Tag: #laptops

Zens future-ready USB-C charging solution for Lenovo laptops

Zens announces a new collaboration with Lenovo as new EU regulations come into effect from 28 April 2026, requiring all laptops sold in the EU to support USB-C charging and allowing manufacturers to ship devices without a power adapter in the box. While this change is intended to reduce e-waste, it also shifts the responsibility for reliable, high-performance charging to consumers.
USB-C may be universal in name, but not all chargers deliver the same results. Underpowered or low-quality charging solutions can limit laptop performance, drain batteries during use and lead to frustration, returns and support issues. Zens and Lenovo will address this challenge with a future-ready solution that combines performance and simplicity while supporting sustainability regulation in the EU.
The collaboration introduces a single-cable solution that powers a Lenovo laptop at full performance while wirelessly charging a second device, such as a smartphone or earbuds. One cable replaces multiple chargers, reduces cable clutter and gives consumers a cleaner, more intuitive setup from day one.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Zens Charging Cable Pro 2, a Lenovo-recommended USB-C charging accessory optimised for Lenovo laptops and Lenovo USB-C power adapters. Supporting high-power USB-C charging from 65W up to 140W, the cable is designed for modern home offices and professional workspaces.

“The new EU rules make simplicity more important than ever,” says Johan Plasmans, CEO of Zens. We combine full-power laptop charging with wireless charging for a second device in a single cable. This reduces clutter and accessories while lowering environmental impact, without compromising performance.

Beyond home use, the collaboration also supports modern workspaces, where simplicity, flexibility and desk efficiency matter just as much. With one USB-C connection for laptop charging and integrated wireless charging for everyday devices, the solution helps create cleaner desks, reduces the need for multiple adapters and supports a more organised working environment. For IT teams, office managers and facility professionals, it offers a practical way to combine performance, convenience and a more future-ready office setup.

The Zens Charging Cable Pro 2 is now available as a Lenovo accessory for both professional and customer users via lenovo.com and zens.tech.

JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger Review

The JOYROOM PODIX 140W 5-Port Desktop GaN Charger is an ideal kit if you have more than one device at home or in the office and this includes laptops, it is not often you see such with laptop charging and this also allows you to charge up to 5 devices at once and for me ideal at my desk as there is always more than enough to be charging at the sime time when testing products all week long.

The unit itself is solid with a premuim finish and can be place in more than one way the choice is yours either lying to the left or right or straight up there is magnets to keep it locked on the rubber mat which is great and can be moved any time and is scratch resistant.

On top there is two retractable cables and there is three ports underneath for two USB-A and one USB-C also there is a little smiley guy who pulls face which I really like it makes the charger less boring than most out there trust me.

The display also offers the charge speed to whatever device you ar echarging which is also cool and it fast charges two phones at once no problem even if a latpop is charging. You can also touch the display to change the screen.

This is also portable so you can bring it anywhere with you and be assured you are powered up no matter how many devices you might have with you on your travels and it will also be now an addition to my travel bag, see the video review below and the options you have at your disposal in the list which will charge my laptop headphones earbuds and tablets.

Support and features

Model: JR-TRD01
Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 3.5A (Max)
Output:
Single-Port Output:
USB-C1: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓5A / 28V⎓5A (140W Max)
USB-C2/C3: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 12V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓5A (100W Max)
USB-A1/A2: 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 10V⎓2.25A / 12V⎓2.5A / 20V⎓1.5A (30W Max)
Two-Port Output:
USB-C1+USB-C2/USB-C3: 70W+70W; USB-C2+USB-C3: 30W+100W
USB-C1/USB-C2/USB-C3+USB-A1/USB-A2: 100W+30W
(USB-A1+USB-A2): 15W
Three-Port Output:
USB-C1+USB-C2+USB-C3: 20W+20W+100W
USB-C1+USB-C2/USB-C3+USB-A1/USB-A2: 20W+100W+18W
USB-C2+USB-C3+USB-A1/USB-A2: 20W+100W+18W
USB-C1/USB-C2/USB-C3+(USB-A1+USB-A2): 100W+(15W)
Four-Port Output:
USB-C1+USB-C2+USB-C3+USB-A1/USB-A2: 20W+20W+80W+18W
USB-C1+USB-C2/USB-C3+(USB-A1+USB-A2): 20W+100W+(15W)
USB-C2+USB-C3+(USB-A1+USB-A2): 20W+100W+(15W)
Five-Port Output:
USB-C1+USB-C2+USB-C3+(USB-A1+USB-A2): 20W+20W+80W+(15W)
Total Output: 140W Max
Size: 75.1*82.3*76.3mm
Net Weight: 466g

