Acer At IFA 2016
Acer’s Swift 7 laptop is thinner than a centimeter and the new Predator 21 X notebook features dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPUs and a curved display - both products are among the highlights of Acer's presentation at IFA 2016. Predator 21 X laptop
The Predator 21 X takes the flagship spot in Acer’s gaming notebook series and is advanced beyond anything on the market today. It’s the first notebook to offer a curved 21-inch IPS display (2560 x 1080) combined with wide-angle viewing. The notebook also integrates Tobii eye-tracking technology for a new method of control that’s more natural. Built-in eye-tracking hardware (infrared sensors and software) unlocks a completely new facet in gaming. By tracking a gamer’s eye with software, the notebook introduces new interactions like aiming, identifying enemies and taking cover simply by gazing at objects on the screen. Eye tracking also enhances the experience by providing infinite views whilst navigating treacherous paths and roads in a game.
The Predator 21 X suports serious, AAA gaming powered by 7th Generation Intel Core processors and dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphic cards in SLI. The curved screen also features NVIDIA G-SYNC technology to ensure smooth gameplay in every scenario. The Predator 21 X also ships with SoundPound 4.2+ (4 speakers and 2 subwoofers), 3-way audio and Dolby Audio. The notebook also features an advanced cooling architecture with 5 system fans, 3 of which are ultra-thin AeroBlade metal fans.
The notebook has a full-sized mechanical keyboard featuring Cherry MX switches, with customizable RGB backlight settings for each individual key. Aside from its curved form factor, the Predator 21 X’s numeric keypad can be flipped over and turned into a Precision Touchpad.
New Eye-Tracking Monitors
In addition to its flagship notebook, Acer announced 3 new Predator gaming monitors that also feature Tobii eye-tracking technology. Each new monitor features NVIDIA G-SYNC and high refresh rates.
The new Predator gaming monitors are available in different sizes and configurations to meet the needs of a wide range of users looking to take their gaming experiences forward:
- Predator Z271T: 27", curved screen (1800R curvature), FHD 1920 x 1080 (144 Hz) -- available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €799.
- Predator XB251HQT: 24.5", flat ZeroFrame screen, FHD 1920 x 1080 (240 Hz)
- Predator XB271HUT: 27", flat ZeroFrame screen, WQHD 2560 x 1440 (165 Hz) -- available in EMEA in December with prices starting at €899.
Swift 7 laptop
The incredibly thin Swift 7 laptop, powered by Intel’s new 7th-generation Core i5 processor, measures a scant 9.98mm, making it the first to limbo under the 1cm bar (0.39 inches). Despite beating Apple’s MacBook and HP’s Spectre 13 for the "title" of being the world’s thinnest laptop, the Swift 7 doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of either ports or battery. It offers two USB-C 3.1 ports and a headphone jack, plus Acer promises a 9-hour endurance thanks to Intel’s newly updated and more efficient Y series of chips.
The display up front is a 13.3-inch Full HD IPS panel. On the inside, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage sit alongside the Intel Kaby Lake chip, which is passively cooled. Acer outfits the Swift 7 in an aluminum unibody chassis, which is dark on the outside and a quite classy gold on the interior.
Weighing in at 1.1kg (2.48 pounds), the Swift 7 is effortless to tote around in one hand.
The Acer Swift 7 will be available in North America in October with prices starting at $999; in EMEA in October with prices starting at €1,299; and in China in September with prices starting at ¥6,999.
Acer is also launching the Acer Swift 5. Just 0.57 inches (14.58 mm) in height and weighing 3 pounds (1.36 kg), the Swift 5 manages to fit a 14-inch Full HD IPS display into a 13-inch frame.
7th Generation Intel Core processors coupled with SSDs (256 or 512 SATA or PCIe), up to 8GB of memory and the latest wireless technology deliver big results in a small package. Rounding out this strong feature set is up to 13 hours of battery life, a backlit keyboard, a reversible USB 3.1 Type-C port and options for a touch display and fingerprint reader.
