Lenovo’s Project Crystal is the first laptop in the world with a transparent microLED display

At Mobile World Congress 2024, Lenovo showed off a new concept device called Project Crystal, which the company claims is the world’s first laptop with a transparent microLED display. Commissioned by Lenovo’s ThinkPad division, Project Crystal is meant to explore potential use cases for systems with transparent displays. And while there are no plans to turn the concept into a retail device, between its screen and a touch-based keyboard, Lenovo’s latest concept feels like a glimpse at our future sci-fi laptops.
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[@guitarazn90210]

Might be useful for cars, turning the entire windshield into a HUD.

[@GudieveNing]

Exactly. We are doing precisely that at my work after seeing the transparent displays at CES this year. Our EV will be called CHi.

[@RichardStrong86]

That kind of thing might be a potential hazard that distracts the driver. It'll be a task to make such a thing road legal given that kind of problem.

[@guitarazn90210]

@@RichardStrong86 We already have giant tablets that force drivers to look away from the road, and yet regulators have done fuck all about that. Heads up displays are supposed to keep you looking mostly forward, which is why they are used on aircraft.

[@MichaelGGarry]

@@RichardStrong86 HUDs already exist in cars, how would this be any different?

[@alstonmiller212]

@@RichardStrong86it only active if you have the car parked it can still be useful

[@ryofang]

boss's favorite pc for you.

[@MyPhone-xp4vw]

I was thinking the same thing. Bosses could actually see if you're really working or playing games or worse... porn.

[@snowflakemelter7171]

​@@MyPhone-xp4vw They can already remotely access your device to monitor you.

[@tawamajik6982]

​@@MyPhone-xp4vw lmaooo

[@jc-tu6pg]

3:03 tech companies making solutions for problems i didn't even know i had

[@davidf6887]

This is mostly for investigation... this how tech and humanity moves forward..

[@ThatOne5]

create a problem and sell them the solution.

[@JooJSilvZ]

Lenovo does this in 2024: Nobody cares. Apples does this in 2039: Its sold out. This tech is AMAZING. Even for a concept.

[@YCHTT]

OMG China copied and stole US's technology of 2050 AGAIN!

[@hugowells3052]

Apple won’t do it because it’s dumb idea

[@indigos.4227]

Amazing... for what though. It's a ridiculous stupid idea.

[@starksuman]

Instead of using this as main display it will be great for accessory displays like a transparent side panel of pc to show art work or real time monitoring, car HUD, smart windows glass etc etc

[@motherflerkentannhauser8152]

yeah then they should've just showcased the screen technology alone rather than building a whole new laptop for it where it has very little use. Even they themselves said they don't plan on releasing this laptop, they just want to show off the screen lol.

[@winmac2565]

Museum Displays would be incredible with type of technology!

[@Novashadow115]

Ayyy, that's a cool idea

[@nunya5136]

True

[@haroldcruz8550]

Advertisements on office glass walls as well

[@user-uu4wz7fw8p]

This is basically one of those "just because you can do it doesn't mean you should" moments.

[@makromi2630]

This is basically what everyone says on every technology ever.

[@user-uu4wz7fw8p]

@@makromi2630 yeah? How's your walking sleeping bag doing?

[@tawamajik6982]

For real bro

[@zaldronthesage]

Okay boomer

[@user-uu4wz7fw8p]

@@zaldronthesage ok groomer

[@adaax]

The person sitting across from me at the coffee shop thanks you for making it so easy to steal my personal information.

[@tawamajik6982]

😂😂😂

[@ropro9817]

I'm still having trouble thinking of a good use case for a transparent display... 🤔

[@elegantcastle00]

VR/AR glasses

[@jakl10]

they can be used in schools for teachers to see what students are doing and make sure they don’t cheat etc

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

Probably something porn related. That’s the ultimate end goal for all tech advancements

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

Co-operative gooning.