 

BUY from below

Code: 5P83FVBV

Rate: 15% off

End Date: 2026-4-30 23:59 PST

 

>US

Link: https://bit.ly/3KJh4uy

Coupon Usage: Automatic discount upon purchase

>Non-US

Link: https://bit.ly/3KJh4uy

Code: POD27

Rate: 20% off

Coupon Usage: Use code at checkout

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Video review

WOLFANG Mini 1080p Home Cinema Projector Review

The WOLFANG (WP06)  Mini Projector, Home Cinema Projector for Bedroom is Portable with 1080P Full HD Supported with Auto Keystone Correction, 50% Zoom & 180° Rotation and is Compatible with iOS/Android/Switch/Laptop/TV Stick and comes in at a cheap price however it only has 200 Ansi Lumen.

This howewer has no store on board but works directly from your smartphone and other devices making it versitile and also very portable which is great for the home or travel.It features HDMI and USB ports, and notably, it supports a direct wired connection for iOS. You can plug your iPhone’s charging cable directly into the projector’s USB port to mirror your screen without needing a separate adapter which I like bit you need more for Android devices.

There is several buttons top to control the projector which again are on board the remote control which makes it again fucntional.

The integrated stand is the WP06’s best feature. Unlike traditional boxy projectors that require a tripod or a stack of books, you can tilt the WP06 directly at the ceiling or at an angle. This makes it perfect for “lying down” viewing in bed. It can be mounted too and basically placed in any postion.

For a budget unit, the inclusion of auto-keystone is a huge plus. If you tilt the projector up or down, it will automatically squares the image so it doesn’t look like a lopsided trapezoid.

Oveall for the money it is a great addition it is not the best in the world but brings you taste of the large screen and what projectors are like and will give you an idea of what more expensive ones can do in your home which I have and love.

Features

  • 1080P Support & Native 720P Clarity】Delivers sharp, vivid visuals for movies, gaming, and shows; perfect for bedroom movie nights or casual home entertainment without compromising on image quality. Using a projection screen delivers a better viewing experience. (Contact us if needed.)
  • 【iOS & Android Dual Connection】It’s a nice phone projector that works seamlessly with iOS & Android devices: Wired – Plug & play with your iOS charging cable directly; Android devices require an HDMI adapter. Wireless – Enjoy seamless streaming without cables, simply connect via a Dongle. (Contact our support team if you need a dongle.)
  • 【Flexible Adjustment & Clear Magnification】50% zoom captures distant objects clearly, suitable for enlarging movie scenes, presentations or gaming visuals without blurriness.180° rotation enables easy mounting in any angle, delivering flexible viewing for home theaters or office setups.
  • 【Ultra-Compact & Travel-Ready】 Lightweight and small-sized, this portable projector is your ideal travel companion; toss it in your backpack for camping trips, hotel stays, or friend gatherings to enjoy big-screen fun on the go.
  • 【Auto Keystone + Low Noise】Automatically adjusts the projection screen., no manual tweaking needed; low-noise fan ensures you focus on your content without annoying buzzing distractions.
  • 【Rich Ports for Movie Nights】The movie projector is equipped with HDMI, USB, 3.5mm headphone jack, and TF card slot; compatible with laptops, Switch, TV sticks, and more – tailor-made for epic family movie nights or solo gaming marathons.
  • 【Lifetime Professional Technical Support】Access expert support anytime you need it, ensuring a seamless user experience. If you have any questions, please find us through our online customer service: 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭.𝐯𝐜@𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠.𝐜𝐨, we will solve the problem to your satisfaction as soon as possible.

