Artificial Intelligence
Acer Debuts Chromebook Plus Laptops with Powerful Processors and Built-in Google AI
Reporting from Taipei, Taiwan: Acer has debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops – the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE – that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once. As Chromebook Plus devices, the two new models support enhanced generative AI features for connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, such as a “help me write” feature available with just a right click, Google Photos’ Magic Editor, Gemini, and more.
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a slim convertible optimized for on-the-go productivity and connectivity with a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in myriad ways and places, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a next-generation cloud-gaming Chromebook with the latest gaming-centric hardware to stream and play AAA games with NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid, Amazon Luna and more.
“Our two new Acer Chromebook Plus laptops masterfully take advantage of new Google AI capabilities that are now part of ChromeOS to deliver even more cutting-edge experiences to Chromebook users,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “The fact that these two new Acer Chromebook Plus laptops could not be more different yet both deliver an elevated Chromebook Plus experience points directly to the power and flexibility of the ChromeOS ecosystem and the importance of user-centric Chromebook Plus laptop design.”
Compact, durable, and performance-minded, the new convertible Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (CP714-1H) is the ideal on-the-go Chromebook delivering a sought-after combination of responsive mobile performance and efficient multitasking for collaboration at work, school, or for passion projects. Powered by up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, the Acer Chromebook is ready to help users enjoy AI-powered Google and Adobe apps. Google AI helps users write with ease and design unique backgrounds, while the Adobe Photoshop and LumaFusion apps make editing photos and videos a breeze.
Gemini in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail helps to generate and summarize notes and personalize emails for greater productivity and organization. Plus, all-day productivity with the new Chromebook will be the standard; with 2x the speed, memory and storage, its durable aluminium chassis design is MIL-STD 810 certified and the fast-charging battery provides long battery life of up to 10 hours.
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714’s 2-in-1 convertible design features 360-degree hinges that enable it to be used in various scenarios, including as a traditional laptop or a tablet for note-taking and sketching with an optional dockable USI active stylus. The Chromebook’s 14-inch touchscreen display vibrantly showcases images in WUXGA (1920×1200) clarity and a vivid 100% sRGB colour range. This means AI-powered features such as creating generative wallpapers and Google Photos Magic Editor help users re-imagine their photos and will be even more immersive and enjoyable on the Chromebook’s thin-bezel display. Plus, its Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass protects it from scratches while resisting stains and odour-causing bacteria.
People will always look and sound great in online classes, conference calls for work, or family meet-ups with the Chromebook’s 1440p QHD webcam and AI-powered audio and video enhancements for better clarity, lighting, and sound. The webcam features temporal noise reduction technology to maintain high-quality visuals even in low-light conditions, as well as a physical shutter to protect privacy, while the optional fingerprint reader ensures secure device access for users. Dual microphones pair with dual upward-facing speakers and DTS Audio to deliver high-quality, distortion-free sound to further enhance the conferencing experience. The Chromebook reliably connects via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, as well as to additional devices via a range of ports including HDMI 2.0 and two USB Type-C ports both with Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a USB Type-A port.
The new Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (CBG516-2H) brings a whole new way to game with NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service plus the latest technology with a first-rate gaming-centric design. Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE users can indulge in the latest AAA games with millions of other players without any downloads via NVIDIA GeForce NOW, at up to 1600p resolution and 120 fps with an Ultimate membership, streaming from next-gen GeForce RTX 4080 servers in the cloud. The device’s performance-minded 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and high-resolution display ensure fast streaming at 120 Hz resulting in cutting-edge graphics and impressively smooth visuals.
The gaming experience on the Chromebook’s high-resolution WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS display is stunning due to the fast 120 Hz refresh rate that results in realistic and smooth high frame-per-second gaming. Plus, the display’s 100% sRGB colour gamut delivers vibrant and accurate images. High-quality DTS audio complements the lifelike visuals with two upward-firing speakers and two downward-firing speakers that utilize force-cancelling woofers to project sound in opposite directions and eliminate unwanted vibrations.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE features an RJ-45 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet LAN port to ensure a fast and reliable connection for uninterrupted cloud gaming. Additionally, when gamers take their durable Chromebook with them for cloud gaming on-the-go, they can rely on the device’s fast and secure Wi-Fi 6E. The Chromebook Plus 516 GE features a gaming keyboard with vibrantly coloured 4-zone preset backlight colour modes and anti-ghosting technology that registers fast and accurate keyboard inputs and key combinations.
Cloud gamers will also appreciate the Chromebook Plus 516 GE’s premium combination of features that boost productivity for work and school by utilizing new generative AI creation and collaboration features in ChromeOS and Adobe apps. Players can also get the most out of their games with the new Game dashboard that lets them customize their gaming experience and share their gameplay progress with fellow gamers. The Chromebook’s 1080p webcam features integrated AI-powered video call tools that enhance clarity, lighting, and sound on any video call app, letting gamers look and sound their best when streaming. In addition, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE features up to 2 TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage, up to 16 GB of fast LPDDR4X memory and support for up to 10 hours[2,4] of battery life.
The new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is also available with management capabilities for business and education through the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade and Chrome Education Upgrade. The Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise Spin 714 (CPE794-1N) enables IT departments to utilize streamlined device enrollment, infrastructure integration, advanced security settings, and built-in virus protection to ensure data and applications are safeguarded. With Chrome Education Upgrade, schools get greater ability to manage their ChromeOS environment to best meet the individual needs of their school, and every student and teacher. With management capabilities, IT admins are supported with 24/7 IT remote help and ChromeOS troubleshooting assistance.
