HP has recently announced its latest additions to the midrange Envy line, featuring webcams, fan blades, and IMAX certification. The new HP Envy x360 15 is the first laptop to be IMAX Enhanced certified, a program generally reserved for TVs and projectors. The laptop will be available later this month for a starting price of $949.99.
To earn IMAX Enhanced certification, devices must meet various standards, including the ability to display IMAX-shot content in an extended aspect ratio. Initially, select movies and sequences will be available with support starting from Disney Plus, with more features on the way.
Additionally, the new Envy devices will have 5-megapixel cameras, Windows Hello support, and a physical shutter. According to HP, these features will make for a significantly better camera than last year’s Envy devices. HP will also be introducing a new fan design, featuring 25% thinner blades, 58% more blades, and 9% increased airflow, which is expected to provide a better cooling solution.
All three models will come with 13th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the 15 and 17-inch versions will be equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 mobile GPU. The 15-inch version will also feature an AMD Ryzen 7000 model with Radeon-integrated graphics.
In terms of storage, all the devices will come with up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSDs and optional Intel Optane H10 support. All models will also feature HP’s Sure View Reflect technology, which helps protect user privacy by reducing the viewing angle when viewed from the side. The laptops can be configured with up to 32GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6E support as well. Lastly, they will come preinstalled with Windows 10 Home or Pro versions depending on model and configuration options.
Although the IMAX Enhanced certification for a laptop seems peculiar, HP is eager to innovate and provide unique features to attract customers. This move comes as competition in the tech market has been increasing, and HP is looking to establish a foothold by offering unique features such as the IMAX certification. HP’s Envy line has been well-regarded in the past for providing excellent value, and these new features should make it an attractive option for consumers looking for a midrange laptop.
While the IMAX certification is an interesting addition, it alone won’t be enough to make the Envy line a standout in the laptop market. HP will also have to focus on other aspects such as performance, battery life and design if they want their laptops to stand out from the competition. However, this move shows that HP is willing to explore new and innovative ways of making their products attractive to customers – something which should bode well for them in future.