IFA 2015: Predator Gaming Line, Computer Designer and Other New Products from Acer

The “predatory” line of devices is characterized by increased performance and a bold appearance, and each device is ideal for sophisticated gamers. In addition, the company showed a lot of updated laptop models and brand new computers. At the same time, despite the completely different positioning of the models, Acer laid down a certain leitmotif of its presentation, which consists of two components: Windows 10 “out of the box” and the new sixth generation Intel Core processors (Skylake).
Acer's presentation, led by company CEO Jason Chen, started with socially significant topics related to IT education, but we will begin our review of new products from the chronological end, where, as you know, the most interesting is located.
Predator 15 and 17 gaming laptops
Two gaming laptops with 15.6 '' and 17.3 '' screens were presented ... The devices received an aggressive design traditional for gaming products with an abundance of sharp edges, various inserts and other trifles. In general, the appearance is quite serious. The same can be said about the impressive weight of the device - about 4 kilograms for a 17-inch modification.

Laptops have an Intel Core i5 and i7 processor ( i7-6700HQ in the maximum configuration). Depending on the modification, computers can be equipped with up to 32 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and 1 terabyte NVMe PCIe SSD internal memory. Of course, there are models with hybrid media.

In the minimum configuration, NVIDIA GeForce GTX970M is used as graphics, in the maximum - GeForce GTX980. As for display resolutions, the 15-inch laptop has a version with FullHD, and the 17-inch laptop has FullHD or 4K (!).

Next to the full-size keyboard on a 17-inch laptop, a panel with programmable buttons is built-in, and near the touchpad (for all models) there is a key to lock it. An interesting feature in the form of the SoundPound sound system is also hidden on the bottom of the laptop. So, the 17-inch model has two subwoofers and four speakers, and the 15-inch model has one subwoofer and two speakers. At the ends of the devices is the following set of connectors: four USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, as well as one USB 3.1 Type-C with a data transfer rate of up to 40 GB / s.

The start of sales of the Acer Predator 15 and Predator 17 laptops is scheduled for November in Europe and the United States. The price of the 15-inch version starts at $ 1,499, and the 17-inch version starts at $ 1,600.
Predator Z35 and Predator XB1 Monitors with NVIDIA G-Sync Support
In addition to gaming laptops, Acer introduced gaming monitors with support for NVIDIA G-Sync technology. The main novelty, of course, is the Predator Z35 - a 35-inch curved monitor with an aspect ratio of 21: 9.

The resolution of an impressive display is 2560x1080 pixels (UltraWide FullHD). In addition to the aforementioned G-Sync technology, NVIDIA ULMB technology contributes to image enhancement, which allows you to increase the frame frequency to 200 Hz.
The novelty has two built-in speakers with a power of 9 watts with DTS and Acer TrueHarmony technologies. In addition, the monitor has USB 3.0, HDMI and DisplayPort connectors.
They also showed two monitors with diagonals of 27 and 28 inches. Both models are made in the corporate "predatory" style and have the following set of common features: 1000: 1 contrast ratio, refresh rate up to 144 Hz, two 2 W speakers, a hub for four USB 3.0 ports, as well as HDMI and DisplayPort connectors.

The 28-inch Predator XB1 comes in one version with a resolution of 3820x2160 pixels and a response time of 1 ms. As for the 27-inch models, here you can choose a resolution of 4K (model XB271HK) or 2K on the IPS matrix (model XB271HU). Both models have a 4 ms response and viewing angles of 178 degrees.
The 35-inch Acer Predator Z35 will be available in November at a price of 1,099 euros. Monitors line Predator XB1 will start in October at a price of 699 euros.
Predator G6 - Intel Skylake-based gaming PC
Despite the fact that the Acer Predator G6-710 gaming computer was introduced a month ago at the Gamescom exhibition, it is impossible not to mention it. Powerful cars stood on stands together with monitors, forming a single black and red corporate identity, logically complementing the line of Predator devices.

A computer running on the Intel Core i7-6700K can have up to 64 gigabytes of RAM. The graphics card used is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX980 graphics card, which provides support for 4K2K displays.

The computer case provides many details that will be convenient for gamers: a special headphone holder, four audio jacks for playing together, as well as expansion slots for memory. The novelty comes along with the PredatorSense utility, which allows you to configure system characteristics including processor frequency and fan speed.
Predator 8 - tactile feedback gaming tablet
A series of Predator-devices with a characteristic design and positioning was supplemented by the Android-tablet Predator 8 (GT-810). Like the above technique, the device received a "predatory" appearance and body using metal. On the front panel, in addition to the 8-inch FullHD-display, there are four speakers integrated into the Predator Quadio system, which are designed to provide surround sound.

The device is equipped with an Atom X7-Z8700 processor , Intel HD Graphics, 32/64 gigabytes of internal memory (plus a slot for memory cards up to 128 gigabytes), as well as 2 gigabytes of RAM. The device while running the operating system Android 5.1 Lollipop.
In addition to the powerful gaming “stuffing” and surround sound, the tablet received the tactile feedback technology Predator TacSense and ColorBlast to support 100% NTSC color gamut. All technologies have software support, where, for example, you can change the sound profile or adjust the degree of response.