Artificial Intelligence
ASUS Unveils AI-Enhanced Copilot+ PC Lineup at CES 2025
Today at CES 2025, ASUS announced a significant expansion of its Copilot+ PC lineup, delivering AI-enabled computing to a broader audience. The new models are designed to meet the growing demand for affordable, efficient, secure, and fast laptops that enhance both personal and professional workflows. Powered by the latest AI-enabled processors from Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel, these devices come in various styles and form factors, making AI technology more accessible.
ASUS introduced the all-new Zenbook A14 and refreshed versions of the Zenbook Duo and Zenbook 14, all powered by the latest processors, delivering up to 45 TOPS AI performance and extended battery life for multitasking.
Zenbook A14 (UX3407)
The Zenbook A14, the world’s lightest Copilot+ PC at under a kilogram, features Snapdragon X Elite and X processors with advanced on-device AI capabilities. It offers up to 32-hour battery life, a full array of I/O ports, and a tone-on-tone minimalist design using Ceraluminum™, a lightweight, scratch-resistant material.
Zenbook Duo (UX8406CA) and Zenbook 14 (UX3405CA)
The Zenbook Duo boasts twin 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED HDR touchscreens and the latest Intel Core Ultra processors. The Zenbook 14, with its environmentally conscious design, features Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Intel Arc graphics, offering a vivid 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreen.
Zenbook 14 (UM3406KA)
Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors, the refreshed Zenbook 14 offers 50 TOPS AI performance, enhancing the Copilot+ PC experience. Its thin-and-light design houses a 14-inch 3K 120Hz OLED NanoEdge display.
AI-Optimised Mini PCs
ASUS has also introduced the NUC 15 Pro and NUC 15 Pro+ mini PCs, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel AI Boost for high-demand business environments. The NUC 14 Pro AI+ mini PC offers quick AI access with a dedicated Copilot button, built-in microphones, and a sustainable E-ink display.
ExpertCenter PN54
The ExpertCenter PN54 Mini PC delivers high-level AI performance in a compact chassis, powered by AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processors. It offers rapid connectivity, tool-less upgradability, and robust AI acceleration for a variety of computing needs.
These new models highlight ASUS’s commitment to making AI technology universally accessible, offering powerful performance, extended battery life, and premium designs to meet the needs of modern users.
Artificial Intelligence
Google Unveils Veo 2 Model, Enhancing Access to VideoFX Technology
Google has announced the launch of Veo 2, along with updates to its Imagen 3 model and a new Whisk experiment, showcasing its latest advancements and the Gemini model. Veo 2, a follow-up to the model first introduced at I/O 2024 in May, features enhanced capabilities including an improved understanding of real-world physics and the nuances of human movement and expression, resulting in more detailed and realistic video generation.
Users can now specify various genres, lenses, and cinematic effects in their prompts, such as low-angle tracking shots or close-ups. Veo 2 also includes the ability to craft wide-angle shots with specified lens types and blur backgrounds with a shallow depth of field while hallucinating less frequently and embedding an invisible SynthID watermark for authenticity.
The rollout of Veo 2 is currently underway through VideoFX in Google Labs. An expansion plan to increase user access is in place, although there remains a waitlist. It is expected to reach YouTube Shorts and other products next year.
Additionally, Google announced enhancements to its Imagen 3 model. The new model produces brighter, better-composed images with richer details and textures, capable of rendering more diverse art styles more accurately. This updated model is now available globally through ImageFX.
Furthermore, Google Labs introduced a new experiment named “Whisk,” which allows users to prompt with images. This experiment is designed to highlight the improved visual understanding and descriptive capabilities of the updated Imagen 3 and Gemini.
Artificial Intelligence
The Price of Apple’s Intelligence
Apple has taken its first steps into the generative AI space with the introduction of Apple Intelligence for iPhone and Mac platforms. Currently, only a limited number of the proposed AI apps are available, with a significant update expected in December when ChatGPT will be integrated into iOS and macOS.
This move marks an unusual moment for Apple, a company known for building proprietary systems to control user experience and data usage. The inclusion of ChatGPT signifies Apple’s intent to engage with the broader generative AI community. However, it also highlights Apple’s position lagging behind its competitors in the AI race.
The integration of ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence comes with costs that users must pay to fully benefit from the features. The second beta version of iOS 18.2, scheduled for a December release, introduces the next wave of Apple Intelligence apps. System settings now display a daily limit for ChatGPT usage, with an option to upgrade to the paid ChatGPT Plus plan or revert to an older AI model.
Existing ChatGPT Plus users can sign in on their iPhones, while new users can choose to upgrade. It remains to be seen if Apple will impose its usual 30% fee on the $19.99 monthly subscription for ChatGPT Plus.
While OpenAI has long offered a tiered pricing structure for ChatGPT, Apple’s decision contrasts with other smartphone AI platforms. Google and Samsung, for instance, have provided free AI-powered tools to enhance platform utility. Although Apple is adopting a freemium model, Google and Samsung’s AI services may eventually become chargeable.
Apple’s slow introduction of generative AI contrasts with the marketing surrounding Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 series launched a month before Apple Intelligence became publicly available, but this delay was not evident in promotional materials. Mobile networks in the UK have even had to clarify the delayed AI features in their marketing.
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