Gadgets
Acer to Focus on Gaming and Premium Products, Will Launch E-Scooter This Year
Michele Montecchio, General Manager at Acer Middle East, speaks about the opportunities 2023 will bring along
How was 2022 for the industry and your company?
Coming out of the pandemic, 2022 was a year of big changes. The average selling price for laptops and PCs in the market had reduced due to the reintegrated presence of lower configuration products PCs in the market. The year began with large stock levels in both consumer and commercial markets, which meant that we had to reduce our average selling price to sustain the growth of the number of units we were selling.
However, the situation leveled out to normal predictable levels towards the end of 2022. The PC market proved to be volatile throughout the year as it faced multiple uncertainties and slumps with increasing inflation. For Acer, this meant that we had to focus our resources on optimising our inventory levels and focus on growing segments, such as gaming, where we saw growth in multiple countries.
What sort of opportunities does 2023 bring along?
In 2023, we’ll have the opportunity to approach the year in a more strategic way. This opportunity comes as 2023 is set to have a more regulated stock situation, unlike 2022. We’ve just had our Global Press Conference, alongside CES, announcing the expansion of almost every product line.
Each line-up has been updated to satisfy the changing lifestyles of our consumer base in the post-pandemic era, including hybrid working. Moreover, our commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2035 was furthered this year by delivering exceptional products with an environmentally conscious design, and our work continues towards that as we venture into new initiatives provided by Acer’s multiple business engines.
Did you face any challenges in 2022?
The pandemic disrupted our production for two years, which challenged our full line-up availability in 2022. Fortunately, with strategic production planning, we managed to alleviate this issue in the first quarter of the year. We were able to serve all the markets in the Middle East at full potential.
However, this presented another challenge as all our partners across the region needed to be aligned on the right strategy. This required us to invest a great deal of face-to-face time with all partners to set up this strategy. It led us to favourable results but required remarkable energy from the whole team.
What were your key achievements in 2022?
Last year was full of achievements. Despite the struggles of a post-pandemic era, we were able to grow our presence among all retail consumers. We were able to capture the educational market as one of our main suppliers and expand our commercial presence as well. We participated in major trade fairs and gaming events such as GITEX and Dubai Esports Festival.
Moreover, we hosted our 13th edition of Acer Partner Week showcasing our Acer line-up to our regional partners and stakeholders, while celebrating their ongoing support for our journey, and together we discussed key growth areas and emerging market trends. Our proudest moment came later in the year when we were chosen to be a part of the CSR Arabia awards for the third year in a row and won the winning trophy in our category.
According to you, which technologies will be in demand in 2023?
Through our internal research, we’ve noticed that the demand for ultraportable devices (such as thin and light notebooks) has risen significantly. The post-pandemic era has created hybrid work opportunities for most industries and because of that, consumers have started to prefer laptops that are portable and that fit their new lifestyle.
Furthermore, our research indicates that along with portability, these devices need to be powerful as well. As the content creation industry is on the rise, these mobile, yet powerful machines, have jumped in demand. Additionally, the gaming industry is now receiving its new expansion with 3D dedicated features to improve the gaming experience of a user and push the boundaries of innovation in the industry.
What will be your key focus areas for 2023?
In 2023, we aim to grow our high-end sales through gaming and premium products. We also aim to pursue our mission in serving and helping digital education. We’ve also recently introduced our e-mobility products and plan to expand that line up too.
What milestones have you set for 2023?
Our milestone set for 2023 is to push ourselves, as a company, toward our 2035 vision of 100% renewable energy. This vision will be pushed forward by our Earthion mission which strongly supports responsible, eco-friendly, and sustainable manufacturing of our products throughout the whole supply chain. This mission is best represented through Acer’s Aspire Vero line-up; a group of devices, including laptops and PCs, that is partially built from Post-Consumer Recycled plastics (PCR), which are recycled plastics that have been repurposed, to aid in our effort to reduce global waste.
For example, the Aspire Vero line-up is shipped in environmentally friendly packaging. The existence of these devices needs to be spread to our potential consumers that are eco-conscious so that they may make everyday decisions that support their beliefs.
What would you like to do differently in 2023, when compared with 2022?
Despite 2022 being a great year for us, it presented some key learnings as well. To evolve with the changing times, we would like to focus on and expand our digital presence and communications as well. We also aim for our brand to reach the most remote locations and have our product offerings available to everyone.
Do you plan to enter new markets or add new products/applications to your portfolio in 2023?
We’re introducing our e-mobility products and we’ll be launching an Acer E-scooter in 2023 as well. Our consumers have a lot to be excited about and should keep an eye out for our retail and online partners.
Gadgets
DOOGEE to Showcase its Smartphones and Mobile Solutions at GITEX 2024
DOOGEE has announced that it will showcase its latest innovations at GITEX Global 2024 at its booth H12-B12. The event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 14 to 18. DOOGEE will unveil cutting-edge smartphones and mobile solutions to enhance user experience and connectivity.
“This prestigious technology event offers the perfect opportunity to showcase our latest innovations and connect with industry leaders,” the company said in a statement. “We look forward to demonstrating how our products can transform the way people interact with technology. With thousands of exhibitors and attendees from around the world, GITEX Global 2024 is an exciting event not to be missed. Join us to explore the future of mobile technology and experience our latest innovations firsthand through interactive displays and demos.”
DOOGEE T30 Series
DOOGEE T30 Series tablets offer a seamless blend of power and versatility. Designed to focus on productivity and stability, these tablets are equipped with powerful processors and optimized software to ensure smooth multitasking and swift application performance. The T30 Series is the ultimate choice for efficient and stable business office solutions.
