HP has used the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to announce a wide variety of new computers and technologies headed to consumers and businesses this year.  Aside from new hardware like the Pavilion dm1 netbook and Envy 17 3D notebook, HP also made an announcement for their TouchSmart line of PCs.

According to the press release, HP has made the TouchSmart 4.0 software, originally unveiled alongside the TouchSmart 4.0 SDK back in September, available as a free update for all 300 and 600 Series HP TouchSmart PCs. Users can find the update package the “Support and Drivers“ section on www.hp.com.

This should come as great news for TouchSmart application developers. This announcement should not only allow 300 and 600 sporting developers to finally get moved up to the latest release (thereby making it far easier to code and test apps), but it also means the userbase to use your applications just got substantially bigger.

Developers can download the TouchSmart 4.0 SDK here >>

Full press release below:

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HP today announced new notebook and desktop PCs that provide exceptional experiences to consumers by offering ground-breaking technologies such as HP CoolSense Technology and Beats Audio™.

• For mobile computing, HP combines the performance of a notebook with the mobility of a netbook in the sleek HP Pavilion dm1.
• The powerful HP ENVY 17 line features advanced cooling technology and the latest graphics as well as free gaming software on the HP ENVY 17 3D model.
• The HP Pavilion desktop and notebook PC lines provide superb performance with future second-generation Intel® Core™ processors and AMD Radeon graphics technology. Select HP Pavilion desktops also feature Beats Audio, a unique, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre™.
• The latest version of HP TouchSmart software will be available via a free download to previous-generation HP TouchSmart PCs owners.
• The HP Mini 210 line includes two new fashionable plaid designs available with matching accessories, including sleeves and mice.

HP Pavilion dm1

Ideal for the mobile user, the thin and light HP Pavilion dm1 delivers notebook performance in a compact, stylish design.

Measuring less than 1-inch thin with an 11.6-inch diagonal high-definition (HD)⁽¹⁾ BrightView display, the HP Pavilion dm1 features HP CoolSense Technology, which combines advanced hardware and intelligent cooling software for a notebook that feels noticeably cooler. The technology automatically adjusts cooling levels according to a customer’s personal preferences.

For a smooth 1080p, full HD viewing experience, the HP Pavilion dm1 includes the latest VISION Technology from AMD – powered by an AMD Fusion Accelerated Processing Unit, which integrates a Microsoft® DirectX 11 capable graphics processing unit into the main processor.⁽¹⁾

With up to 10.75 hours of battery life,⁽²⁾ the HP Pavilion dm1 includes a full-size, island-style keyboard for typing comfort and Dolby Advanced Audio for optimal playback of movies, music and games.

The HP Pavilion dm1 offers up to 750 gigabytes (GB)⁽³⁾ of storage for photos, music and video, optional GPS for mapping and navigation,⁽⁴⁾ and an optional external Blu-ray disc player.⁽⁵⁾

HP ENVY 17

The powerful HP ENVY 17, first introduced in May, now features HP CoolSense Technology, making it the first high-performance HP PC with advanced cooling technology.

AMD switchable graphics technology dynamically alternates between integrated graphics and AMD Radeon HD 6850M discrete graphics for enhanced performance and battery life.⁽²⁾ Coupled with future second-generation Intel Core processors, the HP ENVY 17 is the ultimate multimedia machine, sharing content wirelessly from the notebook PC to TVs and other screens using Intel Wireless Display technology.

The HP ENVY 17 features Beats Audio and an HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer for superb sound, a stunning, 17.3-inch diagonal, HD BrightView display⁽¹⁾ and up to 2 terabytes of storage capacity.

Future models of the HP ENVY 17 3D⁽⁶⁾ are expected to include DDD’s TriDef 3D Experience Ignition Game Player, allowing users to experience immersive 3-D stereoscopic gaming at no additional cost.

HP brings increased power and Beats Audio to Pavilion lines

Future second-generation Intel Core processors and AMD Radeon graphics technology will be included on the HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 notebook PCs and the HP Pavilion p6700, Slimline s5700 and Elite HPE-500 series desktop PCs. Select models of the HP Pavilion, Slimline and Elite HPE-series desktop PCs also will include HP’s Multi-Display Capable technology. This new feature allows users to expand programs, run several applications or enjoy a more intense gaming experience on side-by-side monitors.

The new HP Pavilion desktop PCs also will feature Beats Audio, which was created by Beats by Dr. Dre co-founders Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine to restore the emotion that is missing from digital music. Working in collaboration with HP, Iovine and Dr. Dre tuned and applied the signature Beats sound profile across HP’s premium notebook and desktop lines to provide the optimal sound experience – the way the artist intended it – when playing music or audio through headphones or external speakers.

This year, most HP consumer desktops, laptops and minis are expected to ship with free 60-day Norton Internet Security⁽⁷⁾ protection. New features include integrated parental controls and performance alerts that indicate when an application is slowing down the PC, so changes can be made to improve performance.

