Samsung Electronics is expanding its portable display lineup with The Freestyle+, an updated version of its compact projector that puts a stronger emphasis on AI. Announced ahead of CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the new model builds on the original Freestyle design while aiming to reduce setup friction even further, whether it is used in a bedroom, living room, or taken on the go.
Portability remains the core idea. The Freestyle+ keeps the familiar cylindrical form factor that made the earlier model easy to move between rooms, but Samsung is positioning it as more than a novelty device. With brightness rated at 430 ISO lumens, nearly double that of the previous generation, the projector is better suited for real-world lighting conditions where total darkness is not always practical.
A major focus of the update is AI OptiScreen, Samsung’s automated screen optimization system. The goal is a point-and-play experience where users can place the projector, aim it, and start watching without manual adjustments. The system handles 3D auto keystone correction to compensate for uneven or angled surfaces, real-time focus that adapts as the projector moves, automatic screen fitting when paired with a compatible projection surface, and wall calibration that analyzes surface color and texture to reduce visual distractions.
These features tie into Samsung’s broader Vision AI Companion approach, which combines enhanced Bixby capabilities with AI services from partner companies. The idea is to make interacting with on-screen content feel more natural, whether users are searching for something to watch, adjusting settings, or navigating apps. As with many AI features, how often people rely on it versus traditional controls will determine its real value.
Flexibility is another key selling point. The Freestyle+ uses a 180-degree rotating design that allows projection onto walls, ceilings, or floors without extra mounts or accessories. That makes it easier to adapt to different rooms and viewing scenarios, especially for casual or family use where convenience matters more than a perfectly optimized home theater setup.
The projector is also designed to work as a standalone entertainment device. Built-in access to Samsung TV Plus, certified streaming services, and Samsung Gaming Hub means users do not need an external streaming stick or console. This approach reinforces the portable nature of the device, reducing cables and making it easier to move from place to place. Gaming Hub support also suggests Samsung sees The Freestyle+ as a casual gaming display, particularly for cloud-based titles.
Audio is handled by an integrated 360-degree speaker designed to fill a room despite the projector’s compact size. For users with compatible Samsung soundbars, Q-Symphony allows the projector’s speaker to work in sync with external audio equipment for a fuller sound experience, though it is clearly not intended to replace a dedicated surround setup.
Samsung plans to showcase The Freestyle+ at CES 2026, running January 6 through January 9 in Las Vegas, with a phased global rollout expected in the first half of the year. Pricing has not been announced yet, leaving open the question of how Samsung will position it against a growing number of lower-cost portable projectors.
