CES 2023 | Lenovo Magic Bay ecosystem of new productivity-focused accessories makes its debut

Lenovo's Magic Bay is one of the ThinkBook 16p Gen 4's latest custom features, and consists of an alternative to the inverse notch sprouted by some laptops. The raised tab along the top of its lid has a line of charging POGO pins compatible with the nascent ecosystem's first wave of accessories.

The 16p Gen 4 has its own webcam; nevertheless, one of the first Magic Bay devices also has this function. This much larger accessory has a 4K/30fps resolution, however, as well as a hinge that, with its 270-degree articulation, allows the camera to point away from the laptop or down at it keyboard.

That may be part of this idea of Lenovo's: its View Software can let a 16p Gen 4 owner use both its integrated webcam and the Magic Bay 4K Webcam at the same time, and all without extra cables. Alternatively, the user could stick with the original 16p camera and go with the Magic Bay Light instead.

The rectangular arrangement of LEDs is rated to illuminate a subject at up to 200 lux, thus addressing feedback Lenovo claims to have gathered to the effect that poor lighting makes a web-conferencing experience seem less professional.

Finally, Lenovo claims to have solved the problem and potential perils of using Wi-Fi hotspots on the go with the Magic Bay LTE. It incorporates a SIM card reader for the option of always-on connectivity when working on the move without taking up a USB port with a dongle or Mi-Fi device.

To date, the 16p Gen 3 is the only laptop compatible with these first-gen members of their new ecosystem on the market; hopefully, it works out for them in the future.

The Magic Bay 4K Webcam, Light and LTE click-ons are optional purchases at €129, €99 and €24 respectively, and will be available from April 2023.

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