Lenovo has unveiled a neat new concept called Smart Cast, consisting of a smartphone with a built-in projector that can "cast" touch-enabled virtual images.

Today's smartphones are so much more than just mobile phones, they're basically mini PCs. Smartphone users can now do far more than just talking and texting on their handsets, but they still don't have the convenience a larger device offers. For instance, smartphones can now handle a complex array of intensive tasks and allow users to get some work done on the go, but typing on the keyboard of a smartphone is not exactly ideal. It may work for a couple of messages or a friendly chat, but if you have to write an entire document or more you might want to turn to a laptop for more convenience.

Lenovo, however, may have a neat solution with its latest concept. The Smart Cast features a built-in projector that is able to cast a keyboard on any flat surface, allowing users to type on it and get work done without having to use the small keyboard of a smartphone. Lenovo presented its Smart Cast concept at its TechWorld conference in Beijing on Thursday, May 28, and the idea sounds quite promising.

In addition to this projected keyboard, the Smart Cast would also offer other neat functionality as well. For instance, users would be able to play a virtual musical keyboard thanks to the Smart Cast, creating music in real-time, or project the image of a game onto a flat surface and control the game by swiping on the projection instead of the smartphone's screen. The handset would recognize your gestures on the projected image and automatically convert them into commands.

Moreover, the Lenovo Smart Cast would also allow users to project their favorite media concept onto a wall, for instance, simply by rotating the projector and placing in on a table.

Keep in mind, however, that the Smart Cast is still a concept at this point, and it remains unclear when or if Lenovo will actually bring it to market.

"These concepts demonstrate the innovative thinking today that holds the promise of changing the face of technology tomorrow," said Lenovo.

In the meantime, check out the demo video below to get a better idea of how it would all work.