My colleagues Sophia Vargas, Michael Yamnitsky, and I have just published a new Quick Take report, "HP Announces Innovative Tools That Will Bridge Physical And Digital Worlds." Sophia and Michael have written about 3D printing for CIOs previously, and all three of us are interested in how computing and printing technologies can inform the BT Agenda of technology managers.

Fresh off of the announcement that HP will split into two publicly owned companies, one of those new entities — HP Inc, the personal computing and printing business — announced its vision for the future with two new products that help users cross the divide between physical and digital. The Multi-Jet Fusion 3D printer represents HP's long-awaited entry into 3D printing, with disruptively improved speed and quality compared to existing market entries. The sprout desktop PC combines a 3D scanner with a touchscreen monitor, touchscreen display mat, and specialized software that allows users to scan real objects, then manipulate them easily in digital format.

In both cases, a video demonstration helps you to really grok what the product is about.

CNET posted a video tour of the Multi-Jet Fusion 3D printer on Youtube:

And Top Ten Reviews posted a video of sprout:

All three authors visited HP's campus for demonstrations of both products, and we believe one of them has the potential to change how some businesses operate and serve their customers. Our report tells CIOs which of the two products really matters to them, and how you can best take advantage of it. We invite you to download and read our report here.

J. P. Gownder is a vice president and principal analyst serving Infrastructure & Operations Professionals. Follow him on Twitter at @jgownder

Sophia Vargas is a researcher serving I&O professionals. Follow her on Twitter at @sophia_IV 

Michael Yamnitsky is a researcher serving CIOs. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsYamnitsky