In the post-epidemic era, China's PC market ushered in a positive growth rate of 16.1% year-on-year in 2021, which also completely stimulated the pc industry's long-suppressed innovation ability.
We've talked a bit about it before: the hybrid office trend makes the online meeting scene more extensive, and a latency-free, high-immersion meeting experience can help greatly improve work efficiency. For terminal devices, this is an opportunity for upgrading and innovation, more and more intelligent terminal devices equipped with higher standard cameras and microphones, and some visual and auditory AI technologies have also joined in. The PC industry has also been rejuvenated with some new energy.
Lenovo's Top 10 Trends and the latest research show that 83% of IT executives expect half of their work to be done through non-traditional ways of working. Technology will play a pivotal role in achieving efficiency and creating new opportunities, revolutionizing the way people work and live. Hybrid office promotes flexible changes in working hours and spaces, and the future work model is upgraded from working from home to working anywhere.
These changes include: the role of the office has changed to a teamwork location, working from home allows employees to have independent workspaces; new office design and audiovisual technology for flexible meetings and social connections; and the use of AI noise reduction, AR/VR and other technologies on devices.
Jerry Paradise, vice president of commercial product portfolio and product management at IDG, Lenovo's smart device business group, said in an exclusive interview with Pinplay that the upgrade to work anywhere "means that users need to have the right network connection and flexibility." On this basis, whether it is a mobile display or a hardware device such as a laptop equipped with wi-Fi 6E or 5G mmWave, or a service and solution for enterprises, Lenovo is already actively innovating to realize the future "work anytime, anywhere" ecosystem.
Jerry Paradise, Vice President of Commercial Product Portfolio and Product Management at IDG, Lenovo Group's Smart Devices Business Group, courtesy of Lenovo
Jerry Paradise joined Lenovo in 2005 and currently serves as Vice President of Commercial Products and Product Management for Lenovo IDG's global enterprise, education, and other businesses, and is also responsible for Lenovo's global workstation and smart office business. How smart terminal products adapt to future trends, he is a perfect spokesperson.
At MWC2022, Lenovo also released a series of innovative products and solutions designed for a more connected and increasingly hybrid world.
It is worth noting that in the series of new products on MWC2022, Lenovo released the new ThinkPad X13s developed in cooperation with Qualcomm and Microsoft, which is the world's first laptop with a high-end Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 computing platform, which can run up to Windows 11 Professional Edition.
Featuring an ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight design with no built-in fans, Lenovo believes it brings a higher level of always-on, always-connected, silent PC experience. In addition, the laptop features up to 28 hours of multi-day battery life, an AI-accelerated experience, enhanced 5G connectivity options including millimeter wave, and application support through the Microsoft App Assure program for seamless productivity, security, and collaboration.
And in the newly released ThinkPad Z series, Lenovo's iconic "Little Red Dot" TrackPoint is updated. With just two quick clicks to TrackPoint, users can open a new shortcut menu for quick communications that allows them to control camera and mute functions, dictation, and more.
It can be seen that not only equipment companies, but also the drive innovation of equipment also brings some opportunities for change to more upstream partner companies. "Over the years, we have built strong relationships with several industry-leading partners, including Qualcomm, strengthening our PC portfolio." Jerry Paradise said.
The new ThinkPad X13s, courtesy of Lenovo
The following is a transcript of the dialogue:
I/O devices for traditional PCs are actually very simple, monitors, keyboards and mice, and now the I/O process seems to have undergone some changes, and on new PCs I see the trend of touch, voice, and multi-screen display and collaboration, how do device companies respond to this change?
Jerry Paradise: Obviously, user interactions with expertise are changing. When computers were first developed, everything was new and revolutionary: operating systems, monitors, mice, and so on. Everything opens up new opportunities and possibilities that most people haven't thought about before. There's only one thing that has continued from the past to the present – and that's that the keyboard is still the primary input method.
But now alternative input methods are finally catching up. Input devices have changed not only in form, but also in function, with more touchable interfaces. For example, today's stylus provides haptic feedback, and the ability to convert speech to text is becoming a new defining feature of personal computing devices.
