In a major development in the computer hardware sector, Hewlett Packard (HP) has entered the advertising market.

 

According to a report in Adweek, HP is turning its massive hardware footprint into a media empire. 

 

The tech giant has launched HP Media Network, a global advertising platform that reimagines its laptops and services not just as tools, but as prime digital real estate.

 

HP is offering advertisers access to over 100 million devices, reaching 830 million global users monthly, a scale typically reserved for social media or streaming platforms. The company adds two million new devices every month, feeding into this ever-growing attention economy.

 

HP Media Network sells advertisements appearing directly on HP computers and applications. The company leverages first-party data to deliver targeted campaigns through partnerships with advertising technology firms including Microsoft and Kargo.

 

One prominent format called "Toast" displays advertisements in the lower right corner of laptop screens. This format features brand logos, short messages, and call-to-action buttons. During a holiday campaign last year, HP's Toast format generated more than 5 million views with a 2.6% click-through rate.

 

The move mirrors a broader shift where hardware manufacturers, be it smart TVs, mobile OEMs, or now PC makers—are capitalising on their screen time by building in-house ad networks. 

 

In HP’s case, the plan spans across on-device placements, apps, email, and social integrations, with targeting powered by first-party device data.