BUY 

Other projector reviews 

Video Review

DELL TECHNOLOGIES AT CES 2026: XPS Returns, Alienware Expands and UltraSharp Monitors

Dell Technologies announces a strategic expansion of its consumer and gaming portfolio. The company reintroduces the iconic XPS laptops with reimagined designs across new form factors and price points, expands its Alienware line to reach more gamers and launches two industry-leading UltraSharp monitors.

Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Dell Technologies: “We’re getting back to our roots with a renewed focus on consumer and gaming. XPS is back, better than ever, with a complete redesign that delivers exceptional craftsmanship in our thinnest, lightest form factors yet. We’re also bringing XPS 13 back as our most accessible XPS ever. In gaming, we’re building on recent momentum and effectively doubling Alienware’s notebook lineup. These moves are about broadening our portfolio and expanding our coverage so we can reach more customers with the best products at every price point.”

XPS Returns with Complete Redesign

Dell is bringing back XPS with a streamlined design. For the first time, the iconic XPS logo appears on the laptop cover, signalling its return. The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 feature a sleek design crafted from CNC- machined aluminium, refined interfaces, stunning displays, and optimized performance. These devices have the best battery life in the industry, delivering up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming or 40+ hours with local video playback.

These are Dell’s thinnest laptops, measuring just 14.6mm. The XPS 14 weighs roughly three pounds – more than half a pound lighter than the previous generation – and the XPS 16 comes in at 3.6 pounds, almost a full pound lighter than its predecessor. Available with tandem OLED display options and Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors and built-in Intel® Arc graphics featuring 12 Xe cores, the new XPS line delivers impressive visuals with the perfect balance of portability and performance.

Later this year, Dell will expand the XPS portfolio with new products across different price points and form factors, including the return of the XPS 13, expected to be the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop ever, offered at the most accessible XPS price yet.

83% of teachers say they lack formal training in AI

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD joined Microsoft Ireland to unveil research on the use of digital technologies and AI in Irish classrooms, and to announce the expansion of the Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy, a free programme designed to empower teachers with the skills to effectively and responsibly use AI and digital technologies in the classroom.

Powering new teaching models
The research entitled, ‘Digital Learning in the Era of AI’, reveals how AI and digital technologies are helping to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom. Conducted by 3Gem for Microsoft, the survey of 201 educators across Ireland found that:

·      87% use digital technologies to improve productivity and optimise classroom time

·      86% say apps and platforms help personalise teaching to meet students’ needs

·      81% report stronger student engagement when digital tools are used

·      72% support increased use of AI tools in the classroom

·      83% say they lack formal training in AI

 

While AI is one of the key technologies that teachers are embracing to enhance education and 64% of teachers believe it will positively transform education, adoption varies across the island of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, 74% of teachers report rapid uptake of generative AI, compared to 33% in the Republic.

Digital Tools and AI in Classrooms: Opportunities and Challenges

When asked about ways to bring technology and AI into the classroom, the top three suggestions agreed on by teachers include collaborative learning (49%), student-led initiatives (47%), and project-based learning (41%), approaches that are at the centre of the approach taken by the Microsoft Dream Space team.

The research also highlights a growing integration of digital tools in classrooms, from online worksheets to interactive quizzes, with more experienced teachers using a broader range of tools compared to newer teachers. However, adoption is uneven, especially in schools slower to embrace AI. While 83% of surveyed teachers agree they have not received adequate training to use tech and AI tools effectively, this issue is more pronounced in schools slower to embrace AI, where 67% cite insufficient training as a major barrier, compared to just 32% in faster-adopting schools.

Most educators report student use of laptops, tablets, or computers during lessons. In digitally advanced schools, 40% say devices are used in most teaching, compared to just 15% in slower-adopting schools. Overall, 26% of teachers report high usage (over 75% of teaching), while 51% report moderate use.

