At Microsoft’s recent developer conference focused on artificial intelligence, they announced a new class of laptops featuring significantly more powerful Snapdragon X CPUs and a new operating system designed for the ARM architecture. But what does this new architecture mean for end users, and how will it change daily workflows?
Impact on Daily Workflows
Our work and lifestyle are no longer confined to a desk; we create at home, in the office, and everywhere in between. Concurrently, AI is revolutionising everything, raising consumer and professional expectations for productivity and creativity. Over half of early tech adopters believe AI will save them time, and 72% of business leaders believe AI will help employees focus on more productive tasks. Additionally, developers are continuously releasing AI-enabled software that offers new experiences and capabilities, achievable only with next-gen AI PCs.
To harness the potential of flexible work and AI, HP has introduced a new category of devices tailored for work and creativity. HP unveiled the HP OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC, their first next-gen AI PCs built from the ground up with the latest ARM architecture to leverage powerful AI technologies.
Both devices are designed around the Snapdragon® X Elite processor and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device. Coupled with Copilot+ PC and features like Recall, these PCs enhance creativity and productivity, offering a more personalised, powerful computing experience.
Expanding Possibilities with AI
The availability of AI apps is increasing daily, broadening the possibilities with HP’s next-gen AI PCs. Users can communicate and collaborate more effectively with AI tools that leverage gestures, facial expressions, and voice interaction. They can improve presentation skills in virtual meetings with real-time AI coaching and feedback. Additionally, AI-enabled software allows users to create and edit photos, audio, and video more efficiently, making professional features accessible even to beginners.
Unique Design for New Capabilities
HP’s latest next-gen AI PCs offer capabilities beyond traditional PCs, running AI locally for maximum performance, efficiency, and privacy with longer battery life. The HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra are designed for tech-savvy freelancers and on-the-go leaders, combining AI-enhanced power and mobility in a sleek design.
Sleek & Versatile: As the world’s thinnest next-gen AI PCs with 26 hours of battery life, these devices elevate productivity and creativity with unprecedented style and mobility. The HP EliteBook Ultra features additional durability for commercial customers, with a blue finish and smudge-resistant Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.
Lightning-Fast Responsiveness: Experience top performance without sacrificing portability with the HP OmniBook X and HP EliteBook Ultra. Open large Microsoft Excel files almost twice as fast, stream up to 12 hours of Microsoft Teams calls, or binge-watch up to 22 hours of Netflix.
Responsibly Crafted: As part of the world’s most sustainable PC portfolio, both devices incorporate 50% recycled aluminium in the covers and 100% sustainably sourced materials for packaging. They also have EPEAT® Climate+ Gold Registration and ENERGY STAR® Certification. The HP EliteBook Ultra’s three-year warranty reduces costs and downtime for professionals working in diverse environments.
Understanding ARM Architecture
ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processors are widely used in devices from smartphones to tablets, and now increasingly in laptops and desktops. Known for power efficiency and strong performance with lower energy consumption, ARM processors are crucial for mobile devices and are becoming important in the PC market.
Windows on ARM (WoA) is Microsoft’s version of the Windows OS designed to run on ARM architecture, combining the benefits of Windows with ARM processors. ARM-based devices running Windows offer superior battery life and efficient performance for typical computing tasks. These devices support 4G and 5G networks, providing constant internet access without relying on Wi-Fi. Additionally, ARM systems typically have quick boot times and advanced security features, such as secure boot and support for biometric authentication methods like Windows Hello.
Implications for End Users and Workflows
The shift to ARM in the PC market offers several advantages, including enhanced portability due to ARM’s efficiency, which allows for slimmer, lighter devices with excellent battery life, ideal for mobile professionals. The lower manufacturing costs of ARM processors could lead to more affordable high-performance laptops and PCs. While there may be some software compatibility issues, especially with older x86 applications, Microsoft is working on improving emulation and compatibility layers to address these concerns. Additionally, this shift could stimulate a broader ecosystem of ARM-native applications optimised for the architecture’s strengths.
The move towards ARM-based Windows devices represents a significant evolution in the PC landscape, promising the benefits of power efficiency, portability, and always-on connectivity to a broader audience.
To find out more about HP PCs with Windows 11 and Copilot, speak to your local TD SYNNEX account manager or visit: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/cv/copilot-in-windows11.
