In the ever-evolving landscape of Windows laptops, a significant transformation is underway with the advent of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs. Initially, this new era of personal computing was primarily marked by systems using Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips. However, HP is now stepping up the game with the introduction of the OmniBook Ultra 14, boasting superior AI capabilities thanks to AMD’s latest technological advancements.
At the heart of the OmniBook Ultra 14 lies AMD’s impressive Ryzen AI 300 series chips, which promise up to 55 TOPS of AI performance—a noteworthy leap over the 45 TOPS provided by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus’ Hexagon NPU. This powerful AI engine is poised to enable a plethora of innovative features, from accelerated AI-driven image generation to enhanced camera effects during video calls. For traditional tasks and graphical performance, the OmniBook Ultra is equipped with an integrated Radeon 980 GPU. Significantly, because the Ryzen AI 300 chips utilize x86 architecture, users won’t face the compatibility hurdles often encountered with the Arm-based Copilot+ PCs, thus ensuring a seamless experience for gaming and various other applications.
To further leverage its advanced AI capabilities, HP has developed a bespoke AI Companion app for the OmniBook Ultra 14. This app is packed with features, including HP’s Wolf Security system for robust protection, an enhanced Smart Sense performance optimization tool, as well as support for Windows Studio Effects and Poly Camera Pro. Additionally, the laptop is set to receive a future update that will enable all current AI features available in Windows 11, such as Image Creator and real-time transcription, formally categorizing the OmniBook Ultra 14 as a Copilot+ PC. However, the exact timeline for this update remains uncertain at this time.
On the design front, keen-eyed fans might notice a sense of familiarity in the OmniBook Ultra’s aesthetics. Unlike the fully redesigned chassis of the Qualcomm-powered OmniBook X, HP has opted to reuse the frame from its Spectre line for the Ultra, resulting in distinctive angled corners that are instantly recognizable.
The OmniBook Ultra 14 also breaks new ground as the first AMD-powered HP laptop to feature two Thunderbolt 4 ports, in addition to a USB Type-A slot and a 3.5mm audio jack. Although HP’s OmniBook X and Ultra both sport 14-inch displays, the Ultra comes with a larger 68 Wh battery compared to the 59 Wh battery of the X. This upgrade does result in a slightly heavier device, tipping the scales at 3.5 pounds and measuring 0.65 inches thick, in contrast to the OmniBook X’s 2.98 pounds and 0.57 inches.
While it remains to be seen how AMD’s new AI-focused chips will fare in terms of battery longevity compared to current Copilot+ PCs, HP estimate that the OmniBook Ultra will offer around 13 hours of usage in Mobile Mark tests and up to 21 hours of continuous video playback.
The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is anticipated to hit the market in August, with a starting price of $1,450, marking a significant step forward in the realm of AI-enhanced laptops.