Generative AI has seen the fastest growth among digital tools in the past year, marking a shift in teaching approaches. Adoption also varies by location: 64% of urban educators describe their school’s digital transformation as fast or very fast, compared to 45% in suburban and 34% in rural schools. Teachers who use digital tools extensively are more likely to report rapid adoption (74%) than those who use them rarely (30%).

Despite these advances, confidence gaps remain, particularly among non-STEM teachers – only 18% feel fully equipped to use digital technology effectively in the classroom. Even among STEM educators, many report that a lack of ongoing support has limited the impact of their training.

In fact, 81% of teachers say they are lacking formal training in AI, and there is strong consensus among school leaders (92%) that AI training should be a mandatory part of both initial teacher education (ITE) and continuing professional development (CPD).

Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy*
To help address the research findings and support teachers to leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom, Microsoft today announced the expansion of its Dream Space Teacher Academy for the 2025/2026 academic year. This free, multi-week programme is designed to help primary and post-primary teachers begin their journey with AI in education. It focuses on building confidence and understanding, starting with the basics of how AI works and why AI literacy matters.

Teachers will explore how AI can support productivity, learn how to use it responsibly and ethically, and access resources to help students develop their own AI literacy and future-ready skills. On completion, participants will earn a digital badge via Credly, with opportunities for further professional development and accreditation.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD said: “Microsoft’s latest research underscores the opportunity for AI and digital tools to enhance teaching and learning, as well as the need to support educators with the right training and support to use them effectively. The new national guidance on AI in schools published by the Department of Education is an important step in that journey, providing a clear framework to help educators adopt these technologies responsibly and confidently.

“This aligns with the broader direction of our education system, including the new primary curriculum’s emphasis on digital literacy and modern skills. Across further and higher education, we remain focused on preparing both learners and educators to thrive in an AI-enabled world. Industry has a vital role to play in this, and I’m delighted to join Microsoft today in announcing this expanded AI skills offering for teachers through the Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy.”

James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, added: “Microsoft is committed to supporting Irish educators to bring a digital mindset into the classroom to enhance learning and student engagement. This research shows that teachers are ready to embrace AI, but they need the right support to do so confidently and responsibly. As the new guidance on the use of AI in the classroom highlights, it’s not just about having access to digital tools; it’s about understanding how AI works and how to use it in ways that truly benefit students.

“That’s why we’re expanding the Dream Space Teacher Academy and investing further in our ambition to Skill Up Ireland. We are committed to helping teachers build the skills, trust and AI literacy they need to confidently use AI in the classroom. By focusing on responsible use, digital understanding and practical classroom application, we hope to support educators to create more inclusive, engaging and future-ready learning experiences for every student across the island of Ireland.” 

Educators interested in joining the free Microsoft Dream Space Teacher Academy can register their interest by the 13th of November at: Dream Space Teacher Packages.

ERP Ireland Encourages Public to Embrace Tech Reuse, Repair, and Recycling This World Earth Day