[@mint-o5497]

I dont care it looks cool as duck

[@MichaelJacob]

01:53 "by adding a black panel behind it" lol then wtf is even the purpose of a see-through display

[@jasonskerrett3826]

I had the exact same thought

[@imeakdo7]

Making it look sci-fi

[@Tech_Enthusiast_001]

I don't see a reason to have this at all to be frank. I mean... what does this add, apart from new problems? Any benefit? Like at all?

[@blenderguy3250]

To get lower quality display! So cool

[@marcosanelobriceno1206]

@@Tech_Enthusiast_001looks incredibly fricking cool

[@tuliogomide4158]

Would need a back shadow layer with liquid crystal to make solid colors, only when the pixel is on, to block the external light

[@TheManinblack1011]

1:55....that's what a present day laptop is 🤣

[@brandnaqua]

2024: the year of futuristic, but potentially dystopian tech. :p

[@haroldcruz8550]

You already have Microsoft and Google for that, you are living under a rock if you haven't realized that already

[@violentlypink6680]

For a mech display this would have a huge benefit

[@EnronnSierra]

They took Aero Glass literally. Windows 7 would look super cool on this.

[@dtloveless]

This is way cool! They could add an LCD layer to the back for a privacy mode or a theater mode for better contrast, and it could be a custom design for when the screen is off.

[@softlight7625]

Than evry one can see what are you working on.... live!!!

[@BeanieKing]

I like how the display got RGB, depending on which angle you view it from

[@DavidMohring]

The first company to make a clear screen as a drop in replacement version for the screen of Framework's 16" laptop would sell a few. Also a touch screen replacement for the touchpad of Framework's 16" laptop would sell a few as well.

[@stephenbehren1230]

I would say this concept is much more suitable for a smart home hub display as it gives aesthetic to your living room like giving weather info or showing notifications, instead of making it into a laptop.

[@carlos10571]

Please do make and sell this, Lenovo🥺

[@inceptional]

So, would this maybe be a peak at the future of potential display tech for advanced AR glasses some day? One practical use case for the current screen design could be monitors in offices, so you can see the rest of the office and your colleagues behind them if you like and don't feel so blocked off. Or maybe as display windows on store fronts.

[@evolicious]

Nope, direct projection tech is FAR superior, and can give you the presence required for AR (like hololense/2). This display would not be capable of that experience.

[@q1337]

one of those electrically aligned crystal panels behind and bam, you got adjustable transparency where you can quite literally turn a knob to set how much transparency you want. This screen will only be useful (like in scifi) if we figure out how to localize the transparency to certain parts, then the real future is here

[@subscribers10millions]

Витрины магазинов скоро будут с такими экранами вместо стекол. Это наверное лучшее применение для них. А еще там не обязательно RGB, иногда одного цвета достаточно, чтобы крутить рекламу, и какие-то пиктограммы. Вся суть, что человек сможет видеть как снаружи, так и изнутри. Ну а также вместо голограммы, для видео звонков

[@matiasramon8456]

This reminds me of the Lenovo S800, it was a phone released in 2011 with a screen very much like this one

[@medithes1279]

>> Maybe we can get that cyberpunk mirror like all the scifi future forward ads show or maybe use it along with conference room windows or glass wall seperation albeit with a desktop pc at some corner ? or glass table top with virtual keyboard... but definetly bad as personal laptop for obvious explicit reasons...

[@ahdshifau]

If we can turn off the see thru... like for electric blinds. Then it would be usable in an office environment where you can just show and when required turn off the see thru by activating eclectic blinds.

[@DylanF]

I work in ICT. In the last 4 months, I've had two people come to hand in iPads they ran over by accident. Two people on two separate occasions, the same thing happened. If this type of screen ever came to market, I'd have a damn fit every time a person broke their device. Too many people have the motor skills of toddlers, and you can tell just by looking at their personal phones with the amount of cracked glass they have. Nice idea Lenovo but keep this crazy idea in the crazy box.

[@iricalexis7508]

Transparent layer for a laptop mode kinda didn't click for me, if it's for something like tablet, a simple monitor for public service, cars, or adds, then maybe. But a laptop?

