HP today introduced the industry's thinnest and lightest workstation Ultrabooks, the HP ZBook 14 and 15u. HP also announced its next-generation virtual workstation and enhancements to its Remote Graphics Software.

The new products:

• HP ZBook 14 and 15u Workstation Ultrabooks: With an unprecedented sleek and stylish design, these customizable workstations deliver impressive professional 3D graphics, high-performance/breakthrough storage and outstanding performance even for the most demanding applications.
• The HP DL380z Virtual Workstation: Providing a true workstation experience, combined with end-to-end security, optimized IT management, and access to applications from almost any endpoint device, from virtually anywhere.
• HP Remote Graphics Software (RGS) 7.1: Delivering faster performance for workstation or server-based graphic-rich applications and collaboration remotely in real time from any PC, thin client or Windows tablet.

HP today announced the HP Pavilion Mini Desktop and the HP Stream Mini Desktop, powerful and smart desktop PCs boosting performance in a small, contemporary, and energy-efficient design that looks beautiful in any room in the home.

"The desktop tower PC continues to be a focal point in the home for sharing, creating, and entertaining," said Mike Nash, vice president, product management, Consumer Personal Systems, HP. "The HP Pavilion and HP Stream Mini Desktops deliver the benefits of a traditional desktop PC in a package that looks good sitting on a desk and is small enough to fit into an entertainment center."

HP today expanded its portfolio of computer monitors with an interactive virtual reality display, 4K and 5K ultra high-definition displays and curved displays for consumers and professionals. Designed to immerse users into a variety of digital experiences, the new products include:

• HP Zvr Virtual Reality Display: Rotate, manipulate and navigate 3D images from the 23.6-inch diagonal interactive display. The HP Zvr will change how users think, work, and create with virtual-holographic 3D images.
• HP Z27s and HP Z24s 4K Displays and the HP Z27q 5K Display: Ultra high-definition (UHD) solutions aimed to increase productivity by expanding the visual workspace and connecting to more devices.
• HP Z34c, HP ENVY 34c, HP EliteDisplay S270c and HP Pavilion 27c Curved Displays: An immersive personal experience that will enhance visual perception and audio experiences.

HP today introduced the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 family, the industry's thinnest and lightest business-class notebooks. The HP EliteBook 1020 and the HP EliteBook 1020 Special Edition (SE) are ultra-thin at 15. 7 mm, and the SE takes advantage of HP's exclusive blend of magnesium-lithium alloy and reusable carbon fiber to achieve a weight of only 1 kg (2.2 lbs.). Both share a tough, cutting-edge design that offers elite business-class performance.

"The HP EliteBook1020 represents game-changing innovation in both materials and mechanical engineering to create the world's thinnest and lightest business notebooks in a form factor that enables our customers to be more productive in more places," said Alex Cho, vice president & general manager, HP Commercial PCs. "Customers demand not only a stylish, thin and light notebook, but also a device that delivers advanced security and can withstand the rigorous demands that come with a highly mobile lifestyle -- and the HP EliteBook 1020 delivers this complete solution."

HP today announced the HP OMEN notebook PC, a gaming PC that combines performance, portability and style in a package that is designed for gamers. "Gamers play to win and expect their PCs to do the same," said Mike Nash, vice president, Product Management, Consumer Personal Systems, HP. "The HP OMEN delivers the power to dominate with a stunning design to give gamers the ultimate gaming experience."

In gaming, performance must be balanced across a number of key attributes including the processing power to deliver fast, stutter-free frame rates, quick load times and great graphics. The HP OMEN is powered by the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M and Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor for high performance with stunning graphics.

In another strong quarter, Chromebook shipments increased by 67% QoQ and are projected to double in size YoY. Acer continues to maintain its lead over other vendors in the market, including Samsung, HP, and Dell. The top three leading vendors - Acer, Samsung, and HP - accounted for 74% shipment share during 1H 2014 and are forecasted to maintain market control through 2H 2014, according to quarterly data from technology market intelligence firm ABI Research.

"Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop," says Research Analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. "The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers."

The questionable need of Chromebooks by consumers contributed to the slow start of these devices; however, vertical markets such as elementary education still remain a driving force. In emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, business-purchasing entities account for 75% of Chromebook sales. ABI Research also forecasts that North America will account for 78% of the Chromebook market in 2014, while other regions, especially Asia-Pacific and Western Europe, are expected to grow in market share by 2019.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 78.5 million units in the third quarter of 2014 (3Q14), a year-on-year decline of -1.7% and a sizable improvement over the forecast of -4.1%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.