Tuesday, 22nd April is World Earth Day and the European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for WEEE and Waste Batteries, is calling on households to stop tech hoarding and consider reuse, repair or recycling their old or broken electrical items.
Whether its cluttering kitchen cupboards or stashed away in the infamous man drawer Irish homes, attics and garden sheds are full of forgotten electrical items. According to new Coyne Research commissioned by ERP, 1 in 3 adults claim they are holding on to unused electrical items because they haven’t got around to recycling them (32%). A further 15% say they are holding onto old electronics because they might repair them in future.
“Irish homes are full of old and forgotten mobile phones, laptops, tablets and gadgets that we haven’t touched in years,” says James Burgess, Country General Manager at ERP. “World Earth Day, just after Easter, is the perfect moment to take stock and do something positive for the planet. We want people to consider how their old tech can have a new lease of life, either by being repaired, or by being recycled so it’s components can be used again.”
Time to Close the Loop
ERP’s research also reveals a shift in how Irish consumers view technology as refurbished tech grows in popularity.
  • 44% of consumers have bought second-hand or refurbished electronics before (44%).
  • Gen Z are leading the charge, with 3 in 5 (60%) opting for refurbished tech, compared to just 1 in 4 (26%) Baby Boomers.
  • Smartphones top the list of most commonly purchased refurbished items (51%), followed by laptops (26%) and tablets (14%).
  • Quality, price, and warranty matter most to consumers when purchasing refurbished motivators.
  • And tellingly, there’s been a +6% increase in people holding onto old electronics with the intention to repair them in the past year but not getting round to it.
This World Earth Day, ERP is reminding the public that repairing and recycling are both central to ensuring a circular economy in Ireland.
“We need to move away from a throwaway culture – and that starts at home,” continues Burgess. “We’re asking everyone to take a moment to clear out those forgotten items and consider bringing them for repair where possible or taking them to a local recycling centre if needed. Don’t let them gather dust – let them make a difference.”
Free Recycling
This week, ERP Ireland launches its ERP Free Electrical Drop Off Events schedule for 2025 with events announced for Cavan, Clare, Fingal Dublin, Kerry, Meath, and Monaghan. The programme offers householders an accessible central collection point to bring their unused and broken electrical items and used batteries for recycling. ERP Ireland also partnered with Lidl Ireland to offer a series of free household electrical recycling events at some of their stores.
Find your nearest ERP FREE Electrical recycling Drop Off event at www.erp-recycling.ie

Blast Off and Go Green with ERP’s EcoTrashShip at St. Patrick’s Festival

The European Recycling Platform (ERP), Ireland’s only pan-European compliance scheme for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Waste Batteries continues their Sustainability Partnership with St. Patrick’s Festival, coinciding with their 20th anniversary in Ireland. ERP, in collaboration with artist group FORJA Works, has created a WEEE-inspired installation entitled ‘EcoTrashShip’ that will take festivalgoers on a mission to reduce electrical waste on Earth while reaching for the stars! With research showing that 1 in 3 people are hoarding unused or broken electrical items in their homes, ERP is encouraging everyone to Go Green and Boldy Recycle their electrical waste over the long weekend.
The ERP ‘EcoTrashShip’ is a fun, space-themed installation that stands over 16 feet tall, is fully solar powered, and is composed of more than 100 electrical items, such as TVs, laptops, phones, and cables, which are some of the most frequently recycled electrical items in Ireland. Research conducted by Coyne Research in January 2025 revealed that 1 in 5 (20%)  people in Ireland recycled old TVs in the past 12 months, 1 in 6 (17%) recycled old mobile phones, and 1 in 8 (13%) recycled old laptops. Since the WEEE Directive was launched in Ireland in 2005, ERP has collected almost 220,000 tonnes of WEEE, and 4,500 tonnes of batteries in Ireland – that’s 480 times the weight of the International Space Station!
 
This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival theme, Adventures (Eachtraí), celebrates the adventurous spirit that defines Irish culture. The ERP ‘EcoTrashShip’ aligns with this spirit by blending art and activism, aiming to inspire change and highlights ERP’s commitment to a circular future where nothing goes to waste.
James Burgess, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland said: “What if your old kettle, laptop, or hairdryer became part of a spaceship? When you recycle your electrical waste, these products are broken down, and the materials can be reused. Every wire, chip, and circuit in this spaceship has had a past life— from the gadgets we’ve outgrown to the stars we dream of — the EcoTrashShip is transforming everyday waste into something extraordinary.
 
We are excited to be working with St. Patrick’s Festival again this year to join them on eco-friendly adventure! We hope our EcoTrashShip will inspire the thousands of visitors in Dublin over the weekend to join our mission to Go Green and Boldly Recycle their old and broken electrical items!”
Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the European Recycling Platform for a second year, building on the success of our collaboration in promoting sustainability. Last year, the Trash Mammoth captured imaginations and sparked vital conversations about responsible recycling. This year, it has evolved into the EcoTrashShip—taking our mission to new heights and inspiring even more communities to embrace sustainable practices. Sustainability remains at the heart of our organisation, and by working with the European Recycling Platform, we can continue leading the way toward a greener future.”
FORJA Works ensure a circular construction process; the spaceship will be disassembled after the weekend and all materials re-purposed for future art projects. This approach transforms discarded technological components into functional and artistic materials, promoting sustainability while addressing the growing challenge of e-waste.
The EcoTrashShip installation will be on display at St. Patrick’s Park, Dublin 8, from the 15th and 16th March, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Rain Technology Embeds Visual Security and Delivers Display Innovation From Smartphone to AR/VR

