More about HP Workspace on the HP Elite x3

NDtv has the opportunity to have a hands-on with the HP Elite x3 and also a look at the stand-out feature of the handset, the HP Workspace feature, which will give access to desktop applications when needed.

We won’t cover the HP Elite x3 hands-on much, but readers can readour own hands-on experience with the handset here.

Regarding Workspace,  NDtv reports that the app virtualization system will run on Amazon’s AWS and would be available for any application the IT manager specifies.

Lorri Jefferson, Senior Director of Software Management and Design  told them that the payment model is completely flexible and totally depends on the needs of the business. You could purchase an account per user on a monthly or even hourly basis.

The feature would work when used on Continuum, but also interestingly will be available directly from the handset (in a pinch we assume.)

Multiple apps can run simultaneously in HP Workspace including Chrome, Google Earth and Excel, and users will be able to switch between them just like we would on a Windows PC, expect Alt+Tab, which would of course switch out the Workspace app. HP was however working with Microsoft to add this feature also.

Users will have the option of saving their work to their company’s servers, locally on the phone, or to other cloud services including Google Drive, Dropbox and Box

HP also revealed a new feature coming to Continuum. They report that with the Anniversary Update Continuum will remember the state of your desktop when you disconnect, to restore when you reconnect. This essentially gives the portable laptop experience when used with HP’s Lapdock accessory, especially when using HP Workspaces.

Regarding the Lapdock, HP revealed the laptop-like accessory will offer 14-16 hours of battery life when used wirelessly, or 12 hours when charging the HP Elite x3. It will also sport 3 USB-C ports and a micro-HDMI out port.

Keith Hartsfield, VP of Mobility Product Management, told Gadgets 360 that the Elite x3 would be an ideal tool for millennials. According to HP’s research, up to 60 percent of millennials use their phones for consuming information and about 25 percent use them as their primary tool for work. He reported that  the HP Elite x3 was still on track for its proposed July-September launch timeline.  HP will be targeting key verticals such as healthcare, retail, and field services, and will also be working with key telcos, ISVs and system integrators in India to deploy the Elite x3. Unfortunately, the company wasn’t able to disclose any specifics of planned rollouts as the details are still being worked out.