The ABCs of AI PCs

On the heels of the splash we made at CES and MWC with a range of product launches (several of which have been claiming well-deserved awards), I want to focus on what I think is the most important innovation that we shared with the world: the first of our new AI PCs.

With so much being said about it at the moment, I want to slow things down to make sure that everyone (the people who will actually be using these incredible devices, and not just those who attend CES or MWC) understands just how big this really is.

To help cement the actual rubber-meets-the-road value of this technology, I’ll do a few things: I’ll offer a bit of background on what exactly AI is; I’ll tell you how we’ve incorporated new hardware and software into these devices to get the most out of AI; and finally I’ll walk you through why businesses are jumping on it and what it all means for end-users—and the future of the PC as we know it.?

Let’s dive in.

What is Artificial Intelligence, Really?

At its core, AI is any automation system capable of learning on the job. AI is designed to perform tasks associated with human intelligence, like comprehending an environment, recognizing patterns, and understanding natural language.

To do this admittedly impressive job, we must feed these AI systems vast data sets. Fortunately, there’s never been more data than there is today. In fact, most estimates have us somewhere just shy of 200 zettabytes by next year, which is nearly three times where we were just a few years ago. In addition to sheer volume, there have also been huge leaps forward in computer science and important refinements to data science techniques, adding even more fuel to broad AI adoption.???

As AI continues to evolve, we see innovations like Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Generative AI becoming central to the value AI can deliver. LLMs, for instance, can really be seen as the backbone of AI, allowing computers to understand and interact with data on an unprecedented scale (think all of the books ever written or every single website on the internet). NLP is what gives computers the ability to understand text and spoken words just like humans. And finally, Generative AI pulls all of these inputs together and uses them to create unique, innovative content (like photos, text, videos, and more).??

With all of these great technological advances, we’re enabling computers to recognize patterns, make predictions, and provide us with valuable recommendations. You’re probably beginning to see why AI doesn’t just represent a buzzword, but a vital force for transformation.

AI in a PC? Yep, that’s a Lenovo AI PC.

So, how has Lenovo translated the enthusiasm for AI into functional, real-world devices? Enter the Lenovo AI PC—a transformative computing solution designed to incorporate AI seamlessly at every level, both in hardware and software. In doing so, we’ve developed devices that can handle complex AI workloads, encompassing machine learning, deep learning, and local data analysis.

One of the key technological developments making the AI PC possible is the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Serving as a third compute engine alongside the traditional CPU and GPU, the NPU is dedicated to accelerating and optimizing machine learning. By offloading specific compute tasks to the NPU (and/or GPU), we’re able to deliver improved efficiency, performance, and superior power management across these devices.

Another notable shift in the landscape of AI is the transition to Hybrid AI, where public, private, and personal foundation models coexist. Lenovo's AI PCs embrace this shift, allowing businesses and individuals to balance the benefits of AI while keeping data secure and safeguarding user privacy.

• Public AI: Currently, most AI work occurs in the public cloud, presenting challenges related to security and cost.
• Private AI: Companies can leverage AI while maintaining control over their data by utilizing private, on-premises servers.
• Personal AI: AI work can now be executed locally on a user's device, maximizing security, power, and personalization.

*In the case of Lenovo's AI PCs, learning from individual user data or proprietary enterprise data ensures no information is shared publicly or enters open training data sets.

Between the power of the new NPU and the security of personal foundation models, AI PCs are poised to deliver an experience that ordinary PCs just can’t.

Why AI is a Focus Area for Business

As businesses look to embrace AI, it’s important to understand just what is driving this interest and adoption. According to recent trends, 35% of companies already leverage AI in their operations. The applications of AI in the business realm are diverse, but early use cases focus on the automation of IT and business processes, security and threat detection, business analytics/intelligence, and marketing and sales.

When it comes to implementing AI into the processes that drive an organization, the emphasis on AI comes down to integrating innovative technology to drive tangible outcomes. The potential to reduce errors, enhance safety, and decrease expenses represents a potentially significant return on investment. The upside for businesses that can successfully navigate this new terrain and put AI to use effectively is massive. And it can be seen quite clearly by looking at global spending on AI, which is expected to double, from $150 billion last year to an estimated $300 billion in 2026.

There’s just no question that businesses see AI—and its potential to drive automation and efficiency, enhance decision-making and insights generation, improve personalization and customer experience, and facilitate advanced problem solving—as integral to their future success. The AI PC will be a vital part of that journey.?

What the AI PC Means for You…

The true significance of Lenovo's AI PCs doesn’t become clear, however, until we look at their practical implications for users. Whether for businesses or individuals, these devices—namely the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12, Yoga Pro 9i (16", 9), and ThinkBook 13x Gen 4—promise to redefine personalization, productivity, security and privacy, and proactive collaboration.

The way we work will eventually transform, thanks in large part to how we’ve incorporated AI into these devices. The automation of repetitive tasks and workflows (such as summarizing emails, documents, and presentations) will forever change the meaning of productivity. Enhanced security features prevent data loss, identify phishing scams, and elevate threat detection capabilities to keep users safer. And now, through impressive new AI-enhanced audio and video capabilities, collaborative experiences will be as seamless as if you were face-to-face.

This is more than just exciting new hardware and innovative software solutions.

Through our AI PCs, we’re bringing people together, helping them work smarter, and keeping their data safer.

A Glimpse into the Future of Personal Computing

While the introduction of Lenovo's AI PCs marks a monumental step forward, it really only signifies the beginning of a new era in the long history of personal computers. What truly sets these new devices apart is Lenovo's commitment to maximizing security, power, and personalization through devices driven by personal foundation models and NPUs that never stop learning.

By bringing these AI PCs to the world, we move one step closer to our goal of becoming a major player in the AI PC space. And—with one of the widest portfolios of AI PCs on offer for both consumers and businesses—we’re already well underway.?

Basically, what it comes down to is simple: AI for All.?

We aim to take AI from research to real value for any organization.

In this new age of AI PCs, Lenovo has laid the groundwork for a future where technology seamlessly integrates with our lives, enhancing every aspect of our digital experiences. This chapter’s only just started, but it already looks primed to offer endless possibilities.