CES 2025, CEO Robert Ramsey, Ph.D. and Chief Scientist Michael Robinson, Ph.D. of Rain Technology, creator of the world’s most advanced directional display technologies, has shared expert commentary and select video explainers about:

  • The market outlook for emerging display technologies.
  • The big leap in visual privacy to combat shoulder surfers.
  • Key advances in AR and VR optical design to spur mass adoption.
  • Opportunities to capitalize on display innovations today.

The Market Outlook for Emerging Display Technologies

Whether for business or personal use, displays of all types are central to our everyday experience. However, the amount and type of information displayed, the types of devices themselves, the hardware technologies used to provide higher quality and more efficient images, and the situations in which these devices are used all continue to expand at an incredible rate. As such, significant market opportunity exists for companies developing innovative solutions. Experts in optics and photonics with a legacy in 3D cinema, Rain Technology scientists are radically changing the playing field for visual privacy and superior optical performance in emerging display technologies, which will transform the market by enabling the type of experiences that drive mass adoption through quality and comfort.

One of Rain Technology’s innovations that has been broadly adopted is Switchable Privacy™, a thin liquid crystal layer in the display that switches privacy on and off, preventing peripheral viewers from seeing sensitive content. See the details of how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/y05VX8Pundg. This has applicability across fraud prevention, securing confidential information, and ensuring personal privacy. It has already shipped millions of units through industry-leading partners. In addition, the company’s innovations in privacy have been successfully leveraged and deployed in the automotive sector. Specifically, No-Driver-Distraction™ helps create safer driving experiences by preventing driver distraction caused by light emitted from passenger screens, and Display Screen Branding™ provides off-axis brand promotion by manufacturers and retailers.

Rain Technology will subsequently be adapted to further define the future of AR and VR in gaming, business, medical, and military defense. Its patented approach, Anamorphic-XR™, which relies on common, easy to manufacture materials, delivers fundamentally superior capabilities to existing AR and VR optics to improve user experience, performance and comfort. It has the potential to significantly increase consumer adoption as well as time spent engaged with devices, opening new opportunities for consumer, enterprise, military and industrial uses.

A Big Leap in Visual Privacy for Every Device

Identity theft and data breaches are on the rise, compounded by mobile work, whether remote or simply in transit. Shoulder surfers, visual hackers, and snoopers are omnipresent. Although the market for adhesive-based privacy screens for smartphones, laptops and monitors is valued at over a billion dollars and set to double in five years, it is a stopgap, lacking the ability to be controlled by enterprise IT and security policy and compromising device performance and usability.

Consumers will begin to see device and display manufacturers as well as enterprise IT departments and application developers placing a higher priority on integrating software solutions with new embedded display technologies to deliver increased privacy and control at the source. This newfound level of security will put mobile privacy in everyone’s pocket and across laptops, point of sale, automotive, tablets, and other devices.

Rain Technology is powering this change. Its patented Switchable Privacy controls the viewing angle to protect enterprises and individuals from visual hacking, data fraud, and identity theft. Switchable Privacy is applicable across the displays for smartphones, laptops, POS and ATM terminals, automotive dashboards and in-cabin displays, and medical kiosks. See more about Switchable Privacy here: https://youtu.be/4IzHUionehY.

Key Advances in AR and VR Performance to Spur Mass Adoption

AR and VR devices have been hyped for decades but have yet to realize their potential. To achieve mass adoption, the device hardware must significantly improve in weight, power efficiency, brightness, image quality, and eye comfort. Rain Technology’s Anamorphic-XR represents a crucial advancement in the evolution of AR and VR features, functionality and performance.

