming Hub, without requiring external hardware. Samsung said that it will showcase the Freestyle+ at CES 2026. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.
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Samsung unveiled the Freestyle+ at CES 2026, adding AI-powered features to its portable projector lineup. The device includes AI OptiScreen technology for automatic image optimization, 430 ISO lumens brightness (nearly double the previous generation), and Vision AI Companion with Bixby integration. The projector's gimbal stand enables 180-degree rotation for ceiling, wall, or angled surface projection.
Samsung has announced the Samsung Freestyle+ at CES 2026, marking a significant update to its cylindrical portable smart projector line with AI-driven capabilities designed to simplify setup and enhance viewing flexibility
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. The AI projector builds on the original Freestyle's distinctive design while introducing what Samsung calls AI OptiScreen, a suite of features that automatically adjust picture quality based on projection surface and positioning2
. Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, stated that "The Freestyle+ reflects Samsung's vision to create displays that adapt naturally to how people live and move between spaces"4
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Source: Gadgets 360
The Samsung projector features AI OptiScreen, which encompasses four primary capabilities: 3D Auto Keystone, Real-time focus, Screen Fit, and Wall Calibration
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. The 3D Auto Keystone technology reduces distortion on uneven surfaces, including corners, curtains, and angled walls, delivering a proper viewing rectangle even in challenging projection scenarios2
. Unlike typical projectors that verify focus only at startup or when detecting movement, the Freestyle+ employs Real-time focus to maintain sharp imagery continuously1
. Wall Calibration analyzes the color or pattern of the projection surface to minimize visual distractions, a feature that's fairly common among portable projectors but usually requires manual activation2
.The Vision AI Companion integrates Bixby-powered conversational interactions directly into the viewing experience
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. According to Samsung, this feature "delivers a more natural and conversational experience that understands context and offers follow-up questions, enabling more fluid interactions that feel like a real conversation -- no commands, no menus, no typing"1
. The Vision AI Companion leverages AI services from global partners alongside Bixby to provide intelligent assistance with searches and on-screen content. However, accessing streaming features requires a Samsung account, without which users cannot install apps and must rely solely on the single HDMI connection1
.The Freestyle+ delivers 430 ISO lumens, which Samsung claims is nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation rated at 230 ANSI lumens
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. While this represents progress, the projector still won't match bright ambient lighting or daytime outdoor use, making it best suited for darker viewing environments2
. The gimbal stand enables 180-degree vertical rotation, allowing users to project on ceilings, walls, or multiple viewing angles in between2
. The cylindrical design remains compact, with the first-generation model measuring just 6.8 x 4 x 3.7 inches, similar in size to a large coffee mug3
.Related Stories
The Samsung Freestyle+ includes a 360-degree speaker that emits audio regardless of projector angle, promising room-filling, immersive sound
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. Samsung Q-Symphony support enables the projector to sync with compatible Samsung soundbars for enhanced audio immersion3
. The device runs Samsung's TV Plus platform for streaming entertainment over Wi-Fi and includes the Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud access to thousands of titles through a single portal2
. Like previous versions, this model will likely require power via USB-C rather than hosting its own battery2
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Source: Tom's Guide
The Freestyle+ faces competition from rivals like XGIMI, Dangbei, and JMGO, which have managed brighter outputs in similar form factors
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. The original Freestyle launched at $900, while the second-generation model currently sells for $800, suggesting the new model will land somewhere in that range1
. Samsung will showcase the device at CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6-9, with a phased global rollout planned for the first half of 20264
. The projector's image calibration capabilities and user experience improvements position it as a flexible solution for those seeking adaptable viewing options across different spaces, though questions remain about whether AI features justify premium pricing in an increasingly competitive portable projector market.Summarized by
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