Acer launches new series of gaming devices

Acer has launched a new series of gaming devices ranging from desktops to notebooks. The new Aspire R 13 (R7-372T) convertible notebook offers maximum usability and graceful transitions between a variety of user modes, while packed with leading edge technologies for a faster, more productive, and versatile user experience.

An industry-leading portfolio of gaming devices spanning from desktops, notebooks, tablets, monitors, to peripherals were showcased at the event, which was joined by members of TeamAcer eSports who shared how their professional insights helped push the Predator line to its limits. Acer also shared its vision for future additions to the Predator family including projectors ideal for bringing along to LAN parties and smartphones optimized for gaming with virtual surround sound and haptic feedback.

The sleek brushed aluminum Predator 8 tablet (GT-810) is powered by the Intel Atom x7 processor, Android 5.1 and the latest 2x2 MIMO wireless technology, taking portable gaming to a new level of fun and immersion. The Predator 8 includes a high-quality FHD display (1920 x 1200) and four array front-facing speakers with virtual surround sound. Thin and lightweight, the Predator 8 is just 8.7mm thin (11?32 inches) and weighs only 350 grams (12.35 ounces). With up to 64GB of on-board storage and expansion capabilities via a microSD card of up to 128GB, gamers have room to take their games, videos and music with them wherever they go

Acer also took the wraps off its highly anticipated line of Predator gaming notebooks. For extreme performance, all models include the 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, while select models feature NVIDIA GeForce GTX980M graphics; up to 64GB of DDR4 memory and enterprise level 512GB NVMe PCIe solid state drives2, which can transfer a 10GB movie within 4 seconds.

In addition, full USB 3.1 Type-C support allows the ultra-fast transfer of files, movies, songs and photos between external storage devices. Acer Predator notebooks include Killer DoubleShot Pro, which allows Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections to work together for the ultimate high-speed attack. The Predator 15 notebook line includes models with 15.6-inch Full HD or 4K (3840x2160) Ultra HD panels. The Predator 17 notebooks feature 17.3-inch Full HD displays. Both lines support up to three displays including one NVIDIA G-SYNC™ monitor for the ultimate in gaming visuals and realism.

Power packed, the Predator G6 and G3 desktops are unstoppable war machines that feature an intimidating armor-covered design on the chassis, while powered by 6th generation Intel Core processors, up to 64GB DDR4 system memory, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics. The Predator G6 features“One-Punch Overclocking”, which can unleash the full potential of the machine with the press of a button, while both desktops feature Acer IceTunnel, an enhanced thermal system which optimizes airflow and brings out internal heat more efficiently.

The Predator gaming monitor lineup was expanded with two new series featuring  NVIDIA® G-SYNC™, namely the curved Predator Z and the flat-panel Predator XB1. The Predator Z35 is the first product of Acer’s Predator Z Series curved gaming monitors with NVIDIA® G-SYNC™. Its 35-inch 21:9 UltraWide Full HD (2560x1080) panel features a curvature of 2000R for immersive, wraparound gaming. The Predator Z35 incorporates NVIDIA ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) technology [1], reducing motion blur by delivering sharp edges in fast-paced gaming environments. It also supports overclocking to a lightning-fast 200Hz refresh rate, so gamers can find their enemies before they spot them and enjoy crystal clear turns on the racetrack, and features powerful audio with DTS® Sound, 9Wx2 speakers and Acer TrueHarmony technology.

The Predator XB1 Series features the latest NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology, giving gamers an advantage with incredibly detailed images and smooth visuals. The 27-inch models (XB271HK / XB271HU) feature a ZeroFrame edge-to-edge design with 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) or WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panels that support 100% of the sRGB color gamut, while the XB271HU supports NVIDIA® ULMB™ and refresh rates of up to 144Hz. The 28-inch model (XB281HK) features a 4K UHD panel that has a fast GTG (gray to gray) response time of 1ms, rendering fast-moving actions or dramatic transitions smoothly without smearing or ghosting.

Finally, Acer also refreshed its premium Aspire V Nitro series notebooks designed for those seeking an immersive sensory experience and serious computing power. Refreshes include a breakthrough slot-antenna design, where it is discretely positioned on one corner of the display ensuring 360-degree wireless coverage with no dead zones. The Aspire V Nitro series is ideal for gamers and power users who prefer a discrete, elegant design that fits as well in a boardroom as it does at a gaming party.

Aspire R 13 Convertible Notebook: Graceful Transitions. Infinitely Adaptive.

The Aspire R 13 makes use of Acer’s patented Ezel Aero Hinge that supports six modes: Users can maximize productivity with the most efficient method of keyboard input in classic Laptop mode, and switch to Display mode by hiding the keyboard at the back or laying 180 degrees flat, ideal for collaborating, sharing and entertainment. Converting to Tent mode gives users the option to use in a confined space, while a masterfully-crafted magnet design allows the device to be fully converted into Pad mode – without any gaps whatsoever.