Rising consumer interest and commercial long-term strategies from the major players in AR and VR will be complemented by substantial government investment in these innovations, particularly in headsets and navigation and targeting systems. This dual trajectory of technological enhancement, spurred by Anamorphic-XR, and strategic funding will propel the industry forward. This will effectively pave the way for broader integration by the leading AR and VR manufacturers into various sectors, ultimately transforming how people interact with their digital and physical environments. As these improvements are integrated, a surge in user engagement can be expected in terms of session time and application diversity, from entertainment to surgery to day-to-day interaction with the environment.

Opportunities to Capitalize on Display Innovations Today

  • Smartphones – Rain Technology is working with smartphone manufacturers to integrate its embedded Switchable Privacy display technology, ensuring peak performance in optical clarity, color and luminance, while providing Privacy Mode for optimal protection and Share Mode for collaboration. Available now for smartphone brands, display manufacturers, and component suppliers from Rain Technology.
  • Laptops, Tablets and Monitors – Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables viewing in Share Mode and Privacy Mode as well as delivering best-in-class performance for image clarity, color and luminance. Available now to laptop brands and manufacturers from Rain Technology.
  • Retail POS – Customer and staff-operated POS terminal numbers are expanding rapidly, and customers are increasingly sensitive to their data being “visually hacked” or even their privacy compromised during cart review, transaction or tipping at point of sale. Optimizing POS devices for both retailers and consumers, Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers to deliver a Privacy Mode for consumer transaction security as well as a Share Mode for brand promotion. Now available to retailers from POS manufacturer Datecs and direct from Rain Technology.
  • Bank ATMs – With more than 3 million ATMs around the world, shopping, dining and withdrawing cash puts consumers as well as merchants, retailers and bankers at risk. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables ATM manufacturers to ensure financial service providers can mitigate the risk of data breaches, meet regulatory compliance, and foster consumer loyalty and trust. Available today to ATM manufacturers and supply chain providers direct from Rain Technology.
  • Medical Kiosks – Private patient information, governed by HIPAA regulations, is often displayed on screens across the medical environment, from check-in kiosks to registration desks to hospital nurses stations, pharmacies and more. Rain Technology’s Switchable Privacy enables manufacturers of monitors and tablets to deliver a Privacy Mode for patient privacy and Share Mode for collaboration. Now available to manufacturers and display providers across the healthcare industry through Rain Technology.
  • Automotive Displays – Bridging the gap between passenger infotainment and safe driving while meeting evolving legislative safety standards, Rain Technology’s No-Driver-Distraction controls the viewing angle and luminous levels so the display screens within the cabin can only be viewed by the intended audience (driver or passenger). Rain Technology’s Display Screen Branding delivers a unique in-cabin design and branding opportunity for marketers. Available today to automotive suppliers, tier one integrators, and brands both directly from Rain Technology and via display manufacturer Tianma.
  • AR and VR – The future of AR and VR relies at least partly on hardware device advances. Rain Technology is the first to introduce a patented optical design approach — Anamorphic-XR — that holds significant advantages over existing systems in the areas of image quality, color, field of view, brightness (up to 10x improvement), weight, and comfort. Currently available as a proof-of-concept demonstrator, Rain Technology is actively engaging with partners to integrate this technology into future device and wearable offerings.

To learn more, visit www.raintechnology.com.

CES 2025 news

Dell unveils new XPS 13, 14 and 16 laptops ahead of CES 2024

Ahead of CES 2024, Dell has announced a major change to its portfolio of XPS laptops with the introduction of the XPS 16 and XPS 14 and the revamp of the XPS 13 Plus to XPS 13. This trio of laptops place the focus on futuristic design and productivity with built-in AI.

The new XPS designs take a minimalistic approach. The portfolio is made of CNC machined aluminium and Gorilla Glass 3, and tone-on-tone colours (available in Graphite and Platinum). The striking, unconventional look has key components that amplify the laptop experience. They feature a touch function row to switch between media and function keys easily, a seamless glass touchpad with haptic feedback, and larger keycaps that provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience with every keystroke.