Many of the trends from the second quarter remained relevant and contributed to the 3Q14 results. Commercial PC purchases played a key role in many markets, with the top three vendors - Lenovo, HP, and Dell - all showing solid year-on-year growth. Conversely, fierce competition and a spiral toward tablet-like prices helped to further consolidate the market. Shipments of entry systems, including Chromebooks, continued to inject an important source of volume and sustained improved consumer demand in certain markets over recent quarters.

HP today expanded the innovative HP Stream line-up of thin and light Windows products that leverage the cloud and make it easy to work and play from more places with the addition of two new notebook PCs and two new tablets.

"Today's consumers demand mobile products that fit their personal style and allow them to work and play wherever they are," said Mike Nash, vice president, Product Management, Consumer Personal Systems, HP. "The HP Stream products announced today hit the mark with sleek design, portability, access to free cloud storage, and the familiarity of Windows and Office 365."

Worldwide PC monitor shipments totaled 32.5 million units in the second quarter of 2014 (2Q14), a year-over-year decline of -2.9%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Monitor Tracker. IDC expects worldwide shipments to continue on their current trajectory, slipping to 107 million units for the full year 2018.

"Despite the overall decline, there was a strong quarter-over-quarter growth rate of 11% in the United States and a slight increase in PC Monitor shipments in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ). In addition, the shipment totals were stronger than forecast by 4%," said Keerthi Maganti, Research Analyst, Worldwide PC Monitor Trackers at IDC.

HP today introduced its most powerful Z Workstations, combining increased system expandability, higher-speed memory and multicore updates, as well as access to the latest technologies to help customers future-proof their investment in HP's broadest workstation portfolio.
HP Z Desktops and HP ZBook Mobile Workstations are built to address the constraints of compute-intensive industries, including media and entertainment, graphic design, CAD, architecture, photography, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, scientific imaging, and oil and gas exploration. The new additions to the portfolio include:

• The new HP Z840, Z640 and Z440 desktop workstations feature the latest Intel Xeon processor product family, and NVIDIA and AMD professional graphics options.
• The new HP ZBook 15 G2 and 17 G2 Mobile Workstations take advantage of powerful processing, including optional Intel quad-core processors and NVIDIA Quadro and AMD FirePro professional graphics that are ISV-certified.

HP today announced a new lineup of sleek consumer PCs including, two new powerful HP ENVY x2 detachable PCs designed to deliver a notebook experience for productivity, but quickly transform to a tablet for entertainment and apps; the ultra-portable HP Pavilion x2 detachable PC designed for customers who want to simplify their life with a single device that transforms from tablet to laptop; and two new colorful HP Chromebooks that bring the power of the Chrome OS for a fast, simple, protected internet experience.

"Customers have told us they want devices that offer flexibility and performance while reflecting their personal sense of style," said Mike Nash, vice president, Product Management, Consumer Personal Systems, HP. "The products we are announcing today include innovative designs, vibrant color options, choice of operating system and computing power to enable the way that customers communicate, play and live."

Yesterday HP together with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada issued a recall of just over 6 million (6.023.700 to be exact) notebook AC power cords that pose a potential fire and burn hazard. The cord recalled is named LS-15 and it has been sold with HP and Compaq notebooks and accessories from September 2010 to June 2012.

To date HP got 29 reports of the LS-15 cable overheating and melting or charring, causing property damage and minor burns. Customers are advised to stop using the cable and contact HP for a free replacement.

PNY Technologies ("PNY) considered one of the worldwide leaders in consumer electronics market and Flash products, has officially released two new USB flash drives-x720w and x750w. Both drives have super-fast USB 3.0 transmission speed, which means you can transfer your files 10x times faster than traditional USB 2.0 flash drives. These stylish, durable and portable flash drives make the perfect accessories that compliment your personal taste.