Lenovo is constantly innovating to respond to this new change, such as updating Lenovo's iconic "Little Red Dot" TrackPoint in the newly released ThinkPad Z series. With just two quick clicks to TrackPoint, users can open a new shortcut menu for quick communications that allows them to control camera and mute functions, dictation, and more.
TrackPoint was the dominant feature of ThinkPad in its 30-year history, but new thinkPad users may be less familiar with this iconic feature. The new Quick Communication menu redefines its usage to attract new users.
Lenovo started using trackpads very early on, and now they're all the rage across the industry. The Z series boasts a 12cm smooth glass trackpad with more space for precise scrolling of pages and clicks. The Z series trackpads respond very quickly and can even be used while wearing gloves. If the user wants an actual button similar to previous models, they can also set the top of the trackpad to the corresponding button function. That's what we're looking at when developing all new input methods, with a larger trackpad area making more user experience more convenient.
In some of our ThinkBook laptop models designed for SMBs, an AI conference manager is incorporated that translates voice or audio into text in multiple languages and can be used on any inputable interface. These features can be easily used by users around the world without worrying about the challenges of language barriers.
At the end of the day, everything we do is designed to address user needs. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to how to interact with technology, and it varies by use and location, and the key is how to make the user experience the best possible.
Play: Mobile phones have always been an important carrier of personal information, for Lenovo, how to ensure the connection between PC and mobile phone?
Jerry Paradise: We believe that no matter which device consumers choose to use, Lenovo is confident in helping them better access their personal information and browsing content. Making the connection between PCs and smartphones as seamless as possible is a priority for Lenovo, including Motorola.
Motorola's Ready For multi-screen collaboration technology is a good example of how it can extend the phone's capabilities to external displays. When using a laptop, you can quickly access all your phone notifications and messages, and even answer calls. Users can also easily transfer files and photos between devices. Ready For can also turn a smartphone into an advanced webcam with higher resolution and quality, as well as other features like theme tracking AI. The webcam feature is compatible with all PC applications that support webcams, enabling video calling services and live streaming on social media platforms.
Play: Cross-device information circulation on the performance of the software on multiple terminals, the operation experience also put forward higher requirements, hardware manufacturers want to create a better experience, is bound to strengthen cooperation with software companies, please introduce lenovo's internal software team investment.
Jerry Paradise: Lenovo sees software as a strategic focus to drive device innovation and service transformation, and our cloud and software teams deliver unique, immersive user experiences. Our in-house developed software solutions ensure, support and enhance the customer experience of our devices, and we are working to implement solutions across Lenovo and our partner ecosystems.
To support this innovation, Lenovo has built its own cloud developer platform to bring new applications with unique IP to the market at a record speed while ensuring product quality. Through this own global ecosystem, we are able to create a permanent and expanding cycle of safe development and innovation based on efficiency. To date, we've leveraged our cloud developer platform to launch several transformative solutions, including thinkSmart Manager, and the support software behind ThinkReality A3 and Mirage VR S3 products.
Another solution to meet the growing needs of customers for cross-device information flow is the Project Unity application. Launched at Lenovo Innovation 2021, Project Unity has created a secure device ecosystem that delivers seamless, unified experiences across device types, enabling users to collaborate in new ways, increase productivity, and easily manage their more digital or hybrid lifestyles. This solution was developed using our cloud developer platform and is a testament to the capabilities of our in-house cloud and software teams.
We also saw the AI and noise suppression features of the 8cx Gen 3 solution from the bottom layer at this Snapdragon summit, and I saw that the new ThinkPad X13s product is also equipped with this function, and it is a question of how Lenovo balances - the innovation solution is entirely from the upstream supplier of the chip, or is it in its own hands to define the new function by internal drive.
Jerry Paradise: The ThinkPad X13s is the world's first laptop with an 8cx Gen3 computing platform that enables ultra-high productivity, security and seamless collaboration. Over the years, we've built relationships with a number of industry-leading partners, including Qualcomm, strengthening our PC portfolio and helping us continue to deliver better cutting-edge technological innovations to our customers.