The Acer Swift 5 will be available in North America in November with prices starting at $749; in EMEA in November with prices starting at €749; and in China in October with prices starting at ¥5,999.
Just 0.7 inches (17.95 mm) in height and weighing 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg), the Swift 3’s lightweight design features a brushed-aluminum chassis. It offers up to 12 hours of battery life.
The Swift 3 models pair a 14-inch HD or Full HD IPS anti-glare display with 6th or 7th Generation Intel Core processors, 512GB SSDs, up to 8GB memory and 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac wireless technology for fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Additional features include a USB 3.1 Type-C port and an HD webcam with High Dynamic Range.
A built-in fingerprint scanner is located at the upper right-hand corner of the palm rest and works in conjunction with Windows Hello for enhanced security. It takes less than one second from scanning a fingertip to accessing the desktop. It can also recognize specific people, linking actions to approved individuals, deterring inappropriate behavior and helping to eliminate fraudulent activity.
The Acer Swift 3 will be available in North America in October with prices starting at $499; in EMEA in October with prices starting at €499; and in China in September with prices starting at ¥4,999.
Last but not least in the Swift series is the Swift 1, a highly portable laptop that includes the essentials, making them a great value. Just 0.7 inches in height (17.9 mm) and weighing 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg), the cover features a brushed-metal-like finish that minimizes fingerprints and scratches, while the diamond-cut edges around the power button and touchpad provide nice design touches. With up to 12 hours of battery life, they will last a student an entire school day, with a few extra hours to spare for late night studying or web-surfing. The Swift 1 features a 14-inch HD display, an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor, 4GB of memory and either 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage.
The Acer Swift 1 will be available in North America in November with prices starting at $249; and in EMEA in October with prices starting at €349.
Acer is today also launching a Spin 7 model, which is similar in most respects, but adds a better Core i7 processor, larger 14-inch display, touch, and a 360-degree hinge. All that improvement for the low price of just an extra millimeter over the Swift 7.
The Swift 7 launches in China in September for ¥6,999, followed by Europe and the United States in October, at prices of €1,299 and $999, respectively. This pricing isn’t actually too bad for those who prioritize style and flair over everyday practicality.
Convertible Chromebook with 13-inch Display
Acer extends its Chromebook lineup with the Acer Chromebook R 13, the first convertible Chromebook with a 13.3-inch display.
The new Chromebook R 13 features a flexible design with a 13.3-inch screen (touch-screen high-brightness Full HD display with 1920x1080 resolution and IPS technology) that can be used in a number of different modes including as a tablet thanks to its 360-degree hinges. Up to 12 hours of battery life provides all-day productivity and fun. Plus, the Chromebook will provide additional capabilities thanks to planned support for Android apps via the Google Play Store.
Also includes are an HD webcam (1280x720 resolution) with High Dynamic Range imaging and 720p HD audio/video recording and an integrated microphone for webchats.
The device weighs 1.49kg (3.28 pounds) and sports a thin profile of 326W x 228D x 15.5H mm (12.83W x 8.98D x 0.61H inches).
The Chromebook R 13 has also a USB Type-C port, USB 3.0, HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0, microphone and headphone jacks.It will be available in several configurations, either with 64GB, 32GB or 16GB eMMC storage and 4GB of dual channel LPDDR3 SDRAM.
The R 13 will be available in North America in October with prices starting at $399; and in EMEA in October with prices starting at €399.
New affordable phones
Acer also unveiled a new range of compact and affordable Android mobile devices. The Iconia Talk S doubles as a 4G LTE tablet and phone, while the new Liquid Z6 series provides an entertainment experience with a high-definition IPS panel and a 2.5D curved glass display.
The Acer Iconia Talk S is a 4G LTE tablet and phone in one. Its dual-SIM design supports two accounts (phone numbers) and offers accurate and clear voice calls as well as fast text communication.
