Introduction: A Smarter Portable Projector for 2026
Samsung has unveiled the Freestyle Plus, the latest version of its portable projector, at CES 2026. While the core concept remains a compact, cylinder-shaped device designed for quick setup and flexible placement, the “Plus” in its name signals a new emphasis on artificial intelligence. Samsung positions The Freestyle Plus as an accessible way to bring cinema-like entertainment, smart home features, and ambient lighting into any room—without the need for complex setup.
What’s New With The Freestyle Plus
The Freestyle Plus retains the beloved portability of the original Freestyle, but adds several AI-powered capabilities designed to simplify use and improve picture quality. While many of these features are described as AI-driven, Samsung stresses that they are practical, on-device tools rather than every feature needing a cloud connection. Expect improvements in:
- Smart image adjustments that optimize color accuracy and brightness based on the room’s lighting and content type.
- Auto-framing and alignment improvements to help project a balanced image even when placed at odd angles.
- Voice-activated controls and predictive app suggestions to reduce the number of taps needed to start a movie or presentation.
- Efficient power management and performance tuning, leveraging AI to extend battery life in portable mode.
These AI enhancements are designed to keep the Freestyle Plus user-friendly for families, students, and mobile professionals who want a plug-and-play theater experience without sacrificing portability.
Performance and Visual Capabilities
Details on brightness and resolution for The Freestyle Plus mirror the spirit of the original model, with a focus on color richness and sharpness in a compact form factor. Samsung’s AI-driven adjustments promise to boost dynamic range on the fly, making HDR content pop in living rooms or outdoor viewing spaces. The projector’s auto-keystone and quick-corner correction are complemented by smarter scene detection, which recognizes whether you’re streaming a movie, sharing photos, or giving a presentation and optimizes settings accordingly.
Smart Home and Entertainment Integration
With AI at its core, The Freestyle Plus is positioned as a hub for casual smart home entertainment. Expect seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, simplifying screen casting from mobile devices, syncing with compatible soundbars, and automating lighting scenes to match what’s playing. The on-device AI is designed to minimize the need for external apps, enabling quick launches of streaming services or photo slideshows with natural language prompts or simple gestures.
What It Means for Buyers
For current Freestyle owners, the upgrade path to The Freestyle Plus will likely involve a mid-cycle refresh, with the new AI features offered as a firmware or hardware-enhanced package depending on the model. For new buyers, the Plus branding signals a more capable, ready-to-use solution that blends ultra-compact form with intelligent enhancements. The device remains a strong option for dorm rooms, apartments, or small living spaces where traditional home theater setups are impractical.
Potential Limitations and Considerations
As with any AI-assisted device, users should consider privacy and data handling. Samsung emphasizes on-device processing for many AI tasks to reduce cloud dependence, but users should review settings to control what data is used for personalization. Additionally, while AI can optimize visuals, it cannot replace a high-end projector for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who demand professional calibration and maximum peak brightness.
Conclusion: A Practical AI-Driven Upgrade
The Freestyle Plus marks Samsung’s latest step in marrying portability with smarter, AI-assisted features. It’s a practical upgrade for anyone who enjoys quick, flexible entertainment setups without sacrificing ease of use. As CES 2026 showcases push the industry toward more intelligent home devices, The Freestyle Plus stands out as a consumer-friendly example of AI enhancing everyday viewing experiences.