At the same time, Lenovo itself is also pursuing continuous innovation, and we announced the Lenovo LA2 intelligent embedded controller during the 2021 Lenovo Innovation Technology Conference. The controller is designed by us and jointly developed, which is our initial attempt in the field of computer intelligent embedded controller design. Lenovo independently designed the architecture of la2 intelligent embedded controller and the artificial intelligence algorithm based on neural networks, and at the same time completed the integration in the computer system, which can process multiple different tasks in parallel, and match the best computing unit according to different tasks, realizing dedicated core. It is also important that all information is processed locally, stored locally, without user privacy involved and without privacy risks. This is one of the many achievements of Lenovo Group's long-term focus on innovation.
As the quest for higher performance, better collaboration and security in the hybrid workplace trend, and the need for device connectivity and security for seamless work environments increases, the industry needs to work together to innovate and put user needs first. We believe that Lenovo's good industry collaboration with partners will help everyone adapt to a more mixed real world.
When predicting the future work trend, Lenovo proposed to upgrade from home office to anywhere office, how to understand the difference between the two? How will this affect Lenovo's business?
Jerry Paradise: The key difference between working from home and working anywhere is that working from home means having a primary place to work, but at home, not an office. And working anywhere means users need the right network connection and flexibility to get their work done anywhere – whether it's in a coffee shop or on vacation.
Lenovo has always attached great importance to customer feedback, even ahead of the existence of customer needs. In the feedback from our customers around the world, they want to work anywhere, so Lenovo's business has shifted with their needs. Whether it's a mobile display or hardware devices such as laptops equipped with features like Wi-Fi 6E or 5G mmWave, or services and solutions for enterprises, Lenovo is already actively innovating in an ecosystem that will enable the future of "working anywhere."
Pin play: In the face of this trend, how does Lenovo Group match the needs of future office trends? For example, in terms of strategy, products, research and development.
Jerry Paradise: The digital transformation that pursued a hybrid work model predates two years ago, accelerating the adoption and implementation of digital transformation initiatives in the post-pandemic era. As the pandemic unfolds, more and more companies around the world are reopening their offline offices, but hybrid offices have become a new model in many places. Hybrid office ensures that business can be carried out flexibly, regardless of office location, saving travel and office costs. Under this demand, enterprise users need more PCs and related equipment for performance recovery.
Under the new normal, personal computers shoulder more functions including work, entertainment, education, self-improvement, etc., and each person has been present for a long time. At the same time, in terms of video games and audiovisual entertainment, personal computers are also becoming centers, and this demand will give rise to the demand for high value-added segmentation, such as high-performance workstations, game computers, etc.
In order to cope with the continuous development of users' personal equipment, infrastructure and application upgrade needs, we have established a sound innovation system internally, unremittingly invested in research and development, continued to achieve fruitful innovation results, and continuously enhanced our innovation strength. We pioneered and vigorously advocated "new IT" in the industry, and developed in depth in various subdivisions of "end-edge-cloud-network-intelligence", forming a rich accumulation of technology.
End: Focus on a variety of smart devices, The Internet of Things, embedded computing, and next-generation computing platforms
Edge: A full-stack edge computing combination is established
Cloud: Invest in high-performance computing, water-cooled, and hybrid cloud technologies
Web: Focuses on cloud-network convergence and software-defined technologies
Wisdom: Focusing on the big data platform and artificial intelligence platform, it also has the externalization ability to provide digital and intelligent solutions for the whole-scenario industry.
Our R&D investments support service-oriented transformation and product innovation, helping us capture the opportunities presented by the accelerating digitalization, intelligent transformation and upgrading of IT equipment, infrastructure and applications. In the post-epidemic era, the demand for hybrid office has increased, and digital and intelligent transformation is imperative, and we can help individuals and enterprises adapt to the update and change of office trends. Our strategy and R&D focus is to deliver smarter technologies to create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society for all.
I see what you're saying – Lenovo's products and solutions are empowering individuals and businesses in the new "hybrid world." Please cite some more vivid examples.
