Matt Codrington, vice president and general manager of Greater Asia Pacific at Lenovo. — Photo Courtesy of Lenovo

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly and revolutionising all aspects of life. The computing market is at its forefront, and many computer manufacturers have entered the competition by introducing a plethora of new products. Việt Nam News reporter Thu Ngân asks Matt Codrington, vice president and general manager of Greater Asia Pacific at Lenovo, for the company's perspective on the development of the AI computing market and how it plans to capitalise on the opportunities in this market.

Chip producers have stated that AI is transforming the computer market and driving its development. What are your thoughts on this?

Indeed, it is undeniable that AI is revolutionising the global computer market. The rising interest in generative AI (Gen AI) and large language models (LLMs) requires substantial processing power and an increased need for higher-performance computing. 

At Lenovo, we foresee AI PCs as a disruptive amalgamation of client, edge, and cloud technologies. These AI-enabled PCs are poised to revolutionise user experiences by enhancing performance, efficiency and capabilities, ultimately leading to hyper-personalisation in everyday tasks.

AI PCs are expected to be game-changers, with improvements in performance, efficiency and capabilities over time, leading to hyper-personalisation in everyday tasks for users.

Aligned with our commitment to deliver 'Smarter Technology for All,' Lenovo aspires to shape a future marked by 'Smarter AI for All'.

This involves establishing a comprehensive AI portfolio, strengthening research and development capabilities, and cultivating robust ecosystems and partnerships with leading chip producers like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and others. 

As a global technology leader, our dedication to advancing AI is rooted in driving innovation, enhancing user experiences worldwide, and ensuring that our products remain at the forefront of the AI revolution.

How does Lenovo envision the evolution of generative AI over the next few years? How do you anticipate this vision influencing the future the market, and how will it be communicated in Việt Nam?

We anticipate that generative AI will fundamentally transform how individuals and businesses engage with technology. 

In the near future generative AI will not only create content but also automate complex tasks, generate code and provide personalised digital assistants. This advancement will revolutionise personal computing by making it more user-centric, conversational and intelligent.

In the Asia-Pacific region and Việt Nam, where digital transformation is rapidly progressing, generative AI is poised to significantly enhance productivity and drive innovation.

Our approach to communicating this AI evolution will therefore focus on the local market’s specific needs, emphasizing how AI will empower both enterprises and consumers based on their unique business goals and challenges.

Additionally, our company has developed a comprehensive hybrid AI product roadmap and is uniquely positioned with its full-stack AI portfolio encompassing AI-powered PCs, smartphones, tablets, and a strong foundation in R&D.

Looking ahead, AI is expected to initiate a substantial replacement cycle across PCs, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, resulting in advancements that enable businesses and consumers to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial in the tech industry. How is Lenovo integrating energy-efficient AI technology into its products, and what measures is the company taking to achieve its long-term sustainability objectives?

At Lenovo, sustainability is central to our innovation strategy. 

We integrate energy-efficient AI technology into our products to enhance performance and reduce environmental impacts. 

Committed to energy efficiency in our AI laptops, we aim to reduce carbon footprints in response to growing consumer demand for transparent and eco-friendly products. This involves integrating advanced power management and energy-efficient components.

Our hybrid approach encompasses delivering AI capabilities across various platforms, from pocket-sized devices to the cloud, with a vision of fostering a sustainable future. In alignment with our sustainability objectives, we are targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 with science-based targets verified by the Science Based Target Initiative. 

Our goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and improving energy efficiency across our product lines. 

Furthermore, we are transitioning to a circular economy model, using recycled materials, enhancing recyclability and innovating in eco-friendly packaging.

To achieve its long-term sustainability objectives, Lenovo uses post-consumer recycled content in some PC components and offers asset recovery services to help companies responsibly dispose of end-of-life devices while maximising their value. Additionally, our TruScale as-a-service model allows businesses to use only what they need, minimising resource deployment and promoting the reuse and recovery of technology.

This comprehensive strategy supports our goal of providing smarter technology for a more sustainable future.

For instance, the recently launched Lenovo Aura Edition PCs at the 2024 Innovation World, such as the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13, are designed with the circular economy in mind, incorporating 90 per cent recycled magnesium in the C cover.

Lenovo unveils its latest AI-powered devices at the 2024 Innovation World (timed with IFA). — Photo Courtesy of Lenovo

The AI trend is inevitable and unavoidable. How is your company, as a PC manufacturer, leveraging the advancements in AI to revolutionise the global PC market, drive market recovery and redefine personal experiences on PCs?

In 2024, we unveiled a lineup of AI-powered devices dedicated to transforming personal computing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Vietnamese markets.

By integrating AI into various product lines, ranging from entry-level IdeaPad and Yoga to high-performance ThinkPad and ThinkStation, we ensure accessibility for all customer segments.

During IFA 2024, the largest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances globally, we showcased the Aura Edition, a premium series of AI-enabled laptops co-developed with Intel.

This series features cutting-edge models like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 and Yoga Slim 7i, which are tailoured for professionals and creatives and boast advanced AI functionalities, robust processing power and sleek designs.

Our innovative solutions, such as the Digital Workplace Solutions and TruScale, powered by generative AI, are geared towards enhancing productivity and fostering work-life balance.

The AI Engine enriches performance across multiple product lines like Yoga, IdeaPad, Legion, and LOQ.

Our centralised customer support platform provides an array of services like Premium Care and Smart Lock to deliver efficient assistance and provide safeguards for both individual and commercial clients.

It is imperative to highlight the fact that cybersecurity remains a paramount focus for us. Our products are equipped with comprehensive security features like biometric authentication, data encryption and ThinkShield solutions to offer robust protection against cyberthreats and ensure customer safety.

Ultimately, our goal is to make AI accessible to everyone, enhancing personal computing experiences and empowering companies in their digital transformation journeys.

Lenovo Aura Edition PC showcased at the 2024 Innovation World. — Photo Courtesy of Lenovo

With the new products launched at IFA, how does Lenovo strike a balance between high-performance AI capabilities and affordability, particularly for businesses and consumers in emerging markets?

By offering a diverse portfolio, we ensure that advanced AI-powered devices are available at varying price points, making AI-driven technology accessible to both consumers and businesses in emerging markets.

Our goal has always been “Smart Technology for All,” and we are achieving this by offering AI capabilities at various price points. Our recent product launches at IFA 2024 highlight our commitment to delivering high-performance AI without compromising affordability.

For instance, our new Yoga and IdeaPad devices feature Lenovo AI Engine+, optimising power management, performance, and cooling systems. 

These devices cater to a wide range of users from students and professionals to casual users. By leveraging AI-powered personalisation and productivity tools, we ensure an intuitive and responsive user experience, empowering users in both developed and emerging markets.

On the commercial side, our AI-powered ThinkBook and ThinkPad series support businesses navigating the AI era. These products offer scalable AI solutions that enhance productivity and security while remaining cost-effective. 

The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ is a prime example, utilising AMD Ryzen AI processors to accelerate workflows, enhance multitasking and ensure data protection. 

Our flexible pricing structures allow businesses of all sizes, especially in emerging markets like Việt Nam, to access cutting-edge AI capabilities that drive digital transformation.

By offering a diverse portfolio, we ensure that advanced AI-powered devices are accessible to both consumers and businesses in emerging markets. — VNS