Gaming
Demand for Mobility and Convenience Have Increased the Uptake of Thin and Light Laptops
Joumana Karam, the Marketing and Product BU Head for the Middle East at Acer, speaks about the market for think and light laptops, the evolution of laptops over the years, all-day battery life, effortless remote working, and more
What is the market for thin and light/ultraportable laptops in the region?
The thin and light laptops category is one of the fastest growing segments of the PC market worldwide. This segment has multiplied more than 2.5 times year-on-year in the Middle East as of March 2020. In fact, we notice that 74% of all laptops in retail in the UAE, are categorised as thin and light. We at Acer are very proud to be one of the first OEMs to ship more than 80% of our portfolio as thin and light products.
How have laptops evolved from heavy monsters to thin and featherlight laptops?
There have been several factors that have paved the way for the prominence of featherlight laptops, which are more human-centric than spec-specific. This includes consumer and business demand for mobility and convenience, the evolution of technology in material design, thermal solutions, battery lifecycles, and the reduction of components’ sizes.
Is all-day battery life possible on ultraportable laptops, so you only carry the laptop and leave the charger at home?
Absolutely! The all-day battery was introduced alongside the introduction light and thin models. It is one of the essential features that enhance the mobility, portability, and convenience of the device. In fact, consumers should not be fooled by the less than 1kg weight or the less than 1cm height. For example, our Swift 7 and Swift 5 series operate with up to 10-12 hours of battery life. In addition, the new TravelMate P6 has a battery life of up to 23 hours but weighs only 1.1kg.
The laptops are getting thinner and lighter, but the sizes of the power adapters have largely remained the same. Why have companies not redesigned the power adapters so they become easier to carry around along with the laptops?
It is true that the power adapter size has not reduced at the same pace as the laptop itself. However, we can see that this point is being addressed in the new laptop generation and we will definitely witness a significant development in this area not only for the thin and light segment but for the entire laptop market.
There is a misconception that the heavier a laptop is, the more powerful it is. What’s your opinion about that statement?
As technology evolves, components have shrunk in size but still deliver high power and performance. Many thin and light laptops have high-end CPUs such as Core i7, big SSDs, HDDs, and even dedicated internal graphics. Furthermore, the range carries multiple screen size options: while 3 years ago most of the thin and light laptops had a 13-inch screen size or less, more than 80% of that segment are now 14-inch and 15.6-inch screens. I am proud to say that Acer was the first to launch the lightest 15.6-inch laptop with the Swift 5 and we still hold the first position of having the lightest 14-inch laptop ever with the Swift 7. In addition, we have the lightest proper gaming notebook which is the Triton 500.
With the rise in remote work, have we seen increased uptake of thin and light laptops?
Working and Learning from Home have increased the laptop demand and sales in general. Thin and light laptops are now part of all the price point segments, entry, mainstream and high-end, with all screen sizes well represented. In fact, 74% of the retail stocks pertain to that category and it is reported that the laptop sales increase has ranged from 58% growth in UAE to 33% in KSA and 12% in Egypt.
Do you really need to buy a gaming laptop if you crave performance or thin and light laptops with excellent specs that could do just fine?
This depends on the type of gamer. A hard-core gamer wants to win every time he plays and is in search of the best gaming experience that can only be provided by top-of-the range powerful components packed in a proper cooling design that will keep his machine away from the heat at all times.
For the occasional gamer, a well-performing thin and light machine with an internal graphics card is more than enough, and this can be found in our Aspire, Swift, or Spin range.
Will we ever see 5G equipped laptops in order to get better wireless/cellular connectivity while on the road?
Yes for sure. 5G is going to be our new reality very soon. Although I would think that the commercial laptop will have this feature integrated first.
What are some of the innovative technologies that power Acer’s thin and light category?
We at Acer always continue to incrementally innovate our range of products, taking advantage of the latest internal and external technologies. To name a few, the magnesium aluminium chassis and palm rests enhance the durability and lightweight and the metal chassis allows ultra-narrow bezels. The new smaller in size CPU generations from Intel and AMD have helped spearhead the innovation as well as the increased SSD HDD capacity in a smaller housing. Acer is also proud to have powerful R&D team and we are ranked among the Top 3 in Taiwan for companies in terms of patent applications. Our thermal cooling technologies are among the most innovative and advanced solutions in that field.
What sort of new innovations is the company working upon, in this category?
Acer’s goal is to provide outstanding products and services to different users that meet their needs. We seek to identify micro-trends that have the potential to open up a blue ocean of opportunities. We will continue to optimise operations and lead with new technology trends and market segments. We have extended our thin and light concept to all our series. It is no longer the Swift range of products that is specific to thin and light but we also have models under Aspire, Spin, TravelMate, Chromebooks and Predator Triton that fall under the thin and light umbrella. We will continue to offer the lightest and most powerful design at the most affordable price points.