[@Xanarch_Vigil]

A sliver of electrochromic filter on the inside of the back that can switch on and off should do the trick. Hopefully something like this could one day come to market.

[@brentdallyn8459]

Just because you can doesn't always mean you should, this is one of those moments

[@raggamuffin907]

Exactly!

[@FFFFPPPP]

Why? Always has to be a contrarian to try and tell us like it is whether invited or not. This is the future and one day we will all have some sort of screen/device like this.

[@meisuci4708]

How much is the price?

[@TENET_RAJ]

What is the use of being crystal clear and transparent?

[@evolicious]

no privacy

[@neuralgarden]

idk it's just cool, reminds me one that one scene in VGHS

[@fine93]

they better start making those, these are so cool!

[@robertgaines-tulsa]

They could just put an LCD panel behind it to block light. You could also just have it block light for certain areas of the screen. I can see certain situations when you might want a transparent screen for situational awareness or to be able to monitor children while you work. I REALLY don't want a touch keyboard. I need the tactile feedback. They might be able to make a touch keyboard when the keys are just raised. A touch typist rests their finger tips on the home keys, so I don't know.

[@majeddaas]

Add blur able transparent layer behind it, and you can sell this thing. But in this current state it's not even sellable. If the background behind the screen is noisy I can't focus on it. AND maybe i don't want anyone to see what I'm seeing 😅. So, a glass layer that can blur on demand is maybe a 50/50 solution instead of a black backpanel

[@solidust573]

Imagine this technology with virtual GPS navigation in vehicle windshields

[@Mondoness]

bro, that exists already

[@palpartymusic]

how much ??

[@worldwithraihan]

Price?

[@fernando651]

this was done over 25 years ago. i had an old thinkpad that you could take the back off and put it on an old school overhead projector.

[@ysts3452]

add a liquid layer at the background with dark pixel to adjust the transparency

[@Novashadow115]

Kinda like hybrid e-ink

[@gamegoof]

I like it

[@jean-lucpierre8636]

And defeat the purpose of the transparent screen in the process...

[@gamegoof]

The liquid layer can be turned on and off with voltage @@jean-lucpierre8636

[@ysts3452]

@@jean-lucpierre8636 adjustable transparency gives you more options but not taking away your option both transparent mode and conventional mode

[@andril]

my hyprland setup would pop on this

[@theleavingroom]

what do you need a transparent display, though?

[@Mondoness]

share porn with the room

[@parvejalam9371]

Wow sci fi things in movie slowly comes to real life 🎉🎉🎉

[@arpit9163]

You shoud have made a separate video talking about thinkpad updates. Its the one we really care about !

[@ilovewhatidoforyou]

The future is now baby 🙂

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

great coverage here! Thank you!

[@guidofoc7057]

I'd definitely like to have one just because it looks super cool. There may even be actual usage scenarios for this, either in places where you want to increase the "cool" factor and remove the barrier of a display between you and the customer (tv studios, hotel desks, etc) or for situations where you are matching something real with something virtual. Of course the coolest thing is screen savers though, imagine leaving your laptop and having some cool 3d demo playing "suspended" over your desk while you are not at the PC. I would say as soon as they add the option to make the screen opaque this thing could sell a lot, just for the cool factor.

[@Smartkid2387]

I feel like if the camera could be used to display the images on the computer, it would eliminate the need for projectors. So I guess that’s useful. I also think it would be good for schools so teachers could see what srudehts are doing

[@Ahmet-nd5ct]

it is like you have no walls in your bedroom.

[@hakanakdag9491]

this is a very interesting tech actually. for a laptop it might not be so practical. but for other devices this might be great.

[@quinnthompson]

I think the use case for transparent displays on a laptop will be pretty hard to come by. But this is a pretty incredible concept device- very cool!

