Lenovo's projector phone beams a touchscreen onto any surface!

Smartphones with built-in projectors -- well, just the two from Samsung, really -- haven't exactly been a huge hit so far, but Lenovo thinks it's finally got the right use case for this combination: beaming a touchscreen or virtual keyboard onto your desk. Announced at the Lenovo Tech World conference today is the Smart Cast, the world's first smartphone with an integrated focus-free laser projector, as opposed to the DLP tech on existing pico projectors. In addition to the usual wall projection mode, there's a "surface mode" that requires twisting the projector cap at the top (to enable reflection), propping up the phone with its kickstand, and then you'll have a projected touchscreen -- be it a virtual piano, a virtual keyboard or even Fruit Ninja -- right in front of you. Alas, that's all the info we've got so far, but you can check out the pictures leaked below to stay entertained.

Vivint Launches A New Home Automation System Complete With A Tiny Doorbell Camera

Home security and automation starts and ends with the front door. It needs to keep the bad guys out yet let the good guys in without hassle. Either a system gets it right or it doesn’t, and, until now, I had yet to see a system that’s truly impressive. Meet the Vivint Sky Smart Home — a home security and automation system that offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future but is available today.

When a person approaches the door, the Vivint Sky Smart Home’s inconspicuous doorbell cam starts recording. Ring the doorbell, and the homeowner gets a live video feed (with 2-way audio) through a smartphone app or on the system’s wall panel installed in the home. If the person inputs the correct code on the deadbolt, the system disarms and performs any number of set actions from turning on lights to adjusting the climate control.

Like good technology, the experience is magical.

The Vivint Sky Smart Home is pricey but it’s more complete than anything offered by Google, Samsung or ADT.

Many have tried the new system. They say, 'It works as advertised'. The doorbell is the most impressive part of the system, too. It’s tiny, and unlike most doorbell cameras, the video doesn’t look like it was shot through a fishbowl. It takes about 8 seconds to load the live video after the phone receives the alert. Vivint tells us that within a couple of months, the camera will be able to authenticate faces and unlock the door and disarm the system within seconds.

The Vivint Sky Smart Home is a compete security system with window sensors, motion detectors, additional cameras, smart climate control, and a connected smoke detector. The system is inclusive and comprehensive, which makes it so special. Home owners and installers can pick the parts needed for each situation.

The company designed everything to work harmoniously. It’s not cobbled together or reliant on a collection of apps or online recipes to perform certain functions. The inherent downside is that everything comes from Vivint itself; a homeowner cannot buy most components at Best Buy.

Right now there are two ways to automate and secure a home. Either piece together a system, item by item, from makers such as Google, Samsung or countless startups. In this scenario the homeowner buys the items, many of which were designed independently of each other, and cobble them together into a single workable system. But there will be holes in the shield. Often homeowners are authenticated by a Bluetooth or RFID device, but what if the phone is left inside the house by accident or a child needs to gain entry?

APX Alarm Security Solutions re-branded as Vivint in February 2011 in an effort to be more than just a home security system. A year later Blackstone purchased a controlling interest in the company for $2 billion. From what I can tell, the company didn’t just change its name and get new management; it overhauled its business. The company recently opened a large tech lab in Utah and has steadily rolled out innovative products since becoming Vivint.

Vivint is not alone in its quest to expand past home security. ADT, Comcast and Verizon offer similar home automation and security systems. I’ve tried these as well and they’re comparable to Vivint’s offering prior to launching this latest platform. With the new Sky Home System, Vivint is the closest a company has come to truly automating a home in a meaningful and harmonious way. Security and authentication should not be dependent on a device or key fob. Homeowners should be able to walk up to their home and have the system unlock and disarm automatically.

Until recently, the front door was secured only by a lock and a key. Then came keypads and smart locks. The next chapter in home security will do away with everything extraneous and it seems Vivint is helping write it.

If you’re a teacher, student or parent. You’ll download this App!

A San Francisco based start-up called Remind has released an app that lets teachers send assignments and important notifications to students and their parents. So if you’re a teacher, a working parent or a forgetful one for that matter you’ll want to download this app.

Remind was developed by Brett Kopf in 2009 while he was still a student at Michigan State University. As a dyslexic child he had always felt the need for a program that could help him stay on top of his work. However, breakthrough for Remind came in 2011 when it was remodeled as a communication tool to keep teachers connected with their students. Currently, Remind has about 25 million users, 1.5 million of whom are teachers.

We live in a time where almost everyone is associated with social media, for better or for worse. Parents are always after their kids to get them off Facebook (and its siblings) and make them study for their tests. However, this app will allow students to focus their attention and help them stay on top of their schoolwork. Remind lets teachers post assignments, notifications on upcoming quizzes, random trivia. It’s messaging feature also lets students ask teachers any queries they might have. Likewise for parents.

Like the rest of the world smartphones and apps are popular among the general public in Pakistan as well. However, most people tend to use their phones for updating statuses, tweeting or snap-chatting. Most teachers tend to have no contact with their students after school. Some students tend to waste their time and forget about their upcoming submissions. Those who do try are often left struggling and finding solutions to problems themselves without any guidance. Remind is an app that aims to change the way students tend to use their phones, by keeping them connected with their teacher. If you’re a parent who hasn't allowed a mobile to your kids, no worries! Remind also has a website alternative. I sincerely hope any teachers reading this article will consider using Remind. It’s about time we revolutionize the education culture in Pakistan.

The Remind app is available for Android and iOS.