Transitioning to Ezel mode makes it possible to tilt the screen to angles that suit exact viewing needs, and with Stand mode, users can use an Acer Active Pen to draw and take notes on the display, as if on an easel. The Aspire R 13 supports Thunderbolt™ 3 which brings Thunderbolt to USB Type-C at speeds up to 40Gbps - eight times faster than USB 3.0 - creating one compact port that does it all, delivering the fastest, most versatile connection to any dock, device, or display. Thunderbolt 3 unlocks the possibility of connecting to an external graphics device for serious gaming needs. In addition, the Aspire R 13 can be configured with 2 SSDs in a RAID-0 setup to provide twice the data throughput rate. Just 18.5 mm thin, and weighing in at just 1.6 kg, the Aspire R 13 incorporates powerful 6th Gen Intel Core processors. The new processors have been designed to improve performance, graphics, and battery life – so consumers can be confident while powering through productivity tasks.

In addition to previously mentioned products Acer also announced Windows 10-Powered Desktops, a Convertible Chromebook and new range of Android and Windows smartphones. The new Aspire U5 Series (U5-710) all-in-one PC features a sleek chassis of just 37mm, with a small and elegant metal stand. It has a clean profile with the essential I/O ports(HDMI I/O, DC Jack, Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 2 x USB 3.0, TV tuner[2]) neatly organized in the back, and the less-used ports and OSD button tucked away under a flap on the side. The Aspire U5-710 ships with the latest 6th Gen Intel Core i7 and i5 processors, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and up to 16 GB memory providing a smooth experience for all kinds of computing and entertainment purposes.

The new Revo Build Series (M1-601) Mini PC takes a modular approach to allow consumers to customize their computer without opening up the chassis. “Blocks” with different features can be easily stacked on top of the base unit, which makes adding functionality as easy as playing with toy blocks. The “Blocks” are connected through pogo pins with magnetic alignment so that there’s no hassle with wires when swapping out modules. The Blocks can also work independently or with other PCs. The Revo Build M1-601 desktop is packaged in a tiny 1 liter chassis with a 125 x 125 mm footprint that takes up minimal space and can be placed almost anywhere. The base unit comes with a Intel® Pentium or Intel Celeron processor with integrated Intel® HD graphics, while the system memory of up to 8GB DDR4 RAM can be easily upgraded by just loosening one screw.

Following the success of Chromebook line since Acer entered the space in 2011, the Chromebook R 11 is Acer’s first convertible notebook. It easily transitions between four usage modes: laptop, pad, display and tent modes, letting customers enjoy the Chromebook in a variety of settings. According to Gartner, Acer is the world’s leading Chromebook brand with over 36 percent market share in 2014[2]. The Chromebook R 11 is equipped with Acer’s patented 360 degrees dual-torque hinge design, enabling customers to manipulate the display to any degree that is most comfortable for the setting. The dual-torque hinges keep the display secure and stable during touch control and while switching between the modes. Always smart, the audio channel output automatically reverses as the display changes orientation.

Acer announces six new Liquid smartphones; four running Android 5.1 and two with Windows 10 Mobile. The handsets feature sleek, curved chassis with upgraded front-facing cameras, wide-angle lenses and enhanced audio. Refreshes were also announced to style-and-power blended Aspire V 13 notebook, which incorporates 6th Gen Intel Core processors and ships with Windows 10. The new models have aluminum top covers finished with advanced nano-imprint technology for a unique touch and feel.

Acer announced that it has acquired renowned GPS cycling computer brand, Xplova, to expand its reach in the sports industry. As part of its focus on providing people-centric services, Acer will integrate Xplova’s technology with its hardware, software and services. Xplova offers a comprehensive cycling experience by enabling a cyclist to easily plan a route at tour.xplova.com with map and elevation profile, then ride safer with Xplova’s smart cycling computer and live tracking service to view the real time position of each member in the group cycling event. Post event, cyclists can share their activity logs with friends via social media networks. The acquisition will allow Xplova to benefit from Acer’s technology, global brand name, and marketing and channel reach. Conversely, Acer will integrate Xplova’s hardware, cloud computing platform, community service capabilities and industry knowhow to help expand its reach further into the sports industry.

Acer will become the official IT infrastructure sponsor for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in a 5-year partnership from 2017 to 2021. Acer will “power the IOI” by providing all the equipment and on-site technical support needed for the host country to run each IOI contest. Four out of the five host countries have been announced by IOI, they are: Iran (2017), Japan (2018), Azerbaijan (2019), and Singapore (2020). At the IOI 2014 contest held in Taiwan, Acer was a platinum sponsor and provided over 800 computers to the event which was attended by participants from more than 80 countries.