In this way,HP wants to position itself as the partner of choice for companies that want to "reduce the time between conception and production, improve training workflows and deliver fully immersive customer experiences". The term "immersive" is used here to describe immersion in the virtual world.

HP Z VR Backpack with docking station

© HP

As part of this strategy, HP is introducing the world's first professional wearable VR PC for business - the HP Z VR Backpack. "Virtual Reality (VR) is changing the way people learn, communicate and create," said Gwen Coble, Director Workstations, Thin Clients, Retail Solutions and Immersive Computing, EMEA, HP Inc. "Making the most of this technology in every industry requires close collaboration between customers and partners. As a leading technology company, HP brings together the right commercial VR solutions like the HP Z VR Backpack to meet customers' needs. They can use these solutions to reinvent the future."

The possibilities for commercial VR solutions for companies in product design, architecture, healthcare, emergency responder training, automotive and entertainment are limitless, according to HP. New technologies such as VR will create breakthrough experiences for customers - from a new kind of buying experience in automotive showrooms to transforming staff training in hospitals.

HP's approach to virtual reality

According to HP, its approach to VR is based on its rich history of product innovation and deep-rooted customer relationships. HP supports its customers with immersive technologies to take a leading position in their industries. HP technology offers not only the reliability of business PCs, but also established partnerships that bring together the entire VR ecosystem with partners such as Intel, NVIDIA, Technicolor, HTC Vice and others.

The company is investing in immersive virtual and augmented reality technologies to provide customers and partners with tools for commercial VR use cases. This effort solidifies HP's long-standing commitment to VR and helps customers use VR to revitalize their businesses. HP is opening 13 Immersion Centers this year in Palo Alto, Houston, Boise, Fort Collins, Stockholm, London, Paris, Barcelona, Boeblingen, Beijing, Sydney, Tokyo and Singapore. They are designed to enable customers to experience immersive experiences with HP VR technology, receive guidance and learn how to best implement VR devices into their own business to optimize workflows.

The freedom to transform - HP Z VR Backpack

HP Z VR Backpack for simulation training

© HP

With the HP Z VR Backpack, users should be able to move freely and immerse themselves completely in the virtual world. The backpack computer can also be transformed into a desktop PC with many management functions using its docking station. The Z VR Backpack is intended to serve as a catalyst for more powerful VR experiences in many different businesses and industries, such as the following applications:

• Organizations can use VR to provide safe and effective simulation training in hazardous environments, medical training or heavy equipment operation. Costly mistakes can be avoided in these areas through effective VR training with the HP Z VR Backpack.
• In architectural building development, virtual and scaled tours with the customer can help close deals faster.
• During the concept phase of product development, project manager approval can be obtained quickly and the signing of a new product design can be completed in virtual product showrooms.
• In the commercial entertainment sector, the HP Z VR Backpack can be used to create new location-based entertainment centers with exciting virtual reality experiences.

"The workstation-level HP Z VR Backpack brings the full potential of VR to life," HP promises. The wireless VR backpack is lightweight and offers unlimited freedom for an immersive experience with its ergonomic design and hot-swappable batteries. It features high-end computing power and the latest high-resolution graphics, which prevent distracting frame loss and allow users to stay in the VR environment for as long as they want. The Intel Core i7 vPro processor enables fast processing of applications and includes the vPro chipset.

According to the manufacturer, the HP Z VR Backpack is the first portable VR PC on the market with the Nvidia Quadro P5200 with a 16GB video memory. In addition, its docking solution allows digital developers to quickly switch between a powerful desktop for content design and a portable VR PC to check their designs. The HTC Vive Business Edition HMD (sold separately) is also part of the HP VR portfolio.

The HP Z VR Backpack will be available in Germany from September starting at 3,000 euros plus VAT.

The HP VR product portfolio

The HP Z Workstation VR Product Family

© HP

HP's devices are designed to enable customers to create and experience VR content themselves. HP's commercial products are designed for mission-critical business applications that require high levels of security, manageability, reliability and ISV-certified applications.

• The HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation delivers power and performance and can be configured with optimal power and graphics resolution to bring VR content to life in a smooth 90 FPS VR experience.
• HP Z Desktop Workstations are designed to create visually stimulating, accurate and compelling VR content. HP Z Desktop Workstations feature the latest processors and graphics cards and are built to run quietly, cool and reliable during graphics-intensive tasks.
• The HP EliteDesk 800 G3 Tower, a VR-certified PC, offers high performance and expandability in a redesigned 26 percent smaller chassis for the modern workplace.
• The Omen X Compact Desktop is aimed at gamers. The factory overclocked GPU from Nvidia and the versatile form factor allow it to be easily and quickly docked or undocked anywhere for gaming or used for a wireless VR gaming experience.