DOOGEE U Series
DOOGEE U Series Tablet is a premium play-and-learn companion tailored for kids. This innovative device combines the joy of play with the essence of education, transforming into an all-in-one high-tech toy and learning assistant. The U Series Tablet is the perfect blend of fun and education that will ignite your child’s curiosity and foster a love for learning.
V PAD
The V PAD is a powerful tablet equipped with a Mediatek MT8791 Octa Core 5G Processor, a 12″ 2.4K Ultra-clear Display, an 8800mAh Large Battery, and the latest Android 14 System.
T40 PRO
The T40 PRO is another impressive tablet featuring a 12″ 2.4K IPS Ultra-clear Display, 512GB Massive Storage, a Helio G99 Octa-core Processor, and a sleek 7.6mm Aerospace-grade Alloy Unibody Design.
T40
The T40 offers a slightly smaller 11″ 2.5K Ultra-clear Display but still packs a powerful Helio G99 Octa-core Processor, 512GB Massive Storage, and an 8580mAh Large Battery.
T30 MINI PRO
For those seeking a more compact option, the T30 MINI PRO features an 8.4-inch 2.5K Ultra-clear Display, Dual-band WIFI5+GPS, 512GB Massive Storage, and a Double Speaker Super Sound System.
U11
The U11 is a versatile tablet with an 11″ Ultra-high Definition IPS Screen, an 8580mAh Large Capacity Battery, a Unisoc T606 octa-core processor, and the latest Android 14 System.
DOOGEE S Series
The DOOGEE S Series is known for its durable, high-performance rugged smartphones. The flagship model, the S100, features a powerful MediaTek G99 processor, a 100MP camera, and a stylish leather-like back cover. Its popularity led to it becoming the top-selling rugged phone in its price range. The series has expanded to include the S100 Pro, S110, and Smini, each offering unique features like a massive battery, dual screens, and a compact design.
DOOGEE Blade Series
The DOOGEE Blade Series focuses on sleekness and portability without compromising on performance. These smartphones are designed to be thin and lightweight, making them easy to carry. Despite their slim profiles, they offer powerful processors, high-resolution cameras, and long-lasting batteries.
DOOGEE Fire Series
The DOOGEE Fire Series is a unique range of smartphones equipped with thermal imaging technology. This allows users to see beyond the visible spectrum, providing valuable insights in various situations. Whether for exploration, safety, or precision, the Fire Series offers a versatile and innovative tool.
DOOGEE N Series
The DOOGEE N Series is designed for those who appreciate luxury and style. These smartphones feature a premium design, with sleek lines, high-quality materials, and meticulous attention to detail. The N Series is a testament to DOOGEE’s commitment to creating elegant and sophisticated devices.
Blade GT
The Blade GT is a stylish smartphone with a sleek 10.5mm thickness, Dynamic Lighting Effect, and a powerful 5G Octa-core Processor.
Blade 10 Pro
The Blade 10 Pro is the thinnest rugged phone on the market, featuring a Cyberpunk Style, Futuristic Sense, a 5150mAh Large Battery, a 50MP Incredible Main Camera, and the Latest Android 14 System.
Fire 6
The Fire 6 is a unique smartphone with thermal imaging capabilities. It also boasts a 10400mAh Large Battery, a 50MP Main Camera with Morpho, the Latest Android 14 System, and 256GB Massive Storage.
N55
The N55 is an affordable smartphone with a modern design and impressive features. It offers the Latest Android 14 OS System, an Ultra-Lightweight & Ultra-Thin Design, a 6.56″ HD+ 90Hz IPS Waterdrop Screen, and Vacuum Coating on the Screen For Protection.
S Punk
The S Punk is a fun and stylish smartphone with a 126dB Large Amplitude Speaker, a 10800mAh Large Battery, Up to 16GB RAM + 256GB ROM, and Dazzling Cool Interaction Lights.
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.
Gadgets
Canon Intros SELPHY QX20 Portable Colour Photo Printer
Canon Middle East unveils the latest addition to its portable printer range with the launch of the SELPHY QX20, an exciting evolution to the previous QX10, enabling users to continue broadening their creative horizons with greater freedom. Leaning into popular social media formats, this upgrade now supports 2:3 as well as square paper sizes and is available in on-trend terracotta red, dark grey and classic white.
The new QX20 is a must-have gadget for those with a passion for creativity. Whether that be making visual notes for personal projects, decorating journals or scrapbooks using sticky-backed paper, crafting personalised notes for loved ones, or simply decorating wall spaces, SELPHY QX20 delivers high-quality, long-lasting pictures straight from a smartphone. The flexibility in paper sizes lends itself nicely to 365 photo challenges, inviting users to print one photo a day as a wonderfully tangible way to remember smaller daily moments.
Without the need for ink cartridges, the SELPHY QX20 uses dye sublimation technology that produces smudge-free, high-quality photos. An overcoat is added to resist the effect of fading. Easily transportable and complete with a built-in battery and Wi-Fi compatibility, the printer fits comfortably in a bag, meaning it can be used on-the-go to transform memories into physical keepsakes on the spot. At home, its compact size means it can sit neatly on any shelf or desk without competing for tabletop space.
Beyond the choice of paper size, wider creative expression is available with the SELPHY Photo Layout App, where fun artistic touches like stamps, filters, borders, and text can be added to special memories. For example, snowflakes can be added to a selfie to use as a Christmas table place card or hearts when making a homemade Valentine’s Day gift. The update also includes collages, frames and customisable borders, with new edge-to-edge printing meaning more of the memory can be seen with each print.
Joining an expanding portfolio of portable mobile printers, including the CP1500, a super compact photo printer for the desk, and the Zoemini range, a series of pocket-sized devices to print instant peel-and-stick photos, the latest QX20 fits perfectly into this line-up – a functional yet stylish printer and the ideal product for unleashing creativity, anytime, anywhere.