Lenovo has been making waves at MWC 2025 with its latest AI-powered innovations, giving us a glimpse into the future of tech. Among these intriguing unveilings are some proof-of-concept (POC) devices that truly catch the eye. One standout is their solar-powered Yoga PC, complemented by a clever charging unit, but maybe even more exciting is the AI Display POC. This unique monitor comes equipped with its own Neural Processing Unit (NPU), designed to manage AI processes directly at your workstation.
Lenovo is staying true to its mission of bringing “smarter technology for all,” and this AI monitor could be a game-changer for computers without a built-in NPU. The idea is that these monitors can harness the power of large language models (LLMs) and an AI assistant, even on non-AI PCs. While Lenovo hasn’t detailed the NPU’s performance in TOPS (trillions of operations per second), they did highlight a unique feature: the monitor’s automatic ability to rotate, elevate, and tilt for optimal viewing, all managed by AI.
As someone who spends hours stationed in front of screens, the idea of a monitor that adjusts ergonomically on its own sounds like a dream. Still, it’s yet to be seen how smoothly this concept would translate into everyday use.
For tech enthusiasts, Lenovo has also introduced the AI Stick POC — an intriguing piece of tech designed to bring AI capabilities to any Thunderbolt-powered PC. This small yet powerful device, boasting 32 TOPS of AI processing, can handle Lenovo AI Now software while adding a touch of AI-enhanced graphics. Although 32 TOPS isn’t enough for Microsoft’s Copilot+ features on Windows 11, which require at least 40 TOPS, it still presents potential for other AI functionalities. Just imagine a device pocket-sized like an M.2 SSD enclosure that offers you such capabilities on the move.
Being just a concept for now, Lenovo hasn’t committed to a launch date or pricing for these innovations. However, it’s fascinating to see their willingness to experiment with AI-focused hardware. Last year, I had the chance to review the Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra, which also included a discrete Kinara Ara-2 NPU. At the time, its potential lay dormant, waiting on a future software update to fully activate its 40 TOPS power.
While Lenovo teases with these POC devices, it’s interesting to speculate on their practicality. For instance, although the AI Stick’s 32 TOPS might pale in comparison to, say, an RTX 4070 Super’s massive AI capability, it’s not meant to compete with such GPUs. Instead, it’s all about convenience, offloading AI tasks from your CPU and GPU for enhanced efficiency within existing setups. Plus, keeping AI operations local enhances security as your data remains on your device without going to the cloud.
For now, Lenovo’s AI Stick may find its niche audience, but wide appeal might wait until more AI tools become mainstream. This brings us to Lenovo’s AI Now, a suite of AI tools meant to maximize the NPU’s utility.
AI Now appears as a savvy offering from Lenovo, aligning with last year’s launch of the ThinkCentre neo Ultra. This AI assistant taps into “hybrid large models,” leveraging “your personal knowledge base” for a comprehensive understanding. Its dual approach includes the Knowledge Assistant for managing information and queries securely, and the PC Assistant that enhances your PC experience with intelligent setup functions.
Lenovo hints at expanding functionality for AI Now, with region-specific variations in support and features. As Lenovo forges ahead with expanded AI capabilities, the AI Now suite might soon adapt to include more dynamic features akin to Copilot+, making AI hardware investments increasingly attractive.
