In conversation with Channel Post MEA, Ertug Ayik, Managing Director of HP Middle East and Africa, highlights that AI will lead the technology landscape in the coming year and explains how HP is incorporating several of the emerging technologies into its product line to optimise computing and enhance customer experience.
What key technology innovations does HP anticipate or plan to introduce in 2024?
HP foresees that AI will change the technology landscape to a huge extent, specifically in the role that personal computers play in our daily lives – and HP devices and services will be at the center of this AI revolution. Generative AI will enable personalized experiences for our customers and reduce latency because it will be at the edge, protect the data better, improve security, and eventually reduce costs.
We can also expect an increase in sustainable technologies. A growing emphasis on sustainability is driving innovations in green technologies, renewable energy, and environmentally friendly practices across various industries.
How is HP integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into its products and services?
AI has long been integral to HP, with existing applications on the Poly devices. AI is also being integrated into advanced security measures through HP Wolf Security, which utilizes machine learning to identify threats.
HP sees the biggest opportunity in personal systems with new product categories and digital services. HP is also particularly excited about Generative AI, foreseeing personalized experiences, reduced latency at the edge, heightened data protection, improved security, and eventual cost reduction. This marks a shift where personal computers evolve into personal companions, assisting, analyzing, and anticipating customer needs.
What sustainable practices and technologies is HP focusing on in 2024 regarding product development and operational strategies?
HP focuses on our circular economy initiatives, in line with our prediction – that more companies will invest in circular economy models. We are already ahead of this journey as we constantly innovate how our products and solutions are made, delivered and used, and we will continue to enhance our dedication.
HP will also expand efforts to minimize e-waste by promoting recycling programs, refurbishing initiatives, and responsible disposal practices. We already have the HP Renew EMEA program, offering an extensive portfolio of refurbished HP computing products with the same reliability and performance as new ones.
HP will also focus on the adoption of renewable energy. 55% of our global electric consumption comes from renewable sources in 2022. We have also reduced our carbon footprint by 18% since 2019. Our hope is that these figures will keep growing.
In light of the ongoing evolution of hybrid work, what technologies is HP developing to support and enhance remote and in-office collaboration in 2024?
HP is dedicated to leading the evolution of the workplace in the era of hybrid work. With the permanence of hybrid work, there is a need for robust solutions to ensure seamless collaboration across global teams. HP Poly has pioneered meeting analytics tools with AI, exemplified by noise reduction and voice enhancement features, crucial for clear communication in noisy settings. Additionally, our video framing software intelligently focuses on the person speaking, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive meeting experience.
Looking ahead to 2024, we aim further to integrate the expertise of HP and Poly engineering teams, providing unparalleled integrated computing, audio, and video solutions. This commitment positions us uniquely in the market, maintaining our reputation for cutting-edge, comprehensive solutions.
How is HP positioning itself in the augmented and virtual reality space in 2024?
We aspire to be more involved in the AR and VR space and are confident that we have built a solid starting point for this endeavour. Last year, our HP commercial XR team announced a new SaaS solution – the HP ExtendXR that streamlines deploying and managing enterprise at scale. In collaboration with ArborXR, an industry-leading AR/VR device management company, the ExtendXR makes it easy to seamlessly and securely set up and manage a fleet of VR all-in-one devices.
The strategic collaboration allows HP to leverage cutting-edge AR/VR technology to help companies seamlessly scale XR deployment, combined with HP’s global support and expertise while running on HP’s Horizon secure cloud infrastructure.
How is HP addressing emerging cybersecurity threats and challenges?
The paradigm shift towards hybrid work has significantly altered the cybersecurity space, posing challenges that demand heightened attention to both productivity and security. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, safeguarding devices and data across diverse locations emerges as a complex task for IT managers. According to our joint HP Wolf Security and Forrester research, 75% of companies acknowledge the magnification of IT operational challenges in the transition to remote and hybrid models.
Addressing this, HP prioritizes cybersecurity through Wolf Security, providing dedicated support for secure connections in any location. Looking ahead to 2024, our commitment is to enhance the security of endpoint devices beyond traditional networks, a critical aspect often overlooked in cybersecurity investments. HP Wolf Protect and Trace adds an extra layer of security by tracking and preventing unauthorized access, offering users the ability to locate their devices globally remotely. HP remains dedicated to exploring and integrating new technologies that complement existing solutions like HP Wolf Security and HP Wolf Protect and Trace.
What advancements is HP making in terms of human-computer interaction, such as gesture control, voice recognition, or other novel interfaces?
At HP, we continuously invest in R&D to enhance user interfaces and make interactions with our devices more intuitive and efficient. Firstly, related to gesture control, we will be exploring and improving gesture recognition technologies that enable users to interact with devices using hand movements or gestures. Secondly, we will continue to improve voice recognition and natural language processing capabilities to enable more seamless and accurate interactions with devices through spoken commands. Thirdly, when it comes to touch and pen input, our aim is to improve touch and pen input technologies for devices like our HP 2-in-1 laptops to enhance the precision and responsiveness of these interfaces.
As a leader in printers, which new innovations do you see in printers, and in which direction is 3D printing headed?
Due to post-pandemic challenges such as disrupted supply chains and increased costs, businesses are turning to localized manufacturing and just-in-time production. The 3D printing industry will be pivotal in this transformation, supported by an expanding ecosystem and advanced tools optimizing production workflows. This enhances the viability of 3D printing compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Next year, the convergence of 3D printing and AI is set to accelerate. Cloud-based solutions with strong encryption and data security will deploy AI models, empowering individuals without design expertise in 3D manufacturing.
Anticipated automation processes and digital twins will simplify workflows, minimize errors, and maximize uptime. This advancement will reduce the total cost of ownership, expanding the influence of the 3D printing industry into new sectors and ushering in the era of “lights out” factories.
Is HP engaging in collaborations or partnerships with other companies or industries to drive innovation in 2024?
HP fully embraces AI as a catalyst for accelerating digital transformation and enhancing operational efficiency, forming the cornerstone of our strategic partnerships. Globally, our extensive collaborations with industry visionaries, including silicon and software firms, contribute to an exciting pipeline of continuous innovation.
Our Future Ready Portfolio underscores our commitment to revolutionizing the hybrid work experience and promoting workplace equity. This comprehensive offering includes security-focused collaboration tools, commercial PCs, workstations, peripherals, and printing solutions.
Integrating Poly into the HP portfolio strengthens our workplace solutions, incorporating cutting-edge video conferencing systems, cameras, and headsets. Poly’s expertise in meeting room solutions aligns with HP’s commitment to guiding customers towards effective hybrid work in this new era.