[@lindaover7009]

cool tech but what kind of plant is that? it’s adorable

[@Siranoxz]

If they can solve the display on the back making it void of the display and manage to increase the modern standards in display technology in a transparent form factor then this might be the next thing.. Who knows. We could also see this for phones and tablets..

[@_Tree]

This SOUNDS nice, but I don't know until I saw it in person to know if it's worth buying

[@PumkinSeedandSpice]

i agree at some points the screen looks over exposed i’m not sure if it’s because of recording or what but definitely worth looking at in person

[@mfxx888]

imagine you are watching porn inside a airport lounge

[@evolicious]

literally no one will buy this gimmick

[@EmilSung-Jin]

@@evolicious no, some big company employer will so happy to buy this.. either it is laptop or transparent monitor..

[@mega-deblow3920]

This has been done for YEARS! Clear displays.

[@mohammedsaifuddin7040]

Can I run Linux OS in that?

[@chiragrachhoya5377]

That's so innovative❤

[@HenrikoMagnifico]

could be useful for industrial applications

[@rc653]

This is a cool concept for everything glass, like for vehicles and possibles objects likes plates, and cups. The creativity/imagination is endless.

[@ethanhenningfeld9455]

How do I buy this?

[@simaknaveedakther8755]

You can't this is a concept laptop

[@jjohnson71958]

love to have it

[@aliettienne2907]

7:58 Undeniably this transparent laptop is something to behold. 7:58 I think just the looks of it will be a selling point, practicality would be the less focus. 4:19 Eliminating the need to flip a laptop around is a good approach. 4:19 But it cost a lot just to get that concept to materialize. 4:19 I wonder if it can be cheaper to produce in the future.

[@justin4942]

I actually think of Iron Man 2 because of its modern look (now) and having a foundation support of holding the frame of the transparent displays. I would definitely like to see Lenovo push this even if it is going to cost a lot. Hell, I’m still mad about Microsoft when they cancelled the Surface Neo 😒

[@Sami.499]

cannot be used to see private stuff !

[@taxsi]

But why? What's the use of that transparent panel?

[@anthonylopez646]

Pienso que un diseño para colocar de dos formas entre transparente y de modo normal como las computadoras actuales. Sería una forma de mantener la privacidad cuando se necesite. Y bueno el punto dos los colores que obvio irán mejorando con el tiempo sin dudarlo a como la tecnología está avanzando. ❤

[@code4chaosmobile]

I hope some version of transparent displays end up in consumer hands. I'd buy one for sure

[@danebeee1]

For what reason??

[@Mondoness]

@@danebeee1 prolly just aesthetics, i cant think of any practical use for it.

[@EmilSung-Jin]

its it workable for some 3D display model. like property presentation. the one behind laptop, maybe customer can sit behind to view the model too

[@KYTHERAOfficial]

Looks cool (: thats enough (:

[@evelinecarolinelienhuaming1184]

Lenovo always be Creative Tech Developer!!! Magnificent 👍🏻😃👍🏻

[@jairochanci3953]

When is this coming out? @engadget

[@AshraffIshaqbinAni]

Imagine if the monitor is applying to the office. 😂😂

[@da_pawz]

no more quick alt-tab lol?

[@user-cx6rg6mr7d]

except Looking cool what's the use case of this ?

[@moneylongergaming]

he keeps saying software but we dont want any bloatware, this laptop is so cool as is

[@da_pawz]

The project crystal is cool but I think the usability is limited until it widespread and more apps support it. In the other hand easier repairability and upgrade for your next line Laptop, it's good... Lenovo you just got 100% approval for me. After the great things that you do with the Legion Gaming Laptop now this... I think it's really2 great.