Accessories
CORSAIR to Collab with Call of Duty
CORSAIR has begun to release the first products in its multi-year, full cross-brand collaboration with the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise. This powerful new integration sees two of the world’s best-known gaming brands come together for the first time with the collaboration extending across multiple product categories at CORSAIR including Drop, Elgato, ORIGIN PC and SCUF Gaming.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Activision and have our world-class brands come together as CORSAIR is set to deliver premium performance for Call of Duty players across all platforms whether it’s playing Black Ops 6, capturing amazing content or streaming with friends,” said Thi La, President and COO at CORSAIR.
“Our goal has always been to fuel the Call of Duty fandom with best-in-class products built for today’s gamers and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with CORSAIR for the launch of Black Ops 6. The suite of officially licensed products will help elevate gaming stations everywhere in true Call of Duty Black Ops style,” said Brooke Carpenter, Senior Director, Global Consumer Products at Activision.
In addition to top-tier controllers from SCUF Gaming, CORSAIR headsets and keyboards and streaming equipment from Elgato, this collaboration will see the introduction of several high-end gaming PCs including the ORIGIN PC EON16-X laptop, ORIGIN PC NEURON gaming PC, and the CORSAIR VENGEANCE Gaming PC line. These high-performance gaming machines are designed for the ultimate gaming experience, featuring cutting-edge hardware, custom Black Ops 6-themed aesthetics, and superior build quality. With powerful processors, advanced graphics, and lightning-fast storage, Call of Duty fans will enjoy seamless gameplay and stunning visuals.
Beginning with the launch of the highly-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, featured products launching today and throughout this holiday include:
CORSAIR
- HS80 RGB WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium wireless gaming headset that delivers incredibly detailed sound through custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers with immersive Dolby Atmos. It features hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and a broadcast-grade omnidirectional microphone that captures your voice with outstanding clarity.
- K65 PLUS WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stand out from the crowd with superior skill and distinctive design.
- The CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS is a 75% gaming keyboard that maxes out on performance and personality. Step up your Switch game with pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red V2 linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive.
- M75 WIRELESS CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Sculpted by victory. Made for the spotlight. The M75 WIRELESS sports an expertly designed ambidextrous mouse shape and ultra-fast connectivity via SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Bluetooth.
- MM300 2XL CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: a high endurance cloth mouse mat for high-DPI gaming mice. Reinforced stitched edges guard against surface peeling, while the textile-weaved surface gives superior control for lethal in-game accuracy.
- VENGEANCE SERIES CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Step up your game with a CORSAIR VENGEANCE gaming pc, built with a full range of award-winning CORSAIR components, and powered by the latest cutting-edge processors and graphics.
SCUF Gaming
- REFLEX CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Stay unstoppable with ergonomically designed remappable paddles, adaptive triggers, and onboard profiles that allow you to quickly switch from one game to another with SCUF Reflex for PlayStation 5.
- INSTINCT PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Engineered for better performance and responsiveness, SCUF Instinct Pro for Xbox Series X|S provides four remappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and instant triggers that switch from regular to a mouse-like click at the flip of a switch.
- ENVISION PRO CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Designed to deliver the best experience for controller PC gamers. SCUF Envision is equipped with 11 additional remappable inputs, ultra-fast wired/wireless connectivity, advanced software for macros and endless customization options.
- UNIVERSAL CONTROLLER PROTECTION CASE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: This case has an impact-resistant exterior and a soft, padded interior to protect your controller from dents and scratches, even while travelling. It works to protect any Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, or Xbox One controller.
Elgato
- STREAM DECK MK.2 CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Features 15 customizable LCD keys to control apps and platforms. Hit the store for app plugins, icons, tracks plus effects, and keep your setup fresh with interchangeable faceplates.
- WAVE:3 USB MICROPHONE CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A premium microphone and digital mixing solution that fuses plug-and-play convenience with broadcast-grade circuitry.
- WAVE MIC ARM LP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A studio-grade boom arm for your premium microphone, Wave Mic Arm LP sits below the shoulder line for an unobstructed view.
Drop
ARTISAN KEYCAP CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A 1u artisan keycap featuring a jet-black acrylic keycap with a bite jutting out to meet your fingertips.
ORIGIN PC
- ORIGIN PC NEURON CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: A gaming powerhouse engineered for intense action and precision. Equipped with cutting-edge hardware including powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and more. With fully customizable options and up to 8TB of storage, you’ll have the space and speed to dominate every game. Encased in a sleek design, the NEURON brings unparalleled power and style to your gaming setup.
