SINGAPORE –There is a lot of buzz globally about how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming almost every aspect of life – from algorithms used in healthcare to detect diseases to customer service chatbots catering to personal preferences.
The humble personal computer (PC) has also been souped up and tricked out with a slew of AI features that were unheard of just a year ago. This allows personal computing devices to act like highly responsive personal assistants.
In late 2023, technology companies such as Microsoft launched AI-enhanced laptops with advanced features to reshape the consumer experience.
Australian group Harvey Norman followed suit soon after. It announced earlier in August its new Next Gen AI campaign to position itself as the go-to retailer for AI-powered computer and electrical appliances.
Its inaugural offering – the Next Gen AI Laptops – showcases cutting-edge AI-powered laptops from brands such as Acer, Asus, Lenovo, LG, MSI and Microsoft.
These are equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) that specialises in AI and machine learning tasks. The NPU allows AI PCs to manage complex computations more efficiently than regular PCs.
Prices start at $1,299 for an Acer Swift Go 14 AI PC to $4,599 for an Asus ProArt P16 Next Gen AI PC.
A highlight of the AI technology is the Microsoft Copilot+ feature, which is said to be the fastest and most intelligent Windows AI built.
Powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors, these PCs are capable of performing more than 40 trillion operations per second.
Each Copilot+ PC is equipped with a powerful personal AI agent that is activated by a tap on devices or keyboards that have the Copilot+ key. The technology allows users to generate AI images directly on the device in real time using the Cocreator program.
The Copilot+ PC also has a Live Captions feature for live instant translations. It will turn any audio, from up to 44 languages, into a single, English-language caption experience, in real time on the user’s screen.
Want to know what that South Korean mukbang YouTube celebrity is saying? Just hit Live Captions and the Korean audio will be translated into English as subtitles on the laptop screen.
The new generation of laptops is also said to ensure security by anticipating potential threats, and ensures that data remains protected and private, whether the user is indoors or on the go.
The devices also have a battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge.
Ms Bernice Kwok, Harvey Norman’s managing director for Singapore and Malaysia, says that the diverse range of Next Gen AI Laptops ensures there is something for everyone.
“To provide comprehensive support, we have stationed Next Gen AI Experts at all 11 stores islandwide at designated Next Gen AI PC Zones,” she says in an interview with The Straits Times at the flagship store in Millenia Walk in Raffles Boulevard.
She nods at a group of Harvey Norman staff, togged out crisply in black, sporting the ubiquitous Next Gen AI campaign slogan on their collared T-shirts while tending to customers.
“Our full-time tech experts are trained to understand the capabilities of AI on laptops, solve customers’ pain points, and also help them make informed decisions based on individual preferences and budgets,” she adds.
The Next Gen AI Experts have been on AI training since May.
“With technology so new, we ensure that our experts are constantly kept up to speed,” says Ms Kwok. “They have all been trained so that they can help customers with the best solutions and recommendations on the new AI range of laptops.”
Another roll-out at the flagship store is a new app launched recently in collaboration with South Korean home appliance and electronics giant Samsung.
Customers can experience how AI appliances help simplify their daily lives through the mobile app.
There are also clearly illustrated point-of-sale materials extolling the benefits of these appliances.
Ms Kwok says: “There’s a lot more that we can do to educate customers. That’s why our Next Gen AI Experts play a pivotal role in going beyond selling laptops and appliances to helping customers understand and harness the latest technologies.”