“With XPS, we have a long history of taking risks, being inquisitive and asking big design questions,” said Donnie Oliphant, Senior Director for XPS Product Marketing at Dell Technologies. “At CES 2022, we showcased our vision of the future with XPS 13 Plus – an elegant and modern device, designed with simplicity at the core. Now, we are unifying the design across our XPS portfolio. We are introducing new screen sizes with the XPS 16 and XPS 14 and we’re revamping the XPS 13 Plus to XPS 13. This trio of laptops share elements that eliminate distractions and place the focus on productivity.”

Style Meets Performance

Each new XPS laptop features InfinityEdge panels with OLED touch options, variable refresh rates, high resolution options, stunning colour and Dolby Vision® for rich detail. The new portfolio boasts an exceptional audio experience starting with a quad speaker design, support for Dolby Atmos® immersive audio, and 3D stereo surround from MaxxAudio® Pro by Waves. Plus, the new intelligent FHD 1080p webcam provides crystal clear video calls.

The lineup also brings new AI-enabled features, with AI acceleration built into the device thanks to Intel Core Ultra processors and experiences brought to life by Windows 11. These experiences enhance creativity and productivity while also providing better performance and longer battery life. All XPS laptops feature ExpressCharge to recharge 80% of battery life in just 60 minutes, so you can keep your creative flow going.

Introducing the New XPS Portfolio

Dell pioneered the art of engineering narrow bezels to minimize its footprint and maximize screen size. Now the company is introducing its new immersive 16- and 14-inch screens. The new XPS 16 and XPS 14 bring more portability to XPS laptops and place the focus on performance and design.

The XPS 16 is the frontrunner of the portfolio, with supercharged performance for complex workloads. Featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs (up to the GeForce RTX 4070 GPU), the XPS 16 is Dell’s most powerful XPS laptop with up to 80W of sustained performance. Ideal for those running demanding apps, whether it’s editing videos or testing the latest AI software, users have a smooth and fast experience.

Combining performance, design and portability, the XPS 14 is a great option for those who need the freedom of working from anywhere. The XPS 14 is 21% lighter than the XPS 16, but it still delivers powerful performance to complete challenging tasks with ease. With optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs (up to the GeForce RTX 4050 GPU), you can edit and play high-resolution videos effortlessly. And with long battery life, it’s a refined laptop made to move with you.

Both XPS 16 and XPS 14 are NVIDIA Studio-validated systems3, meaning they deliver industry-leading performance for demanding creative tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and live streaming, while offering exclusive access to the Studio AI-powered suite of tools and enhanced stability with NVIDIA Studio Drivers.

AI, Your New Best Friend

AI and generative AI (GenAI) are driving the latest wave of innovation and unlocking new possibilities on the PC. The new XPS portfolio, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, features a built-in AI acceleration engine with the addition of a NPU (neural processing unit).

This means the PC no longer needs to rely solely on the CPU or GPU for processing and performance. Imagine you are a creator who is always on the go and editing photos in Adobe Lightroom. This new technology automatically leverages the right compute engine for your workload, in this case letting you edit images faster than before while preserving battery life.

The laptops all come with Copilot in Windows 11, harnessing the capabilities of AI to make the things you do every day easier, faster and effortless. The portfolio also features a Copilot key designed to make it even easier to get things done and stay in the flow of work. Now – with the press of a key – users can have quick access to their everyday AI companion.

Sustainable From Top to Bottom

Dell continues its commitment to incorporate more sustainable materials in both its products and packaging. The new XPS family has the highest level of sustainable materials yet, and, for the first time, the new XPS family is designed with recycled aluminium and low emissions aluminum made from a renewable energy source. This reduces the carbon footprint of this material by up to 89%4. Made from 100% recycled or renewable content5, the packaging used to protect XPS laptops brings the company one step closer to meeting our ambitious 2030 Advancing Sustainability Goals.

The new XPS family is registered EPEAT Gold and complies with EPEAT’s new and stringent climate criteria to achieve the EPEAT Climate+ Designation. With the Climate+ designation, these laptops have met industry’s best practices for decarbonization.