HP announces ENVY x360 13 & Dragonfly Folio G3 convertible hybrid work laptops

In keeping with the times, HP has enhanced the features for its webcams.

by Justin Choo

HP announced two convertible laptops in the form of the ENVY x360 13 and the Elite Dragonfly Folio G3 Laptop as well as a host of peripherals.

Dragonfly Folio G3

The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 has a unique pull-forward design that enables three different orientations–tablet, regular laptop and display. It also sports a faux leather (so that it’s easier to sanitise) facade for that folio look. 

The Folio G3’s most notable feature, aside from its hinge mechanism, is HP Presence, HP’s solution for enhancing the collaboration experience. It includes features like HP Auto Frame, which works in tandem with the 8MP, 100-degree FOV camera to keep users in the frame should they step away from their desk to stretch a little after a long day of meetings.

HP Dynamic Voice Leveling optimises voice clarity and uses AI for noise reduction, enhancing the voices of people speaking behind a mask. The Folio G3 also features Bang & Olufsen-designed speakers with four discrete amps to create an immersive sound.

The Dragonfly Folio G3 is this season’s office chic workhorse.

From what we understand, the Dragonfly Folio G3 will be available in 12th Gen Intel i7 configurations only with Intel vPro options for those with the requirements. HP also says that the G3 sports a new thermal solution that helps optimise performance without adding significant weight or thickness. 

As a business-centric laptop, the G3 has a few security features built in. HP Wolf Security for Business defends against malware and hacking, and updating the firmware is now twice as quick. HP Privacy Alert detects nosy people behind you so you can switch on HP Sure View (optional) to blur the screen.

ENVY x360 13

The new x360 13 Envy is a 2-in-1 convertible designed for creators and comes bundled with a digital pen and HP Palette, a digital workspace that supports cross-device collaboration, installed.

It also offers a wide range of options for 12th Gen Intel Core processors (Intel Evo supported) and displays, including up to a 4K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate as well as a choice of 3:2, 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. The speakers have also been tuned by Bang & Olufsen.

The ENVY x360 13: sleek yet full of features.

The built-in 5MP webcam has also been optimised for video calls and features a nifty Backlight Adjustment that improves that washed-out look when the background is too bright when on a call (e.g. with the window behind you). 

Other features include intelligent power management like Power Saver mode, Adaptive Battery Optimiser and Smart Sense, which adapts performance and temperature based on the application being used. On the software front, HP PhotoMatch helps you find any face in photographs; Concepts lets you sketch infinitely; Duet connects another device and uses it as an extra screen. Of the lot, QuickDrop is arguably the most useful, as it allows you to transfer files between PC, Android and iOS devices.

Peripherals 

Along with the two laptops, HP also announced three peripherals. The HP 970/ 975 Programmable Wireless Keyboard has more than 20 customisable keys and a proximity sensor that turns the backlight on or off. The HP 930/ 935 Creator Wireless Mouse has seven programmable buttons and a hyper-fast scroll wheel with tilt-click functions to replace complex keystrokes.  

The HP 960/ 965 4K Streaming Webcam looks like a nice, versatile camera.

The most interesting device of the lot is the HP 960/ 965 4K Streaming Webcam, which is built around an 18mm F2.0 large lens and should deliver better image quality in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The camera supports HP Presence and has AI face framing and autofocus. It’s also packed with dual noise-reducing microphones to improve call quality.

Pricing And Availability

  • HP ENVY x360 13 Laptop is now available via HP.com and Challenger stores from $1,899. 
  • HP Elite Dragonfly Folio G3 will soon be available via HP.com from $4,049. 
  • HP 970/ 975 Programmable Wireless Keyboard is available in November via HP.com and Challenger stores from $199.
  • HP 930/ 935 Creator Wireless Mouse is now available via HP.com and Challenger stores from $149.
  • HP 960/ 965 4K Streaming Webcam is available in November via HP.com and Challenger stores. Price will be available at a later date.  

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