HP Sprout: desktop computer that will create ‘blended reality’ launched

The PC, which the company hopes is the computer of the future, will go on sale next week

Andrew Griffin
Friday 13 February 2015 10:48 EST
Comments
(HP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

HP has launched a new PC, called Sprout, that it hopes will bring the desktop computer back to life.

Many commentators have hailed the death of the desktop PC, at the hands of tablets and mobile phones, but HP hopes that Sprout can save it with its combination tablets, PCs and projectors that it calls “blended reality”.

The base of Sprout is a normal, desktop PC. But it also has a projector mounted on top that shines onto the touchpad below — allowing it to work as another touchscreen, more like an iPad. It also has a built-in scanner that allows for things placed onto the touchpad to be fed into the computer.

Using the two together allows users to create “blended reality” the company said. By scanning 3D items, users can manipulate digital versions of them on screen.

It hopes that technology can eventually be used to make digital objects that can be 3D printed.

While none of the individual technologies in the computer are new, HP hopes that by combining the two it can bring back the desktop PC.

The Sprout costs £1,899 and is available to pre-order from today.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in