Lenovo Group Ltd is set to launch its augmented-reality-enabled smartphone in October in China, as part of company's efforts to increase its phone sales by introducing innovative products, China Daily reported.
The Phab2 Pro is the world's first smartphone that will have AR applications without the need for other accessories, which ensure new interactive experience to consumers, according to Yang Yuanqing, CEO and Chairman of the company, said on Saturday, Sept. 3.
First unveiled in June and based on Google Inc's Tango project, the new device will allow users to play virtual dominoes on a physical table as well as shoot digital robots in a user's living rooms.
"Technology innovation and business model innovation are part of the new path for growth," Yang said during the B20 summit held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on Saturday, Sept. 3. He added that the company aims to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies to bring change to people's lives.
Yang said that the Internet of Things (IoT) era will bring in more smart devices, not only computers and smartphones, which will be pervasive and will be empowered by artificial intelligence, natural language interaction and cloud services.
During the summit, Yang also presented the company's Moto Z modular handset, which is scheduled to be launched next Tuesday, Sept. 13. The phone has high-powered magnets on its rear which will enable users to fasten additional equipment, such extra batteries, projectors and speakers.
According to the report, the company is relying on the two phones to regain the market share that had been taken away by rivals such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and Oppo Electronics Corp.
"The handsets are not just incremental improvements on existing phones. They are designed to stand out in the industry where smartphones look and operate just the same," Yang said.
Many other Chinese tech firms are expanding their operations into virtual reality and augmented reality sector in a bid to boost their sales and achieve their overseas expansion.