In a recent interview, Arnold Su, the Vice President of Consumer and Gaming PCs at Asus India, shed light on the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the personal computing landscape. Su believes that AI-powered PCs are on the cusp of becoming the new standard, drawing parallels to the evolution of smartphones over the past decade.
Su emphasized that, from a business perspective, the current perception of AI PCs is similar to how smartphones were initially considered novelties. He predicts that within the next 5-10 years, AI capabilities will be seamlessly integrated into PCs, rendering them as standard features. Asus has already embarked on this journey, incorporating basic AI functionalities such as enhanced camera technologies and noise cancellation into their laptop lineup.
While Asus’ current AI integration focuses on computer vision and audio processing, Su hinted at future developments. When asked about proprietary generative AI tools, Su remained tight-lipped about specific plans but mentioned ongoing collaborations with multiple partners.
Despite a decline in the overall PC market in 2022 due to macroeconomic conditions, Asus India experienced robust growth. Su attributes this success to reaching customers across India through a multi-channel approach, including online platforms, large format retail stores, and traditional channels. The company boasts over 250 exclusive stores across India, covering 600 districts, with plans for further expansion.
Su emphasized India’s pivotal role in Asus’ global market strategy, stating that the country is always the first wave for any new product launch globally, underscoring India as the company’s top priority.
Contrary to the belief that entry-level devices drive volumes in India, Su highlighted Indian consumers’ willingness to invest in mainstream and premium laptops for a superior experience. Asus aims to continue delivering cutting-edge and practical innovations across consumer segments, without fixating on specific form factors or specifications.
Su concluded by revealing Asus’ commitment to bridging the gap between user needs and devices, citing the launch of diverse products like gaming two-in-ones, dual screens, foldable, and handheld gaming PCs in the previous year. As Asus targets the second-largest PC brand position in India for 2023, Su expressed confidence in the brand’s ability to provide the latest tech to consumers across towns and cities.
