HP showed off its new selection of AI computers at its Imagine conference in Palo Alto, CA this week, which WiFi HiFi was invited to attend. The computers, the latest in the line that was expanded earlier this year under the OmniBook and EliteBook monikers for consumer and commercial users, respectively, highlight AI-enabled video conferencing and scalable GPU performance for all types of users.
HP is investing heavily in AI technology across the board, including with its printers as well through HP Print AI and features like Perfect Output, which was also announced at the event. HP supports this investment with data from its 2024 HP Work Relationship Index, which found that 68% of knowledge workers believe AI creates new opportunities to enjoy the work you’re doing, while even more (73%) think AI makes jobs easier.
New Laptops
The first new AI PC HP is launching is the OmniBook Ultra Flip, a consumer-level AI PC. The OmniBook Ultra Flip is the company’s first next-gen AI PC two-in-one laptop with a convertible design so you can use it in traditional laptop mode, tented, or folded back like a tablet.
It boasts a 3K OLED display, ideal for drawing, photography, and other creative professions. It also includes inking and a haptic touchpad. There’s a 9MP AI camera and Poly Audio for communicating with others through video calls and meetings.
Powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) with a dedicated AI engine, it can run for up to 20 hours per charge. The computer comes protected by HP Wolf Security, which includes a unique security chip and self-healing PC core to keep your sensitive and private data safe from cyber threats. Further leveraging the AI technology is McAfee Smart AI Deepfake Detector that can detect AI-generated audio to warn you of potential fraud or misinformation.
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC is available now starting at US$1,450 (Canadian pricing TBA).
The Elite line is HP’s new designation for commercial-grade PCs, and the new HP EliteBook X (coming in December 2024; pricing TBA) is a 14-inch next-gen AI PC that affords 8,000Mbps on 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM to power high-speed AI processing. Running on a next-gen AMD Ryzen Pro processor, you get 55 TOPS of NPU performance. There’s also HP Smart Sense with 40W Thermal Design Power (TDP) and dual turbo fans to keep the computer both cool and quiet.
It has a new AI-enhanced webcam sensor for more accurate presence detection and adaptive dimming. Audio tuning by Poly Studio further improves virtual video conferencing experiences, offering AI noise reduction and HP Dynamic Voice Leveling.
This AI PC offers quantum hack protection, with Wolf Security that offloads processor-intensive security tasks to the NPU to help preserve the CPU for all-day productivity. There’s also HP’s Endpoint Security Controller, which helps future-proof the computer against future threats. You’ll also get built-in security features like onlooker detection, which uses an AI-powered webcam sensor to alert you if someone is looking in on your device and automatically blurs the screen in response.
Poly Camera Pro found in both new laptops helps you personalize your experience. It uses the NPU to power webcam features like Spotlight and Background Blur & Replace while maintaining efficient performance and preserving battery life.
Other AI features include AI Companion, which uses generative AI to help you analyze private files and discover information to refine and create content or respond quickly and accurately to key tasks; and the Perform assistant that helps you optimize PC performance, customize settings, and troubleshoot HP products.
Poly Studio Video Bars
Further enhancing the experience are the new Poly Studio X32 (January 2025; pricing TBA) and Poly Studio X72 (US$6,999) all-in-one video bars and Poly Studio V32 (March 2025; pricing TBA) and Poly Studio V72 (late 2024; US$4,999) premium USB video bars. They boast the latest Poly VideoOS 4.4 software (coming November 2024), which will bring new AI capabilities to meeting room devices.
With live setup for Poly DirectorAI Perimeter, IT administrators can configure smart camera boundaries in real-time, ensuring that only participants in the meeting space are captured. Poly NoiseBlockAI v2 uses machine learning technology and advanced noise filtering to eliminate reverberations caused by glass walls and reflective surfaces.
With the Poly Labs program coming in November 2024, you can get early access to experimental features. For example, VoiceScoreAI is a program feature that provides an analysis of audio quality in meeting rooms and suggests ways to enhance the overall experience.
HP is enhancing its Poly Lens cloud management platform and private cloud infrastructure with more customized and secure options. Poly Lens Premium includes advanced features like Remote Room Control for IT admins to troubleshoot and resolve issues remotely. Poly CloudConnect for Zoom Rooms, available now, offers participants the flexibility to join Microsoft Teams calls from Zoom Rooms with a robust interface, dual monitor support, and content sharing. Poly PrivateConnect Meeting Control (coming November 2024) offers greater flexibility and configuration options for customers in secure and controlled video environments using the PrivateConnect cloud infrastructure. Poly Lens Premium is a free trial for all Poly Lens customers and will transition to a paid service in the coming months.
HP is also partnering with Google to bring Project Starline technology to the workplace, delivering a communications solution that uses advanced AI and 3D imaging to create an immersive experience. It makes participants feel like they are sitting across the table in the same room. Interested parties can make reservations for priority delivery for the first available units shipping in 2025.
HyperX Cloud MIX 2 Over-Ear Headset
Additionally, HP is introducing the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 over-ear headset design featuring plush memory foam earcups and up to 110 hours of battery life via Bluetooth. Ideal for gaming, music, or calls, it features Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation that blocks out distracting noises while you can use the Transparency feature to remain aware of surroundings.
There are dual wireless options: use a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle or Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio for connectivity. Enjoy ultra-low latency for gaming and fast-paced activities, and clear communication thanks to AI-enhanced microphones.
It will be available in late September 2024 for US$200.
HP Series 5 Pro Monitors
For office and home-based workers, the new HP Series 5 Pro monitors provide large canvases, high refresh rates, and AI-assisted design and content creation. There are a total of eight models in the line ranging from 23.8 inches up to 34 inches.
The monitors employ three-sided borderless designs with a micro-edge bezel design. They include 100W USB-C power delivery and integrated AI noise reduction. Also integrated is the Poly Studio 5MP pop-up tiltable webcam, which secures with an Auto Lock & Awake feature, which detects your presence to instantly wake the system then dims or locks the computer when you walk away.
Select HP Series 5 Pro Monitors are available now for a starting price of US$192. The full lineup is expected to be available in November.
From AI audio enhancement to security protection, high-speed AI processing, and more, HP is integrating AI technology across the board for its products. We’ll have more once we have had the chance to explore the products and technologies.