Latest TouchSmart software available for previous-generation TouchSmart PCs

Introduced in September 2010, the latest version of HP TouchSmart software transforms the desktop into a personal canvas featuring multilayered wallpapers and a new “Carousel” design that allows users to easily locate applications and content – all with the touch of a finger. In addition to applications from Twitter, Hulu, Netflix, RecipeBox and the HP Music Store powered by Rhapsody, the software features a built-for-touch Facebook application and direct access to the HP TouchSmart Apps Center.

The TouchSmart Apps Center enriches the user experience by providing access to additional applications and games, including Cartoon Network’s Paint Blast and Numbers Play that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Consumers who own a TouchSmart 300 or TouchSmart 600 can upgrade to the latest version of the TouchSmart software via a free download in the “Support and Drivers“ section on www.hp.com.

HP Mini 210

The expanded HP Mini 210 line includes two stylish plaid designs – iceberry and raspberry.

Powered by an Intel Atom processor, the affordable companion PC is less than 1-inch thin, comes standard with an inline six-cell battery and provides up to 10.75 hours of battery life.⁽²⁾ It features a fashionable design and sleek HP Imprint finish also available in charcoal, lavender frost, luminous rose and ocean drive.

HP offers matching accessories for the plaid minis, such as durable nylon HP Mini Clutch sleeves with a luxurious faux fur lining and external pocket. Matching mice include advanced 2.4-GHz wireless technology for less interference and a longer range of operation. Prices for the accessories start at $24.99 and $29.99, respectively.⁽⁸⁾

Pricing and availability⁽⁸⁾

• The HP Pavilion dm1 is expected to be available on Jan. 9 in the United States with a starting price of $449.99.
• The updated HP ENVY 17 is expected to be available soon with pricing to be determined. Additional information about the HP ENVY 17 is available at www.hp.com/go/ENVY.
• The HP Pavilion dv6 and dv7 are expected to be available on Jan. 9 in the United States with starting prices of $899.99 and $999.99, respectively.
• The HP Pavilion p6700, Pavilion Slimline s5700 and HPE-500 series desktop PCs are expected to be available on Jan. 9 in the United States, starting at $299.99, $329.99 and $599.99, respectively.
• The latest version of HP TouchSmart software is expected to be available for download starting Jan. 9.
• The HP Mini 210 in iceberry is expected to be available on Jan. 9 in the United States with a starting price of $349.99. The HP Mini 210 in raspberry will be offered exclusively at Best Buy and is expected to be available on Jan. 23 with a starting price of $329.99.

Additional information is available at www.hp.com/personal.

Service and support

HP PCs are backed by HP Total Care, the company’s award-winning service, solutions and support, both in and out of warranty. With HP Total Care, consumers can reach support agents 24/7 by phone or online support options like the HP consumer support forum, which features new mobile functionality allowing visitors to browse content and post questions or comments from any mobile device – no download required.

HP PCs also come with built-in support through the HP Support Assistant, a simple software application that allows PCs to run smoothly right from the start. The software maintains PC performance and resolves problems with automated updates and tune-ups, onboard diagnostics and guided assistance.

The ENVY experience includes premium service and support, with expert agents dedicated to addressing ENVY customers’ questions via phone, online chat and email as well as next-day shipping for hardware customer service.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

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⁽¹⁾ HD content is required to view HD images.

⁽²⁾ Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. See MobileMark07 battery benchmark www.bapco.com/products/mobilemark2007 for additional details.

⁽³⁾ Actual formatted capacity is less. A portion of the hard drive is reserved for system recovery software — for notebooks up to: 20 GB (Windows® 7), 8 GB (XP and XP Pro), 12 GB (Vista®, 12 GB (MCE); for desktops up to: 14 GB (Windows 7), 10 GB (Vista, XP, XP Pro), 12 GB (MCE). For hard drives, 1 GB = 1 billion bytes.

⁽⁴⁾ GPS access requires an unobstructed path to multiple satellites. Performance may be affected if used inside of buildings, bridges or heavily congested metropolitan areas. Additionally, GPS requires HP Mobile Broadband and HP Connection Manager, both of which are provided by HP as part of the factory image. Broadband service sold separately, check with provider for coverage and availability.

⁽⁵⁾ As Blu-ray is a new format containing new technologies, certain disc, digital connection, compatibility or performance issues may arise, and do not constitute defects in the product. Flawless playback on all systems is not guaranteed. In order for some Blu-ray titles to play, they may require a DVI or HDMI digital connection and the display may require HDCP support. This Blu-ray drive does not support writing to ultra-high speed CDRW media (16X to 32X advertised performance). HD-DVD movies cannot be played on this notebook PC.

⁽⁶⁾ 3-D glasses and 3-D content are required to view images in 3-D. 3-D visual experience may vary by viewer.

⁽⁷⁾ Subscription required after 60 days. Internet access required and not included.

⁽⁸⁾ Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

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