Move over cloud computing; here comes table computing from Lenovo.
The CES show in Las Vegas is known for its unique product announcements. And, Lenovo lived up that that today as it released the IdeaCentre Horizon Table PC, yes a Table PC. Lenovo is calling this product the company’s first “interpersonal PC,” a multi-user, multi-touch, multi-mode device for the home that allows users to turn their personal computing experience into a shared computing experience.
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The 27 inch display model also features touch UI, built-in battery and new capabilities in Windows 8. The Horizon Table PC enables a range of computing scenarios, from PC productivity to social connectivity and family game play, according to Lenovo.
As a Table PC, Horizon can lie flat on any surface, allows two or more users to interact with the screen at the same time, supports interactive physical gaming accessories and is designed for touch screen game-play among several players. Horizon comes with customized games from Electronic Arts and Ubisoft. Horizon can also transform into a 27-inch desktop.
At CES Lenovo also demonstrated a 39-inch wide-screen Table PC, code-named “Gamma.” Gamma is listed as a concept device still in its early stages. But Lenovo wanted to show it off because Gamma illustrates the multi-user entertainment experiences that large screens can provide and is indicative of Lenovo’s future direction in Table PC computing, the company said.
Peter Hortensius, president of Lenovo’s product group, said he’s seen technology shifts across the four screens, from the desktop to the laptop, tablet and smartphone, and yet, while people have more computing power than ever before, there is still room for technologies like Horizon that bring people together. Horizon makes personal computing interpersonal computing with shared, collaborative experiences among several people.
The Horizon Table PC includes Lenovo App Shop, a dedicated apps store powered by Intel AppUp giving users access to 5,000+ multi-user entertainment apps. Horizon also comes pre-loaded with games and educational apps from Electronic Arts, FableVision, Open Labs, Ubisoft, and FilmOn TV.
The Horizon has a smart hinge system where users can lay it flat and in so doing, the Lenovo Aura multi-user, multi-touch interface (UI) will automatically activate. This UI enables many people to play a game such as Monopoly on one screen. Aura also serves as a way to launch pre-loaded gaming and educational apps or download new ones from the online app store, the company said.
The Table PC’s large backlit screen can be seen from virtually any angle and its has nVidia GeForce graphics built-in along with Dolby Home Theatre v4 audio. Horizon will be powered by Intel Core i7 processors, Lenovo confirmed at CES.
The Horizon Table PC will be available beginning in early summer through Lenovo the channel starting at approximately $1,699.