HP's next generation of converged touch-screen desktop PCs have become an interactive centre point for the home and are less about technology and more about engaging consumer lifestyles.
This is according to Stacy Wolff, VP of industrial design, HP Personal Computer Global Business Unit.
He pointed out during the HP Global Influencers Summit, in Shanghai, that more than 50% of PCs purchased for users under the age of 15 will have touch-screens by 2015, compared to 2% in 2009.
“In 10 to 15 years', an entire generation will have grown up accustomed to working on touch-screen devices. The touch-screen market will nearly triple in the next five years and we see this technology becoming more economical and pervasive.”
However, touch-screens are not new. Wolff noted that HP first introduced a touch-screen PC more than 30 years ago. He said PCs have become less of a business-orientated tool and are now influenced by consumer trends in terms of how users interact with technology in the home.
“Technology is changing the way we interact with PCs. Touch is now the chosen technology for quick access, and this has changed the way future PCs will be built and how users will interact with technology,” added Wolff.
According to Wolff, HP partner Microsoft, after having acknowledged the trend towards touch-based PC interfaces, has scaled up its Windows 8 operating system icons in order to adapt to a touch-based environment. This is in order to prepare for these new devices.
Wolff predicted that new, bendable interfaces that function by twisting and turning will soon eliminate the need for a keyboard.
In light of this, he explained that HP has designed its next generation of consumer PCs as interactive displays rather than focusing on the technology.
As an example of the trend towards touch technology, HP unveiled the HP TouchSmart 610/620 series, which are consumer PCs that can recline up to 60 degrees, and are available in 30-inch displays.
HP is driving a similar strategy with its multifunction Officejet 150 Mobile All-in-One Printer, targeted at SMEs, that can fit into a handbag and print, scan, copy and e-mail documents on the go. It can also print 500 pages on a single charge.
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