IMAGINING 2030
The Home Office of Tomorrow
The arrival of the pandemic turned the home office from a sideshow to the main event . Thanks to highspeed internet and wireless technology , a lot of professionals have realized that they can get almost as much done — or more !— without physically being at their workplace . Our newfound need for a highly functional domestic office is likely to last long after the coronavirus is no more , and the home office will only become more advanced — imagine the years ahead when 5G , VR , and other on-the-cusp technologies are multiplied and projected forward . Just as the meaning of “ my phone ” has changed from “ my landline ” to “ my cell phone ” to “ my smartphone ,” five to ten years down the road “ the office ” will be interchangeable with “ home office .” But what kind of specific innovations might that future bring ? What tools will we be using to do our work at home ? We looked into our crystal ball to find out .
— JEFF WISE
illustration by violet reed
1 Wraparound Monitor The resolution on the next-gen 37.5-inch HP Z38c curved display monitor is so sharp you can read the titles on your boss ’ s bookshelf during video meetings .
18 Smart Chair This AI-powered work throne protects you from back strain and tight hip flexors by sensing your posture and vibrating to let you know when you need to sit up straight or walk around .
2 Solar Blinds Smart shades automatically tilt to capture the most rays for your home ’ s green energy use — or sense when you need dimmer light and close automatically .
17 VR Headset The HP VR headset eliminates the need for business travel : Just insert yourself into meetings with anyone , anywhere , in crystal-clear 3D .
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3 Digital Wallpaper Embedded touchscreen technology lets you change the pattern or color to suit your mood . Feeling creative ? Use the whole wall as a floor-to-ceiling whiteboard .
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4 Wireless Charger Keep forgetting to plug in your portable devices ? This charger automatically beams energy into hungry batteries no matter where they are in the room .
16 Drone Helipad Once the UPS guy is replaced by an autonomous air vehicle , you ’ ll need a safe , secure landing spot for inbound packages and essentials .
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15 Holographic Scanner and Projector Remember how realistic Princess Leia looked as an R2-D2 projection ? You ’ ll need to dress for meetings again when you attend remotely as a hologram . Bonus : People will be able to compliment your new haircut or shoes .
HP / INNOVATION / SPRING 2021 36