Lenovo, the global technology giant, is making a strong push for AI integration in its devices, aiming for 60-70% of its products to be AI-native by 2026. This announcement was made at the annual Tech World India 2024 event, where senior executives highlighted the company’s commitment to driving intelligent transformation across various industries.
According to Luca Rossi, President and EVP at Intelligent Devices Group (IDG), Lenovo, the company sees a huge opportunity in the consumer space for AI integration, particularly in the premium segment. He emphasized that AI capabilities will eventually flow into the rest of Lenovo’s product roadmap, marking a significant evolution in the company’s device offerings.
The company’s focus on AI-powered devices was evident as it unveiled a range of products under the “AI for All” theme, including the Yoga Slim 7i, Yoga Pro 9i, IdeaPad Slim 5i, and ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Notably, Lenovo has committed to not charging consumers for AI capabilities and features, setting itself apart from other tech giants like Amazon and Samsung, who are considering fees or subscriptions for similar AI capabilities.
Furthermore, Lenovo’s commitment to India was underscored as the company unveiled its “Made in India” devices, aligning with the government’s push for locally manufactured products. This move positions Lenovo in the Class 1 PMA category, with over 50% of components for a specific range of products now being sourced through local manufacturing.
Shailendra Katyal, Managing Director of Lenovo India, highlighted the immense potential of the Indian market, citing low household penetration of PCs and a growing demand for AI-powered devices. He noted that the Indian market has already grown from 10 million to 14 million, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a significant uptick in demand for technology products in the country.
The executives also emphasized the role of AI in enhancing productivity, particularly in gaming and communication. They noted that chatbots could improve productivity by 25-30% in India, highlighting the unique opportunities for vernacular demand and the country’s status as the “back office of the world.”
In addition to its AI push, Lenovo is also doubling down on localizing content for phones and is looking to collaborate with industry bodies and the government to further drive localization for PCs. The company is also preparing for an increase in memory storage across its product range, in anticipation of growing demand in the PC, phone, and electric vehicle (EV) segments.
Lenovo’s commitment to AI integration and localization underscores its strategic focus on meeting the evolving needs of consumers in India and globally. The company’s vision for AI-native devices and its emphasis on local manufacturing and content localization are indicative of a forward-thinking approach that is aligned with the broader digital transformation agenda.
As Lenovo continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of AI technology and contributing to the growth of India’s technology landscape. With its strong focus on AI and localization, Lenovo is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving market dynamics and emerging opportunities in the technology sector.