Discover NYC’s Hottest Modern Tech Haven – The New Sharper Image for Digital Age!
In the burgeoning realm of cutting-edge technology, the recently opened tm:rw store in Times Square, New York City, offers an unparalleled immersion into a world of innovation. As a follow-up to its initial installations within high-end department stores, tm:rw marks London-based Smartech’s first standalone location and presents a unique blend of experimentation and retail experience.
Taking a tour of the store prior to its official opening on July 29, one can witness an impressive showcase of technology that transcends conventional boundaries. Though finishing touches were still being applied and certain installations remained incomplete, the promise of the store was evident even in its incomplete state, akin to catching a glimpse of a hologram through paper-covered windows.
One of the most striking features at tm:rw are the Hypervsn holographic displays, which use arrays of fans with LEDs to produce vibrant 3D images that seem to float in mid-air. The store’s grand opening will reveal these displays in full glory, but even in their current state, they captured attention and provided a tantalizing taste of what lay within.
Upon entering the doors, one is greeted by a three-tiered affair filled with product displays, interactive kiosks, and attractions. Small electronics are presented on large, silver tables, each paired with a small screen showcasing their features. To the left of the entrance, a replica 1988 McLaren MP4/4 Formula One car stands, sans engine, while three racing cockpits face a huge Awall microLED display. These high-end racing setups provide immersive simulated driving experiences and can be booked for a fee.
The Awall TV is particularly intriguing due to its status as a promising technology in the field of television. MicroLED TVs, though still developing, have the potential to surpass both QLED/mini-LED and OLED in color, contrast, and picture quality. They are incredibly expensive, with prices starting at five digits and rising from there, making them extremely rare finds in everyday settings.
The third floor of tm:rw houses even more captivating sights, including four additional racing simulators and a small museum of signed racing memorabilia. Visitors can book a ride on these simulators for a fee or engage with the LG Signature OLED T—a transparent OLED TV that has been LG’s showpiece television at CES for two years running. This 77-inch screen smoothly shifts between an opaque TV display and a transparent one, with bright elements seemingly floating in front of the wall behind the panel. It is both stunning and rare, as well as extremely expensive, with a price tag of $60,000.
For those with the means to invest in such cutting-edge technology, tm:rw offers the opportunity to purchase racing simulators, microLED walls, or transparent OLED TVs directly from the store. Salespeople on the floor are available to answer questions and guide customers through the purchasing process, including arranging delivery if necessary. For those seeking more affordable options, circular impulse buy stations offer a selection of gadgets and toys that can be purchased and taken to one of the store’s check-out stations.
In addition to technology displays, tm:rw also features points of interest such as the Corner Shop and the Barber Shop. The Corner Shop rotates between showcasing different brands, with opening offerings including wearable manufacturer Whoop and a selection of health-focused smartwatches and bands available through the company’s unique subscription plan. The Barber Shop is a permanent collaboration with Procter & Gamble, displaying Gillette and other P&G products.
As one ascends to the second floor, they will find the largest Hypervsn display in the store—a 12-foot-tall hologram that showcases animations like a rotating robot and a strutting neon woman. This level also houses XReal’s smart glasses, which provide a personal display ideal for long flights, as well as the tm:rw Cafe (currently under construction) offering gelato and Schmackery cookies. For food with a less human touch, the second floor features several robot vending machines by Sweet Robo, including the Cotton Candy Robot, the Candy Monster, and Robo Ice Cream.
The third floor is where tm:rw truly shines, offering two VR attractions, additional racing simulators, and entertainment enclaves. The VRLeo machines provide virtual reality arcade experiences, while Birdly offers a personal flight simulator that lets users virtually glide with a wingsuit. The Playhouse, a completely red room focused on gaming, features products from Cooler Master and PlayStation, with the centerpiece being Cooler Master’s Orb X gaming chair—a $25,000 battlestation equipped with integrated surround sound speakers, accent lighting, and support for PCs, consoles, and up to three 27-inch monitors.
In conclusion, tm:rw offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of cutting-edge technology. With its diverse array of interactive displays, innovative attractions, and points of interest, the store promises an unparalleled experience that caters to both casual enthusiasts and serious tech aficionados alike.