The HP x720w is the upgraded edition of hugely popular v220w USB drives. Smooth and durable metallic casing makes it resilient to dust, scratches and is completely shock proof. Weighing at a mere 4.5 g, and with dimensions measuring at H 4.5mm x W 12.2mm x L 34.6mm, it can easily slip into your pocket or wallet. The new HP x720w does away with the added worries of misplacing a cap with its convenient capless design. The moon-shaped opening at the end of the drive can be attached to lanyards, backpacks, and laptop bags. It is available in storage capacity ranging from 16GB to 64GB. Easy plug and play and USB 3.0 transmission speed ensures lighntning speed transfer of media files in minutes.

HP today announced financial results for its fiscal 2014 third quarter ended July 31, 2014. Third quarter net revenue of $27.6 billion was up 1% from the prior-year period and up 1% on a constant currency basis.

Third quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share (EPS) was $0.52, down from $0.71 in the prior-year period and below its previously provided outlook of $0.59 to $0.63. Third quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.89, up from $0.86 in the prior-year period and within its previously provided outlook of $0.86 to $0.90. Third quarter non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS exclude after-tax costs of $713 million and $0.37 per diluted share, respectively, related to restructuring charges, the amortization of intangible assets and acquisition-related charges.

PNY Technologies ("PNY) considered one of the worldwide leaders in consumer electronics market and memory products, has officially announce the release of the HP TF Class 10 memory cards, in current age the need for more data storage has become more important than ever. The HP TF Micro SDHC and SDXC class 10 significantly improves a consumer's digital lifestyle and to bring breakthrough performance in speed and capacity, it's the fast data transfer speed, making it an ideal storage media.

The HP TF Class 10 is available in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, and the speed rating of Class 10 provides unrivalled read/write performance clocked at a minimum of 10MB/s and are compatible with many of the latest mobiles phones including Android smartphones, BlackBerry Devises, GPS systems, mobile gaming consoles, also with devices ranging from the latest hi-megapixel cameras and HD camcorders to hi-end DSLRs, laptops, and the increasingly popular Tablet PCs and also provides faster data transfer rates and the various capacities help satisfy storage needs for users, from high-resolution pictures, high-quality music, to numerous downloaded applications.

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 74.4 million units in the second quarter of 2014 (2Q14), a year-on-year decline of -1.7%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. The results reflect the smallest decline in global PC shipments since the second quarter of 2012 when declining shipments of mini notebooks combined with a surge in tablet sales to disrupt the PC market.

Buoyed by both continued business PC replacements and returning consumer interest, the preliminary results for 2Q14 are markedly better than the projected decline of -7.1% for the quarter. Despite the end of Windows XP support in early April, it appears many Windows XP migrations continue to take place. Most major vendors saw solid growth, and early indications also point to desktop shipments being stronger than expected in some areas, signaling continued business buying. The consumer side also appears stronger than expected, with growing activity among the lower-priced models as well as Chromebooks.

HP is alleged to be falsely marketing its Chromebox desktop as "fanless." The company in its marketing material (pictured below), describes its Chromebox as being "silent, quiet, and efficient," and "dust-free" due to its "fanless design." When tested by YouTube-based hardware reviewer Lyon Siedman, he noticed a hum and vibration caused only by the presence of a fan. When sifting through HP's very own disassembly guide (PDF), you'll find a picture that reveals its fan-heatsink, used to cool the 17W TDP CPU. Since when is "fanless" a figure of speech like "silent?"

HP, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP, and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP today announced they have reached an agreement to settle shareholder derivative litigation arising from the acquisition of Autonomy. The settlement is subject to court approval. Following HP's announcement in November 2012 that Autonomy had engaged in accounting improprieties, misrepresentations and disclosure failures before HP acquired the company, lawsuits were filed against current and past HP directors, officers and advisors.

HP's board appointed an independent committee of directors to evaluate the claims asserted in the derivative suits and related demand letters, including claims that HP could assert against Michael Lynch, Autonomy's former chief executive officer; and Shushovan Hussain, Autonomy's former chief financial officer. Based on the committee's recommendations, the HP board concluded HP had claims against Lynch and Hussain, among others. The board also cleared HP's present and former directors and officers (other than Lynch) of any wrongdoing.

Worldwide purpose-built backup appliance (PBBA) factory revenues declined -2.5% year over year to $664.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 (1Q14), according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Purpose-Built Backup Appliance Tracker. In addition, the total PBBA open systems market fell -2.6% year over year in 1Q14 with revenues totaling $598.9 million while the mainframe market experienced a decline of -1.1% for the same period. Total worldwide PBBA capacity shipped for open systems and mainframe PBBA systems reached 398,280 terabytes, increasing 7.1% year over year.