Courtesy of a quad-core processor, the new Iconia Talk S is responsive. It also features Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Intelligent power management provides ample battery life of up to 9 hours.
Acer Iconia Talk S boasts an 1280 x 720 HD display and an anti-slip finish. A 13MP camera captures clear images. Fully integrated with Acer’s Iconia Suite apps, which include EZ Snap, EZ WakeUp and EZ Utilities, the Iconia Talk S offers easy access to smart functions, while the pre-installed Microsoft Office Suite and official Google Mobile Services enable the device to be leveraged for both business and pleasure.
Liquid Z6 series smartphones sport minimalist designs and 2.5D curved glass. For added sophistication, the Liquid Z6 Plus offers a premium metal back casing. Much like the Iconia Talk S, the two Liquid Z6 series smartphones feature Android 6.0 and come with dual cameras.
The Liquid Z6 and Z6 Plus are as functional as they are slim, and come with 5-inch and 5.5-inch Full HD IPS displays respectively. The mid-range Liquid Z6 touts an 8MP main camera and the high-end Liquid Z6 Plus boasts 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras.
The Liquid Z6 features a quad-core processor, while the Liquid Z6 Plus enables even higher speeds with an octa-core processor. The Liquid Z6 Plus also provides biometric authentication with a fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient access.
- The Iconia Talk S will be available in EMEA in September with prices starting at €169.
- The Liquid Z6 will be available in EMEA in November with prices starting at €119.
- The Liquid Z6 Plus will be available in EMEA in December with prices starting at €249.
'Pawbo' pet accessories
Besides new laptops and monitors, Pawbo, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer, announced at IFA the release of the new Pawbo+ interactive wireless pet camera with treat dispensing and laser pointing capabilities.
Pawbo+ is designed for pet owners that have to leave their cats or small dogs at home alone throughout the day. Its internet-enabled wide-angle camera (130-degrees) and speaker/microphone combo let users check in on their pets visually and talk to them to provide comfort from afar. With privacy in mind, the camera is designed to point slightly downward so that it only captures what pets are doing, while all communication is encrypted.
Using an iOS or Android device to view one’s pet remotely is just the first step. Pawbo+ also includes a collection of features that make viewing sessions playful. Users can log in and serve up a tasty treat stored in Pawbo+’s built-in storage tray. Multiple ringtone notifications and treats help train pets to respond and encourage pets’ good behaviors. Pawbo+ has an integrated laser pointer that can be activated remotely to give owners a fun way to interact with their pets and keep them active.
Pawbo+ features an organic oval shape profile that sits in any corner of the home. Up to 8 concurrent users can log in to view Pawbo+ live streams, and the device can also be integrated with Dropbox and Google Drive so users can save their precious videos on the cloud easily. The Pawbo+ app also allows photo sharing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Pawbo+ will be available for online pre-order on Sep 1st for customers in the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan at USD$169 with free shipping.
First Shipment of StarVR Head-Mounted Displays
Acer and Starbreeze AB announced at a global press conference in Berlin that they have started to ship StarVR Virtual Reality (VR) Head-Mounted Displays (HMD) to IMAX Corporation in preparation for the opening of the IMAX VR Center in Los Angeles, expected later this year, and others in the near future.
Earlier in 2016, Acer committed to delivering a small volume of units of StarVR HMDs this year with mass production of the devices to commence in 2017. Also on hand at the press conference were Bo Andersson Klint, CEO at Starbreeze and Rob Lister, Chief Business Development Officer at IMAX Corporation.
"With this shipment to as important a player in the entertainment industry as IMAX, we are absolutely thrilled that we are well on our way in bringing the virtual reality experience to the next level and to the world" said Jason Chen, President and CEO at Acer.
Acer and Starbreeze AB announced earlier in the year that their respective Board of Directors had
approved the establishment of a joint venture, for design, manufacturing, promotion, marketing and sales of StarVR Head-Mounted Display.