Focus is to meet the needs of all gamers: Vickram Bedi, Senior Director, Personal Systems, HP India

The Indian gaming industry is growing like never before. According to experts, the PC gamer population, which increased after the onset of the pandemic, will continue to grow in the coming days. Also, the demand has not remained restricted to Tier I cities only as there has been an uptick in Tier II and III cities as well. Vickram Bedi, Senior Director (Personal Systems), HP India, feels that gaming has become a lifestyle and a viable career option. To tap into these gamers who are sifting from mobile to PC, HP has introduced Omen Playground stores across India. 

Speaking to ZeeBiz.com, Bedi also talked about what HP is doing to fulfil the needs of professionals in today's work environment.

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

Q: There is a lot of competition in the gaming segment. What is keeping HP ahead of competitors? 

Vickram Bedi: We feel that the entire PC industry is very competitive whether it's enterprise category or retail business. As a brand, we welcome competition as it keeps us sharp and focused towards creating the best technology for our customers.

In the gaming industry, we aspire to be a comprehensive gaming solutions provider, leading the way in serving the growing audience of gamers. According to the IDC Q2'23 report, HP holds a dominant position in the Indian PC gaming market with a market share of 43.2 per cent. Our latest portfolio features the enhanced Omen Gaming Hub. This software is tailored to optimise gaming performance, offering tools for personalised setups, easy access to favorite games, and superior gaming experiences. Currently, we have 2 million monthly active users, enhancing 40 million games through the Omen Gaming Hub. Additionally, our collaboration with HyperX has resulted in the world's first gaming laptops with an embedded module for seamless audio pairing, including the option of a bundled HyperX Cloud II Core Wireless gaming headset.

As the leading Gaming PC brand in India, our focus is to meet the needs of all types of gamers, ensuring that we consistently deliver products that align with their requirements and preferences.

Q: The market is flooded with several gaming smartphones. What is companies like HP doing to tap into these gamers?

Vickram Bedi: India's gaming community is shifting from mobile to PC gaming due to affordable gaming PCs offering better performance and graphics. PC gaming provides a more immersive experience with diverse game options, including AAA titles.  

To ensure that mobile and first-time gamers experience the potential of PC gaming, we have introduced Omen Playground stores across India. In these stores, gamers can explore the capabilities of PC gaming, and skilled players can immerse themselves in the advanced technology of HP devices and the Hyper X gaming ecosystem. As the leading Gaming PC brand in India, we adapt to changing trends, catering to mobile gamers transitioning to PC, enthusiasts, and professionals.

Q: What are your investment plans to bolster the PC gaming infrastructure in India?

Vickram Bedi: In India, gaming has become a lifestyle and a viable career option. Recognising this, HP established Omen Playground Stores to make gaming accessible to the younger generation. These stores act as central hubs where newcomers and mobile gamers can explore the exciting realm of PC gaming, while seasoned gamers can engage with the cutting-edge technology of HP devices and the Hyper X gaming ecosystem.

With 13 operational stores in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, our aim is to provide gamers a dedicated space to fully immerse themselves in gaming and experience HP’s innovative devices. 

Q: HP is focusing on a hybrid work culture. The company recently launched a range of new laptops as well. How has been the response so far?

Vickram Bedi: In response to the dynamic needs of professionals in today's work environment, we are driving India's market growth and innovation, offering seamless operations anytime, anywhere through a comprehensive suite of hybrid work solutions. The introduction of the HP Dragonfly G4 is a testament to our commitment to empowering business leaders in establishing a highly productive hybrid work environment. 

Setting a precedent as the world's first business notebook supporting the simultaneous operation of two cameras, the Dragonfly G4 significantly empowers professionals to elevate their presentation capabilities. Whether sharing whiteboards or physical documents, the laptop facilitates intuitive video experiences with features like HP Keystone Correction and HP Be Right Back, allowing users to take breaks without disrupting meetings by switching their video feed to a still picture. With its lightweight design, powerful processors, and intelligent power optimization, it accommodates busy schedules and ensures maximum productivity in the hybrid work setup.

Q: What are your future plans regarding laptops targeting a hybrid work culture as most of the big tech companies are now calling employees back to the office?

Vickram Bedi: HP is fully committed to supporting the evolving landscape of hybrid work, backed by insightful studies and numbers. Recognising that 84 per cent of knowledge workers in India want technology based on their needs, and 75 per cent find it crucial to choose where they work (HP Work Relationship Index), our focus is on empowering employees. Understanding the challenges faced by employees and organisations, we're investing in future-ready technology infrastructure, emphasising the importance of effective collaboration between remote and in-office teams. Our focus includes providing access to a variety of video conferencing tools, creating collaborative meeting spaces, and empowering IT departments with tools for productivity, security, and collaboration. Furthermore, we understand the importance of technology access for all employees, particularly entry-level ones, to bridge the technology gap and foster innovation in an inclusive workplace.