"The worldwide PBBA market is showing maturity coupled with a typically slow first quarter of the calendar year," said Robert Amatruda, Research Director, Data Protection and Recovery. "We expect the PBBA market will resume growth over the months ahead as customers continue to embrace appliance form factors to meet their growing data protection and recovery challenges."

Worldwide PC monitor shipments totaled nearly 33.7 million units in the first quarter of 2014 (1Q14), a year-over-year decline of -0.4%, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly PC Monitor Tracker. IDC expects worldwide shipments to continue on their current trajectory, slipping to 106 million units for the full year 2018.

"Despite the overall decline, the shipment totals were stronger than the forecast of 31 million units," said Phuong Hang, Program Director, Worldwide Trackers at IDC. "Geographically, Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions delivered the largest gains during the first quarter while Dell and HP both experienced solid shipment growth."

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced its new AMD PRO A-Series APUs, delivering rich computing experiences to commercial PCs. The innovative processor technology from AMD will enable a new class of powerful, sleek and sophisticated commercial Windows PCs that integrate seamlessly into an existing IT environment. With impressive performance, the latest AMD PRO A-Series APUs with HSA features unlock true business computing performance and deliver outstanding reliability and manageability. The AMD PRO A-Series APU is one of the processors being offered in new HP Elite 700-Series notebooks.

"With the new AMD PRO A-Series APUs, AMD is looking to revolutionize commercial computing. Built around a solid offering of increased performance over our consumer products, increased product longevity and software image stability, AMD PRO processors give customers choice and affordability to meet their specific business needs," said Bernd Lienhard, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Products. "And since every AMD PRO processor packs the latest Radeon Graphics, we are raising the bar for visual performance in business PCs."

HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announced several new PCs in industry-leading form factors, including a detachable two-in-one notebook PC for business users, and a new series of HP Elite devices. Today's workforce is faced with an unprecedented blend of work and personal lives, requiring technology that is mobile, thoughtfully designed, connected and secure. HP understands this and facilitates a work/life blend with innovative new devices that offer flexibility and value in providing customers with a one-of-a-kind business PC experience.

"While the use of technology in business has allowed a blurring of the line that separates work and life, many businesses require updated technology that delivers a secure and satisfying experience to its employees," said Enrique Lores, senior vice president and general manager, Commercial PCs, HP. "HP continues to innovate secure business devices that allow employees to be productive and stylish wherever work -- or life -- takes them."

HP today announced new milestones in the transformation of its consumer personal systems portfolio with a host of innovative form factors, and multiple operating system (OS) options, including a new notebook powered by Android.

Unique two-in-one PC designs, including two new 360° convertible PCs and a new detachable PC, give customers the performance and mobility they want and need. Additionally, HP's new Chromebook introduces new colors and designs for customers who want a quick and easy way to complete everyday tasks, while HP's new Android-based notebook makes popular Android apps available in a clamshell design.

HP has this week announced the upcoming arrival of the EliteDisplay E231e and E241e ergonomic monitors. These 23-inch and 24-inch displays can be rotated and also allow for both height and angle adjustment to better fit the user's needs.

Spec wise, the EliteDisplay feature a Full HD IPS panel, an 8 ms response time, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 250 cd/m2 brightness, and D-Sub, DVI and DisplayPort inputs, plus a two-port USB 2.0 hub. The EliteDisplay E231e and E241e are backed by a three-year warranty and will cost 265 Euro and 312 Euro, respectively. The E231e is expected to arrive next month while the E241e is set to ship in July.

HP today announced financial results for its fiscal 2014 second quarter ended April 30, 2014.

Second quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share (EPS) was $0.66, up from $0.55 in the prior-year period and within its previously provided outlook of $0.62 to $0.66. Second quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS was $0.88, up from $0.87 in the prior-year period and within its previously provided outlook of $0.85 to $0.89. Second quarter non-GAAP net earnings and non-GAAP diluted net EPS exclude after-tax costs of $418 million and $0.22 per diluted share, respectively, related to the amortization of intangible assets, restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges. Second quarter net revenue of $27.3 billion was down 1% from the prior-year period and flat on a constant currency basis.