Acer Q&A at Computex 2024 Unveils Exciting Updates and Future Plans

At COMPUTEX 2024, Acer showcased an impressive array of their latest products at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall and hosted an exclusive Q&A session at their headquarters. This event provided valuable insights into Acer’s future plans and innovations, presented by Andrew Hou, President of the Pan Asia Pacific region.

Positive Financial Performance Amid Challenges

Acer’s Q1 2024 year-over-year results remain positive, though the 5% growth is relatively modest. Andrew Hou attributed this to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted government budgets towards citizen protection, resulting in fewer projects. However, Acer anticipates better performance in Q3 and Q4, driven by the increasing popularity of PC gaming.

Strong Market Presence and Community Engagement

Acer maintains a strong market presence in the Pan Asia Pacific region, with significant support from the Philippines. The Predator League 2024 Manila event led to a 50% increase in gaming notebook sales. Acer aims to expand its Predator brand beyond gaming, incorporating lifestyle elements and even creating an official theme song for the event. The Acer Day campaign further strengthens community engagement by offering a carnival-like experience.

Expanding Portfolio Success

Acer’s diverse portfolio, including the ALTOS server and enterprise equipment, aftersales service HSN, and home appliance brand Acerpure, has achieved notable success, especially in India. These products have been well-received, contributing to Acer’s overall growth.

The Q&A Session

So, prior to heading to their headquarters in Taiwan, I already had a few questions prepared ahead of time, though one of them was asked by another individual. It was related to handheld gaming devices, so it’s no surprise a lot of people would have wanted to ask the same thing. I will list down the questions that I specifically had on hand along with their respective answers, and then summarize the rest of the Q&A session for easier digestion. Without further ado, let’s dive right into it:

Will we be able to see new, upgraded versions of unique laptop concepts like the Triton 900’s floating display and Helios 700’s slideout keyboard, or perhaps brand new innovations?

We never stop our efforts on how to make amazing technology into something really useful, meaningful to end users. That’s the reason why from time to time, we have some attractive devices. We make sure there’s a user who really needed it.

But also, sometimes when we think that the technology is there, if there’s no value to use or if it might create confusion, then we won’t do it. I think we actually make a very good example of that. I was asked many times. Something like, will Acer have a two-screen notebook or a foldable notebook. I think all those technologies are getting mature but we need to see our overall user experience about the software compatibility, about how the how the user interface with them, about the better impact, and also, the most important thing, how much it could be.

So if we do not think we can offer an optimized solution, the only answer is just to draw everybody’s attention that is there, something super strange or super premium or whatever. But for end users, if it’s not affordable enough or you’re going to spend money but it’s not good to use, not easy to use. That’s not technology. With other technologies, we are keeping our eyes (peeled), and when the time is right, then we’ll put everything together.

Jerry Kao, Acer Chief Operating Officer

Is there an Acer Predator handheld gaming device in the works?

I won’t say clearly that we definitely will have that in our time frame, but this is something we’re keeping watch.

No matter if it’s an Intel solution or AMD solution, no matter different form factors, we need to measure all the UI compatibility, usage model, and the pricing is right. Right means that I should not compete with my other OEM competitors, but they use to think that that is an element of their total gaming ecosystem. We need to make sure that is what we need to drive. If we can make it, then we’re able to launch it.

So since there will be a global press conference coming up, my PR team is here, they’ll kill me if I release more information. So I should say the best is yet to come.

Jerry Kao, Acer Chief Operating Officer

Can we expect more big size monitors coming to Asia Pacific / Malaysia within the year, like the CG7 or even bigger? (non-ultrawide, TV replacements)

Regarding the big-sized (monitors), I believe most people here are from the consumer market. Actually for the commercial market, we already have a 65-inch, 75-inch, an 86-inch even. For consumer model, we previously have 43-inch and 48-inch one. I think this month, we are going to launch another big sized one, 57-inch. It’s a 32:9 (aspect ratio), double 4K gaming monitor with mini LED. That is currently our flagship in gaming.

Marc Ho, Acer Senior Director, Product Management, Digital Display Business (Monitors)

And now, for the rest of the Q&A session in byte-sized form:

Key Q&A Highlights

RE100 Target by 2035

• Current Progress: Approximately 40% achieved. Acer is partnering with others to source eco-friendly materials for products and packaging.

Adapting to AI Trends

• Strategy: Acer follows tech leaders to provide competitive end-user products, without leading innovation independently.

AIoT Product Launches

• Current Stance: Open to partnerships for compatible devices but not planning to establish a dedicated AIoT department.

ALTOS and NVIDIA GB200 NVL72

• Compatibility: ALTOS focuses on x86 architecture and has no plans to partner with NVIDIA’s proprietary system.

Predator League 2025 Malaysia

• Game Inclusion: Current lineup remains the same, but future events may include more games if demand rises.

Cybersecurity in AI

• Measures: Implementing RAG technology with ‘vectors’ safeguarded in collaboration with partners.

Collaboration with Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD

• Feature Integration: Acer continually refines products based on user feedback, ensuring compatibility with both x86 and Arm Copilot+ PCs.

Exclusive Features/Applications

• Innovations: Copilot+ AI laptops feature special touchpads with LED indicators for AI activity. SpatialLabs offers 2D to 3D conversion compatible with both x86 and Arm.

SpatialLabs 3D Technology

• Vision: Simplifying integration with engines like Unity and UE5 to attract developer support and enhance the gaming experience.

AI Features in Monitors

• Current Implementation: Using holistic features like Auto Color Profile and Auto HDR rather than gaming aids.

Portable Monitors

• Future Plans: Developing larger panel sizes with enhanced resolution and refresh rates.

For more interesting insight in the future of tech, stay tuned to Pokde.net.