- ORIGIN PC EON16-X CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 EDITION: Experience unparalleled performance and immersive gameplay in a sleek, custom design. Fully customizable, add on a plethora of storage and high-quality DDR5 memory with components by CORSAIR.
Specific products are available now or open for pre-order. Additional categories, launch dates, and more details on this groundbreaking collaboration will be announced over time.
Gaming
Steam Revamps Game Purchases
Steam has taken a proactive step to inform users that purchasing games on its platform grants a license rather than outright ownership. This move aligns with a new California law that will require digital storefronts to disclose the true nature of digital game purchases.
While digital games offer convenience, they have always been subject to the terms and conditions set by the game publishers. This can lead to situations where access to games can be revoked, as demonstrated by Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew last year.
The new California law aims to increase transparency for consumers by preventing storefronts from using misleading terms like “buy” or “purchase” without clarifying that they are acquiring a license. Steam has already implemented this change, informing users in their shopping carts that purchases grant a license.
This move reflects Steam’s commitment to consumer protection and transparency. It is a positive step towards ensuring that gamers are aware of their rights and the potential limitations of digital game ownership.
Electric Scooters
Acer to Showcase Cutting-Edge Tech and AI at GITEX 2024
Acer Middle East returns to GITEX Global this October with a wide range of tech innovations and solutions that are sure to impress tech enthusiasts and visitors alike. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14th – 18th October 2024, visitors will be able to discover the latest in Artificial Intelligence, amongst other innovations from Acer’s diverse range of cutting-edge products for education, gaming, mobility, sustainability, business and more.
Acer is committed to creating an impact at GITEX as the event brings together the world’s brightest minds from across the tech industry from more than 170 countries. Through their participation in the event, Acer aims to continue to build and strengthen relationships with clients, while also showcasing their latest technologies and product ranges.
Commenting on the upcoming exhibition, Michele Montecchio, General Manager at Acer Middle East said: “We are excited to showcase our latest innovations, solutions and AI technologies alongside some of the largest tech giants that exist today.”
Visitors to GITEX will have the opportunity to experience Acer’s latest range of products through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences at the tech brand’s interactive stand. Showcasing something for everyone, products on display from Acer will include a wide selection of outstanding tech innovations across a variety of categories.
E-Mobility
The Predator Extreme PES017, a daring E Scooter with a bold design built for adventure and exploration.
AI Laptops
Acer’s new Swift AI Copilot+ PCs are available with a variety of processors, including Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). These laptops utilize greater AI processing power and performance without compromise. Whether creating, working, or streaming – these Copilot+ PCs streamline daily tasks and workloads more efficiently and enable Acer’s on-device AI applications to help enhance users’ digital experiences.
Education and Business
The Chromebook Plus 515 is designed to empower productivity, efficiency, and multitasking. Featuring a powerful processor, a 1080p webcam, multiple connectivity ports, a fast-charging 10-hour-life battery, military-grade durability and built-in AI apps, this 15-inch Chromebook Plus is perfect for work and play, while withstanding daily wear and tear.
The new ultra-thin-and-light Acer TravelMate P614 AI laptop is designed and built purposefully for commercial organizations, offering exceptional performance, mobility and AI capabilities. With its long battery life, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and MIL-STD 810H durability, it’s ideal for professionals who work in a hybrid setting.
Gaming
The newly introduced Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is a powerful and portable handheld AI gaming device that delivers lightning-fast performance and efficiency for everyday gaming and entertainment on the go. Gamers can expect elevated efficiency and support for on-device AI-powered capabilities, real-time graphical upscaling and lag-free experiences. This handheld design allows users to easily slide the device into their bags or pockets for instant gaming wherever they are.
The Predator XB273K V5 Monitor has a crisp 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, a smooth 160 Hz refresh rate and a lightning-fast response time of up to 0.5 ms (GTG). It’s sure to deliver flawless gameplay and stunning clarity.
Tech Innovations
The Acer SpatialLabs Eyes is a multifaceted and intuitive 3D camera suitable for business and lifestyle users alike. Featuring 8MP per eye resolution, a selfie mirror, and a weatherproof design, users can create 3D content, stream live, and join meetings in 3 Dimensions.
For connectivity needs, the Acer Wave 7 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router creates a robust and secure high-speed network connection designed for modern living. It is the fastest and most seamless solution to achieve uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing from any corner of your home or workspace.
Visit Acer’s stand at GITEX Global, at Hall 3, STAND NO: H3-C20 from 14 – 18 October 2024 at The Dubai World Trade Centre.