Ahead of the official opening of CES 2026 next week, Samsung announced the latest successor to its popular portable projector – The Freestyle+.
This new product continuesThe series features a signature cylindrical design and a 180-degree rotating support.However, the "+" sign this time highlights the key issue of addressing two major pain points of the previous generation: brightness and the flexibility of automatic correction. Samsung emphasizes that through new AI technology and hardware upgrades, The Freestyle+ will deliver a brighter and smarter projection experience than ever before.
Brightness doubled! 430 ISO lumens no longer "dying in bright light"
For portable projectors, brightness has always been the biggest weakness. The Freestyle+ has boosted the brightness to 430 ISO lumens, which the company claims is almost double that of its predecessor. This means that in typical indoor lighting conditions or daytime camping, the image will be clearer and the contrast better, no longer limited to completely dark environments.
AI OptiScreen: Uneven wall? Still throws straight!
In addition to brightness, Samsung has introduced a screen optimization technology called "AI OptiScreen" this time, the most eye-catching feature of which is 3D Auto Keystone.
Unlike previous methods that could only correct images projected onto flat walls, the new technology claims to correct image distortion when projected onto uneven surfaces (such as curtains, walls with corners, or sloping surfaces). Combined with Real-time Focus and Wall Calibration functions, users can truly project instantly, as the machine automatically analyzes the wall's color and texture to compensate and reduce visual interference.
In addition, the enhanced Bixby voice assistant is integrated through the Vision AI Companion platform, making operation and interaction more natural.
Built-in Gaming Hub, play AAA games without a console
In terms of entertainment features, The Freestyle+ remains a fully functional Smart TV. It includes a built-in Samsung Gaming Hub, supporting cloud streaming game services such as Xbox Game Pass; simply pair it with a Bluetooth controller to play. For audio, it features 360-degree speakers and supports Q-Symphony technology, allowing for synchronized sound output with Samsung's own soundbar for enhanced surround sound.
While the first-generation Freestyle boasted an eye-catching design, its brightness was somewhat insufficient and its autofocus occasionally faltered, making it struggle against competitors like XGIMI or Anker. The Freestyle+, however, significantly boosts brightness to 430 ISO lumens. While still lagging behind large home theater cameras, its practicality is greatly improved for a portable, atmosphere-oriented product like this.
Even more interesting is the 3D Auto Keystone feature. For campers or renters, finding a perfectly flat white wall is often difficult. If AI can truly keep the projected image square and clear even when behind curtains or in a corner, this would be a killer application for portable projectors.
