According to Luca Rossi, Lenovo’s Executive VP and President of Intelligent Devices Group, AI-powered PCs could trigger replacement cycles and expand the market in India, which remains under-penetrated compared to other regions.
Speaking at IFA 2024 in Berlin, Rossi highlighted Lenovo’s strategy of embracing AI to gain market share, showcasing a new lineup of AI-infused laptops from ThinkBook, IdeaPad, ThinkPad, and Yoga series, featuring chips from Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD. Among the innovations is the ‘Smart Share’ feature on Lenovo’s ‘Aura Edition’ laptops, enabling seamless photo sharing between smartphones and laptops.
Lenovo aims to bring down AI PC prices, initially starting above $1,000 but gradually targeting a more accessible $699-$1,000 range, although prices may not dip below $500 in the near term. Rossi believes consumers will be willing to pay a bit extra if AI PCs offer value and enhanced experiences.
The company’s push into AI PCs, requiring specialized chips for AI tasks, is reminiscent of the early days of smartphones. Despite the current lack of a defining ‘killer app’ to drive AI PC sales, the potential for personal assistants and task automation is generating significant buzz. However, Rossi stressed the need for PC manufacturers to bolster their software capabilities to support AI innovations, with Lenovo already investing heavily in software development.
Market projections from IDC suggest that AI PCs could account for 60% of all shipments by 2027, positioning Lenovo as a major player in shaping the future of AI computing. However, Rossi noted that sustained competition and continued innovation in AI and software will be crucial for success.