Jerry Paradise: In the petrochemical industry, for example, the refining chemical process is complex, with more than 1,000 control points throughout the process. In the past, field engineers relied on their own judgment to control temperature and pressure. Now, through smart IoT sensors and Lenovo's big data analytics, we've helped a large oil refining company in China increase production by up to 0.9 percentage points. And it can be directly managed remotely, which greatly improves efficiency, reduces production risks in the petrochemical industry, and improves the economic benefits of enterprises.
In education, students can experience field trips through lenovo virtual reality (VR) classrooms. Lenovo VR classrooms are equipped with Mirage VR S3 headsets that provide an immersive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math education) experience. It also comes pre-installed with software for career exploration, as well as course mapping VR courses with formative assessments. This technology can extend beyond the classroom to enable immersive distance learning.
In the field of healthcare, Lenovo has developed smart medical solutions that include online rounds and online care. Online rounds allow doctors to connect face-to-face with patients in the office or at home via high-quality, dedicated video displays. Online care provides patients with remote monitoring and guidance solutions, including advanced biometric devices and AI-driven software to assist patients online with personalized care plans at home.
We are also transforming cities with smart city solutions. The city of Bogotá, Colombia, deployed a jointly optimized edge computing solution from Lenovo and Pivot3 to increase efficiency and scale for its entire secure network focused on the control center. The solution takes into account thousands of cameras, sensors, databases, video data, and analytics methods such as facial recognition and behavioral analysis.
Play: Working anywhere means a lot of changes, environmental changes, remote connections, office rhythms will also change, PC equipment "anywhere office" process, will spawn what new features?
Jerry Paradise: The trend of working from anywhere is indeed impacting new PC capabilities that span user demands for productivity, connectivity, and security.
For example, as I mentioned earlier, our new ThinkPad Z series contains recyclable and recyclable materials. Our latest ThinkPad X13s also adds recyclable magnesium, and all new ThinkPad models contain 90% sustainable packaging.
Working anywhere expands the scope of work, but to work effectively anywhere, remote connectivity needs to be guaranteed. Almost all ThinkPad laptops include Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, and wireless WANs can be configured, including 4G LTE and 5G. The seamless transition between this combination and connectivity means users can focus on increasing productivity and efficiency, rather than whirling between how to connect to configuration, especially when users are in more remote areas. Lenovo's latest Release of ThinkPad X13s, the world's first laptop equipped with snapdragon 8cx Gen3 computing platform, plus enhanced 5G mmWave and Wi-Fi 6E, plus an estimated 28-hour long battery life, fully support our users to work anywhere. However, working anywhere can pose a security issue for IT departments, especially on unprotected public networks. We wanted to make the device secure by design, with fingerprint readers, user online detection and camera shutdown adding security and convenience to users, while providing users with comprehensive security software and built-in ThinkShield services.
As more users begin to embrace the hybrid office model, how to continue to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients is a problem that plagues many people. Recently at CES 2022, we also introduced a new communication bar on laptops, which includes expanded high-resolution FHD and IR cameras, as well as multi-array microphones for enhanced audio and noise suppression, providing a higher quality intelligent collaborative office experience.
Play: Working anywhere can put enterprise devices in a three-way environment, what kind of challenges does this pose for enterprise data security?
Jerry Paradise: Strengthening cybersecurity is critical to the work of the future. Previously, for office field employees, 80%-90% were inside the firewall of the corporate network. If you're working within your company and your device has a security certificate, you're effectively considered having secure access to the network.
Now, 80-90% of employees are often outside of corporate locations and often use their devices on potentially vulnerable home networks or remote hotspots without the right devices and network protection. At Lenovo, we're taking a multi-layered approach to making hardware designs as secure as possible – from supply chain integrity to end-user endpoint level.
Lenovo has established a dedicated security team to take care of security in various fields: security architecture, BIOS/firmware/application software security, security audits of suppliers (including but not limited to components, accessories, firmware, software), supervision of suppliers and management of project implementation, etc., focusing on creating secure devices and reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and exposures, and constantly striving to win the trust of customers and the wider security community.