Driven by the wave of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly penetrating into the field of personal computing, and AI PCs, as a prominent representative of this trend, are gradually changing the way we work and live. According to an authoritative report by market research agency Canalys, in the second quarter of 2024, global AI PC shipments reached 8.8 million units, accounting for 14% of total PC shipments, a significant year-on-year increase. This leap not only marks a boom in the AI PC market, but also a testament to the potential of the intelligent personal computing devices of the future.
Hardware innovation: the technological cornerstone of AI PCs
The growth in AI PC shipments was driven by breakthrough innovations in hardware technology. Taking the Intel ® Core ™ Ultra processor as an example, the CPU+GPU+NPU heterogeneous computing architecture introduced by it provides powerful local AI processing power for AI PCs. This architecture is not only capable of handling complex AI tasks, but also can run large AI models without being connected to the Internet, greatly improving the usefulness and reliability of AI PCs. According to Intel's official data, AI PCs equipped with Intel ® Core ™ Ultra processors can increase AI performance by up to 2.2 times, increase productivity by 47%, and even increase performance in professional applications by up to 12 times.
Figure: Global AI PC shipments by different operating systems - 2024Q2
Market acceptance: Positive consumer response to AI PCs
The positive consumer response to AI PCs is a key factor driving the growth in shipments. According to statistics, more than 75% of users support the integration of AI-related functions into device-side devices, which reflects consumers' high recognition of the intelligent and personalized experience brought by AI PCs. Especially in the fields of education, design, and games, AI PCs have won the favor of users with their unique personalized services and efficient interactive experience.
Industry Transformation: AI PCs are leading the new trend in the PC market
The growth of AI PC shipments is also a reflection of the transformation of the PC industry. As AI technology continues to mature, traditional PC devices are transforming into smarter and more efficient AI PCs. This shift not only brings new growth points for PC manufacturers, but also brings unprecedented development opportunities for the entire industry. For example, Lenovo Group, as a technology company with a comprehensive layout of AI, has shown a first-mover advantage in the field of AI PCs, and its AI PC product portfolio share is leading in the industry, and it is expected that its PC sales will continue to grow with the rapid expansion of AI PCs.
Business value: AI PCs open up new revenue streams
The growth in AI PC shipments heralds the opening of new business models and revenue channels. With the popularity of AI PCs, AI-based personalized services and applications will become a new source of revenue. From customized software development to O&M services, the business value of AI PCs is gradually emerging. For example, Microsoft's 365 Copilot service brings users a more intelligent office experience by integrating AI capabilities, and also opens up new revenue channels for Microsoft.
User experience: Personalized intelligent services for AI PCs
The core strength of AI PCs lies in their ability to provide personalized and intelligent services. With built-in large models and agents, AI PCs are able to learn and optimize based on user behavior and preferences, resulting in a more personalized and efficient service experience. This user-centered design approach will further promote the popularization and application of AI PCs.
Conclusion: The future outlook for AI PCs
The significant increase in AI PC shipments is a clear indication of the broad prospects of AI PCs. With the continuous advancement of technology and the gradual maturity of the market, AI PC is expected to become a new engine to promote the development of the entire PC industry. Whether it's for business professionals looking for productivity or for ordinary consumers looking for a personalized experience, AI PCs will provide an unprecedented intelligent computing experience.
The development of AI PC is multifaceted, which involves not only hardware innovation, but also the personalization of software services, the innovation of user interaction, and the exploration of business models. With the continuous progress of AI technology and the expansion of application scenarios, AI PCs are expected to become an important bridge connecting individual users with intelligent services, opening a new era of intelligent computing.
