HP has launched its new OmniBook Ultra laptop and OmniStudio X desktop, featuring built-in AI capabilities designed to enhance computing power and improve data privacy. These advanced devices incorporate neural processing units (NPU) that enable them to handle energy-intensive AI tasks directly on the device, potentially reducing reliance on cloud services. Aimed at boosting productivity for both businesses and consumers, the new computers promise to facilitate faster and more secure access to artificial intelligence.
HP’s approach with its latest AI-enabled computers aligns with a broader industry trend seen with companies like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Asus, and Lenovo, who have also introduced AI PCs. Unlike earlier models, these new machines offer significantly improved processing power and battery life, which experts believe could drive consumer adoption. The inclusion of an AI companion chatbot and advanced video features further enhances their appeal.
Enhanced Productivity Tools
Starting at $1,449.99, HP’s new computers come equipped with an “AI companion” chatbot that can summarize and analyze documents, and offer advanced video calling features, including gesture control and live captioning in over 40 languages. HP’s president of Personal Systems, Alex Cho, emphasized that these AI PCs are a key component of HP’s strategy to revive its PC business.
“We’re bringing the AI PCs so that people can access the benefits of AI faster, more cost-effectively, and more securely on a device like this,”
said Alex Cho during the HP Imagine event in New York City. This strategic move aims to counteract the company’s recent sales slump and stimulate revenue growth in its PC division.
Industry Perspectives
Olivier Blanchard from The Futurum Group views the introduction of on-device AI capabilities as a significant disruption to the PC market, though he cautions against expecting immediate widespread adoption. Instead, he highlights performance gains and battery life improvements as more immediate selling points. Anshul Sag from Moor Insights & Strategy believes AI PCs will be particularly attractive to businesses, creatives, and gamers, transforming user expectations and app behavior.
“Powerful new AI features like assistants, agents and other generative AI applications probably won’t be the primary driver for consumer adoption right away,”
said Blanchard. He anticipates that as users experience these new capabilities, the value of AI features will gradually drive demand for the category.
HP Newquist, an AI historian, expressed skepticism about the immediate impact of AI PCs, suggesting they are more a marketing tactic at this stage. He pointed out that many current AI applications still rely heavily on cloud processing, limiting the full potential of the NPUs. Despite this, experts agree that the technology is still evolving and will likely offer more integrated AI capabilities in the future.
Future iterations of HP’s AI PCs are expected to include more advanced AI tools, such as Beautiful.ai for workplace presentations and Polymer for data analysis. These additions could enhance the utility and appeal of AI PCs, making them a more integral part of the personal computing landscape. As the ecosystem evolves, users can look forward to a range of innovative applications that may redefine their computing experience.