[@doxielain2231]

"AI intergration in every laptop today" is a chilling bit of our future dystopia

[@jamessilva1259]

They haven't even solved the Prediction softwares for smartphone's touch screens. And even IF they get the Keyboard touch screen 100%! It still isn't practical. It is just a glass, their are no Buttons or grooves for muscle memory. Part of being able to type a document at 60 words a minute, or being able to play a difficult game, is having your fingers remember the pattern of the keyboard layout. Since is just a solid flat glass. Their is nothing to grab or feel by instinct, to know where your hands are at. Meaning you have to keep looking at your hands to type. This is just more button's having membranes or mechanical switches are to expensive, we want to safe money and make the Laptop cheaper to make! The screen is cool, and great for showing it off at an Office. At least the white background seems to show enough where it seems you can work. But from what it looks, the anything dark or black is transparent. And that is going to look awful, for anything other then work or fashion. Definitely no Cinema, watching sports games, or even playing games. Try playing space, seeing nothing but the other side with stars! Lol Either way, other then fashion, what does this panel offer, when we got extremely high contrast Rapid IPS panels that can run of Quantum Dots or OLED? These screens can produce realistic pitch dark, with only the lamp being visible, yet how much light pops out!

[@x19man1]

Project crystal ; a transparent screen that they are working on ways to make non transparent so that other people in the room can't see what you are doing... sounds like an April 1st video to me 🙂

[@bahhaziz]

What's the purpose of being able to see through the screen??? 🤔 What benefit does this feature offer? If I want to watch something on my laptop I want to watch that thing only without seeing stuff I have in my kitchen through the screen

[@vincent2961]

A 3D image on this and it's future🤯

[@RubbinRobbin]

sawt this in 'Banshee'

[@DaveHaynie]

There's an application for this kind of technology.. and it's been out for awhile. On the recent Peter Gabriel '"/O" tour, he had this amazing effect in which he's behind what look like sheets of glass, but they're active displays, and he's interacting with the graphics that you don't immediately see as graphics... rain, cracks, etc. It was very cool tech, but the artistry was in how is was being used to look like part of reality. For a normal computer display, I actually want to be able to see the screen, not the mess behind it.

[@deeplyheartbroke]

Actually this transparent display tech had been around since over a decade ago. Try searching old news about concept laptops with transparent display

[@diegoytuncieno9490]

.me gusta el color la verdad es trasparente y se ve calidad

[@Daimo83]

"Lenovo is switching to Philips head screws" "Lenovo is switching to captive screws" The p50 Thinkpad I'm watching this on has both of those 🤣

[@AdorianDelmore]

This can maby become something like in Tony Stark in the future.

[@aborne]

For regular use? I do not want people to see what I'm working on. I work with student records, and it's a data privacy thing.

[@ikrenders]

We're getting closer to Tony Stark Tech everyday😅

[@thefloorhasgone]

Id use one 😊

[@marosteeha]

Coud be useful for AR headsets. No need for camera passthrough.

[@MadisonM1996]

I was also concerned about how people would be able to see what I'm doing. Then again, there's nothing stopping people from making their own background covers besides "it might look dumb." Or just get a laptop case that allows you to use the laptop while its still in the case. Some problems have to be solved by yourself and thinking outside of the box🤷‍♂️

[@RaindoggTV]

That’s what Apple needs to use for their AR glasses.

[@Bigbandfan99]

Privacy concerns?

[@macxide]

i think so about 15 year is Not Released . . .

[@deftestaphid2026]

Id prefer a UHD screen instead. I understand they don't plan on actually selling this but it's not something I'd want.

[@Nuvendil]

So, not to indulge this slightly silly design too much, for contrast they could have a smart tint function. So on the back would be a pannel of transparent glass that has a smart tint that can be switched on and off

[@KnockOut101inc]

now fingerprints and dust is 10x visible lol

[@TheDigitalOne]

The Clear Display Monitors, tablets more futuristic digital devices of the near future. Question is, how will the clear displays eventually show screen privacy when needed? 👌⭐️💎

[@blackmagician7645]

Making products they are not intending to sell on the market. That's the way for a company to spend valuable time and money when it comes to cost and productivity.

[@sebastianalarcon817]

This looks like one of those “this is what the iPhone 11 will look like” pictures from back in the day.

[@devorahm9296]

Soooo cool!!