HP Sprout - The Future Of Desktop Computing Is Already Here

Since the advent of laptops, tablets and cell phones, there has always been the speculation that desktops are going to be dead sooner or later. Still, there are many of us prefer to work the old fashioned way and desktops are still well and alive. And now, the cynics might have to rethink their theory of desktops becoming obsolete because HP has come out with a new product in this category that seems to be the future of desktop computing.

HP describes the desktop as an ‘immersive computing platform’ and by the looks of it, it is fair to say that HP is right. HP Sprout is an all-in-one desktop that consists of a full HD touchscreen display, a hi-resolution camera, a projector, a scanner and a tensile capacitive mat which acts as a second touch screen. The system runs on Windows 8.1 (upgrade-able to Windows 10) and HP Workspace-which is a new OS developed by HP to provide support for the dual touchscreen environment.


The camera, projector, scanner etc. are all combined in what HP calls a ‘Sprout Illuminator’. The scanner in the illuminator can scan the object you place below it in either 2D or 3D. The 3D scanning is possible thanks to the depth sensor, the four cameras that the Illuminator has and Intel’s RealSense 3D camera technology. The output of the scan is shown on the mat (can also be seen on the screen of course) using the projector in the Illuminator (refer the above image).

The Sprout can be used in the modern way via the touchscreen or the touchscreen mat or also in the traditional way by connecting a wireless mouse and a keyboard. The complete technology is very useful for designers. Instead of actually designing by hand, they can scan the various objects. These scanned objects are accessible on the screen, through which they can be pulled onto the mat where the actual design work can be done easily. Since the objects are scanned, they can be resized, cropped and manipulated in any way. Just like Adobe Photoshop, each object will have its own layer and it can be brought above, sent below or made to overlap with other layers. Multiple designers can work remotely using this desktop technology. Please look at the video below for the actual simulation of designing.




The cameras in the Illuminator are 14.6 MP each. The projector’s resolution is 1024x768 pixels. The mat has got a 20-point capacitive multi-touch sensor and has got great sensitivity and resistance. The main display is full HD and is 23 inches wide. It however cannot be adjusted in any way because a 180 degree angle has to be maintained between the projections and the mat on which they projections are seen. On the back side of the computer, there are 2 USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet port and a HDMI port to extend the display of the screen. The capacitive buttons at the bottom of the screen can be used to bring up the virtual keyboard on the map, to go the home screen of the apps and to turn off the touch and projector completely when not required.


Naturally, there are endless possibilities of how the technology like this can be used. HP said that they are already working with some major players like Microsoft, Adobe etc. to develop the applications that can be used in Sprout’s dual screen environment and they are expecting them to launch the applications in next few months. Currently there are some applications in the Sprout Marketplace for professionals, gamers, families etc. and HP is hoping to add many more in the future. HP said that the ultimate pinnacle would be to develop an ability to make Sprout work with the 3D printers. These desktops are available for pre-order and would reach the UK markets from February 26 at the price of £1,899 (1, 80,000 INR approx.). The availability of the desktop in other parts of the world is yet unknown.

Via: HP Sprout: is this the future of desktop computing? | HP Sprout review - hands on with with dual-screen, 3D-scanning all-in-one PC | Expert Reviews