Marques Brownlee
June 16, 2026
The Most Innovative Display Technologies of 2024
TL;DR
A showcase of cutting-edge display innovations including a touchscreen MacBook accessory, volumetric holographic displays, an ultra-wide 6K monitor, and smart glasses that blend AR with computing capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- 1The Magic Screen by Intricate adds a flexible touchscreen to MacBooks via USB-C, though upcoming MacBook Pro OLED models may diminish its appeal
- 2Volumetric displays create 3D holographic effects by rotating two displays at 900 RPM with 7,200 Hz refresh rates to show perfectly timed slices
- 3Dell's 52-inch 6K ultra-wide monitor with built-in KVM switch can effectively replace dual-monitor setups for multi-device workflows
- 4Project Aura smart glasses split computing between lightweight frames and a separate puck, offering AR capabilities with modularity for future upgrades
- 5Smart glasses and VR headsets represent different tradeoffs: lighter wearables for daily use versus immersive headsets with full field of view
- 6Electrochromic tinting in Project Aura allows seamless switching between AR and fully immersive viewing modes
Notable Quotes
“Not everybody who kind of wants a touch screen is going to just have to go out and upgrade and buy a new $5,000 laptop to get it”
— Host
“7,200 hertz refresh rate on these displays just to show this object at 30 frames per second. That is insane.”
— Host
“This is the first single monitor that I actually feel like I could use and I've tried a lot of ultra-wides, but the first single monitor I think I could actually use to replace dual monitors”
— Host
“It's literally 3 milliseconds on this setup versus around 12 milliseconds on the Vision Pro.”
— Host
Chapters
1. Magic Screen: Adding Touch to MacBooks
Introduction to a third-party flexible touchscreen accessory that magnetically attaches to MacBooks, enabling full-screen touch input. Discusses innovative design features like the folio case and USB-C stopper, while acknowledging the product's potential obsolescence with upcoming Apple OLED MacBook Pros.
2. Volumetric Displays and Holographic Technology
Explanation of how volumetric displays create 3D holographic effects using two rotating displays at 900 RPM. Details the technical complexity requiring 7,200 Hz refresh rates, advanced processing for error correction, and the visual impact of seeing true 3D objects in space.
3. Chef iQ Smart Oven Sponsorship
Brief segment on the Chef iQ smart oven with app connectivity, multiple cooking modes, and precision temperature control via integrated thermometer. Includes promotional offer and example of perfect egg cooking capability.
4. Dell 52-Inch Ultra-Wide 6K Monitor
Analysis of Dell's flagship ultra-wide monitor featuring 6K resolution, built-in KVM switch for up to four computers, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and picture-by-picture partitioning. Highlights subtle curve design and potential as a dual-monitor replacement.
5. Project Aura: Smart Glasses Reimagined
Detailed exploration of Project Aura as the middle ground between smart glasses and VR headsets. Covers Android XR OS, split computing architecture between frames and puck, micro OLED displays, electrochromic tinting, and modular upgrade potential with only 3ms latency.
6. The Evolution of Face Computers
Discussion of the rapid evolution in smart glasses and AR technology, comparing multiple approaches from different manufacturers within an 8-month period and celebrating the diversity of innovation in wearable computing.
Key People & Entities
- Nick DiGiovanni
- Celebrity chef who rated the host as S-tier chef
- Intricate
- Company that created the Magic Screen touchscreen accessory for MacBooks
- Dell
- Manufacturer of the 52-inch ultra-wide 6K monitor with built-in KVM switch
- XREAL
- Company collaborating on Project Aura smart glasses with Google and Qualcomm
- Partner in Project Aura development, creator of Android XR
- Qualcomm
- Partner in Project Aura, maker of Snapdragon Reality Elite chip
- Chef iQ
- Smart oven manufacturer and video sponsor
Glossary
- KVM Switch
- A device that allows control of multiple computers using a single keyboard and mouse
- Volumetric Display
- A display technology that creates 3D images with apparent volume in physical space, often called a holographic display
- Micro OLED
- Miniaturized organic light-emitting diode displays used in compact devices like smart glasses for high-resolution, low-power visuals
- Field of View (FOV)
- The observable area visible to the user through a display or optical device, measured in degrees
- Electrochromic Tinting
- Technology that changes glass opacity electronically, allowing switching between transparent and opaque states
- Android XR
- Google's operating system designed specifically for extended reality devices like smart glasses and AR headsets
- Split Computing
- Architecture where processing power is distributed between multiple components, like glasses and a separate computing puck
- Thunderbolt 4
- High-speed connectivity standard supporting data transfer, video output, and power delivery through a single USB-C port