HP has launched its groundbreaking HP Spectre Fold laptop, a versatile device that can transform from a 12-inch laptop into a 17-inch tablet, offering users an array of new possibilities. This innovative product, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, is poised to reinvigorate the PC sector, which has seen limited growth in recent years.
The HP Spectre Fold, bundled with a wireless keyboard and a wireless pencil, will be available globally, including in Singapore, starting from November, priced at US$4,999 (S$6,830). This unique device leverages AI to enable users to manipulate images and videos using hand gestures, eliminating the need to touch the screen. Additionally, the HP Spectre Fold boasts a built-in kickstand, allowing it to be propped up on its long edge.
The highlight of this laptop is its expansive 17-inch screen, offering more desktop space for multitasking and enhanced versatility for professionals, such as architects or spreadsheet users. When folded with a magnetic Bluetooth keyboard attached to the bottom half, it resembles a conventional 12-inch laptop.
HP’s Chief Executive, Enrique Lores, stated that the transformation of the PC into a personal companion is powered by AI, marking a significant shift in the role of personal computers. AI enhances the PC’s built-in camera and microphone, enabling recognition of hand gestures and voice commands to improve accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities.
The HP Spectre Fold can recognize basic hand gestures, such as pointing left or right for scrolling through image galleries, and raising one’s hand in front of the camera to start or stop video playback. The integration of AI into the PC enables multi-modal interactions, eliminating the traditional reliance on keyboards and mice.
Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems at HP, compared this moment to the internet-driven transformation in 1999 that revolutionized the PC landscape. AI is expected to drive similar transformative experiences, with the ability to use verbal and facial gestures for interactions. Large language models and AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing, and Google’s Bard, are poised to advance natural language processing and facilitate real-time language translation.
These AI features are expected to debut as early as November with Microsoft’s Windows 11 update, allowing users to utilize the Bing chatbot to generate text, summarize emails and meeting transcripts, and create PowerPoint presentations. Similarly, Google’s Bard will enable users to scan and summarize emails and documents and provide real-time flight information and relevant YouTube videos.
HP anticipates that these new AI use cases will drive demand for computers engineered to deliver enhanced data security, faster language processing and translation capabilities, and reduced power consumption. The introduction of AI-powered technology is set to redefine the PC experience and open up new avenues for personal computing.
