Samsung Unveils The Freestyle Plus at CES 2026
Samsung has unveiled the latest iteration of its compact, cylindrical projector at CES 2026, rebranding it as The Freestyle Plus. The core design remains audibly familiar: a small, portable device that can project a bright image virtually anywhere. The big change this year is the integration of AI features designed to simplify setup, improve image quality, and enhance the user experience—without sacrificing the device’s hallmark portability.
What “Plus” Really Means: AI on a Tiny Stage
As the name suggests, the Plus edition adds AI capabilities to the existing Freestyle formula. Samsung markets these features as a way to automate common tasks and fine-tune performance based on the viewing environment. In practice, you can expect improvements in areas such as auto-calibration, scene selection, and voice-driven controls. While the AI isn’t a full-blown smart assistant in the living room sense, it applies machine learning techniques to optimize brightness, color balance, and keystone correction on the fly.
Auto-Calibration and Picture Tuning
One of the standout improvements is smarter auto-calibration. The Freestyle Plus uses sensors and onboard processing to analyze ambient light, screen distance, and angle, then makes automatic adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color temperature. The result is a more accurate image with less manual tweaking, especially beneficial for users who swap rooms frequently or project onto different surfaces.
AI-Powered Scene and Sound
Beyond visuals, the Freestyle Plus leverages AI to select picture presets based on the content and lighting conditions. For example, a dark movie scene might prompt a cooler, higher-contrast setting, while a bright outdoor scene could boost brightness and color saturation. The update also touches audio, with AI-assisted sound profiling that adapts to room acoustics, delivering clearer dialogue and balanced overall sound without requiring complex setup.
User Experience: Simplicity Across a Compact Form
The Freestyle Plus continues to emphasize ease of use and portability. Users can quickly pair the device with a smartphone or remote, access streaming apps, and start a movie or presentation with minimal steps. While the AI features add depth, Samsung keeps the interface approachable, avoiding overbearing automation that could disrupt simple viewing experiences.
Practical Considerations: Battery Life, Connectivity, and Compatibility
With the Plus model, Samsung has not dramatically altered the hardware footprint. Expect similar compact dimensions and a short-throw setup that lets the projector fill a sizable wall from a close range. Battery life remains a key differentiator for true portability, so buyers should compare the new model’s endurance against their typical use case. On the connectivity front, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and casting options continue to be central, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of devices and ecosystems.
Why The Freestyle Plus Matters in 2026
The release marks Samsung’s ongoing strategy to blend smart features with a highly portable projector. AI-driven improvements address a common pain point: keeping the viewing experience effortless across different rooms and lighting conditions. For travelers, students, and casual movie lovers, The Freestyle Plus offers a more forgiving, plug-and-play experience without demanding extensive setup or calibration expertise.
Pricing and Availability
Details on pricing and exact launch windows vary by region, but Samsung typically positions the Freestyle line as a premium yet accessible option in portable home entertainment. Prospective buyers should watch for CES demos, pre-orders, and in-store availability as the model ships to key markets later this year.
Bottom Line
The Freestyle Plus adds meaningful AI features to Samsung’s portable projector, reinforcing the idea that the future of on-the-go home cinema lies in intelligent automation that stays out of the way. If you value a compact design, quick setup, and smarter image tuning that adapts to your room, the Freestyle Plus is worth watching as it becomes available in your market.