Tactile feedback Predator TacSense was developed in tandem with the company Gameloft, so it was possible to achieve maximum support for the technology in the racing game Asphalt 8. By the way, it is “out of the box” installed on the Predator 8 tablet with a gift in the form of 320 thousand in-game currency (equivalent to $ 50) .
Sales of Acer Predator 8 will start in the United States at a price of $ 300, and then in Europe at a price of 349 euros. In Russia, the Predator 8 with 32 gigabytes of memory will cost 24,990 rubles.
Aspire U5-710 - a powerful all-in-one with a smart camera
Acer Aspire U5-710 is the only "classic" all-in-one PC presented at the exhibition. The device received a case with a thickness of 37 millimeters and a small metal stand. The monoblock display supports up to 10 touches and has a diagonal of 23.8 inches with a resolution of FullHD.

On the left side under the plug and on the back of the Aspire U5-710 there is a whole set of connectors: DC Jack, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, TV Tuner and HDMI. Like all new products, the computer runs on Intel Core i5 or i7, but the graphics may vary depending on the modification: GeForce 940M or Intel Iris 530. The new product also has 16 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM and 256 gigabytes of internal SSD memory (or up to 2 terabytes) HDD).

Another feature of the monoblock is the RealSense camera, which is useful both for security purposes (for example, unlocking Windows 10 based on a three-dimensional face shot), and for entertainment. By the way, a similar camera is installed in the Aspire Nitro laptop. The cost of a monoblock Acer Aspire U5-710 as standard in Europe will be 999 euros.
Revo Build - the first computer designer
One of the most talked-about Acer innovations in the press was the first computer in the Revo Build series (M1-601). The desktop itself is a compact square block, the length of each side of which is 12.5 centimeters.

The concept of Revo Buld is the possibility of upgrading the computer using modules: as needed, it will be possible to supplement the “base” block with a hard disk of up to 1 terabyte, additional graphics, audio system, wireless charging and many other modules including even a projector.

The main unit is equipped with USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, DisplayPort and audio output. Hardware specifications consist of up to 8 gigabytes of RAM, 32 gigabytes of read-only memory, as well as a Celeron or Pentium processor. The cost of the Revo Build M1-601 as a base unit in Europe will be 200 euros. Prices for various modules will be published later.
The new generation of Aspire V Nitro and Aspire V 13
Acer also updated the Aspire V Nitro laptop line. Unlike Predator Aspire V Nitro laptops, they are smaller and do not have such an aggressive design.

In general, the devices are a worthy solution for multimedia tasks thanks to the sixth generation i5 and i7 processors with a standard thermal package, NVIDIA GTX960M graphics cards, as well as up to 32 gigabytes of RAM. The volume of the drive can reach 512 gigabytes (SSD) or 2 terabytes (HDD).
The line is presented in the form of a 15-inch and 17-inch models. All modifications have USB 3.1 and Type-C connectors, and the advanced Black Edition is complemented by a Thunderbolt 3 connector and backlight along the hinge.

Updated Aspire V 13, like its predecessor, is a stylish computer for everyday tasks. The laptop comes in the colors "Steel Black" and "Platinum White" and has small dimensions: a thickness of 19.65 millimeters with a weight of 1.5 kilograms. The laptop also runs on the sixth generation Intel Core processor, comes with Intel HD Graphics, and up to 16 gigabytes of RAM.
Transforming Notebooks Aspire R 13 and Aspire R 11
The main change in the updated Aspire R 13 transformer book was the Intel Skylake Core i5 and i7 processor. In addition, the laptop received USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 connectors a new Precision Touchpad touchpad with support for gestures of three and four fingers.

Aspire R13 received a 13.3-inch display with FullHD resolution, as well as a compact case with a thickness of 1.6 kilograms and a thickness of 18.5 millimeters. Thanks to a special display rotation mechanism, the laptop can be installed in six positions, including tablet mode. The cost of the Aspire R13 at the start of sales in October will start from 1099 euros.

The Chromebook R 11 has an 11.4-inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, an Intel Celeron processor and the Chrome OS operating system. By the way, it was from this device that the presentation of Acer began: Jason Chen called the development of chromebooks a priority along with gaming machines and spoke about the sponsorship contribution of Acer to the international computer science Olympiad.

Chromebook R 11, like the 13-inch brother, has a rotating hinge. However, rotation is possible only in one direction at 360 degrees, which allows you to transform the laptop into tablet mode. The price of a laptop in Europe is $ 299.
Jade Primo Smartphone
Acer has also announced its future flagship smartphone based on the Windows 10 operating system. The slogan Jade Primo is “your pocket PC”. And these are not just words, thanks to Continuum technology, you can connect peripheral devices, a monitor and other external devices to your smartphone.

Jade Primo has enough power for potential loads thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 64-bit processor. The smartphone also has a 5.5-inch FullHD display and two cameras with a resolution of 21 and 8 megapixels. Detailed specifications, as well as specific release dates, have not yet been published.
New smartphones on Android and Windows
If most of Acer's computer equipment has occupied at least a niche in the middle price segment, then new smartphones are mainly budget devices.

All Android smartphones have many common features. So, the devices received Acer BluelightShield technology, which controls the degree of blue exposure to the user and DTS Sound to improve sound when watching movies and listening to music. In addition, the news runs on the current version of Android 5.1 Lollipop and has a QuickMode software utility for setting up user profiles. The latter will allow, for example, to protect children from inappropriate content.
Acer Liquid Z630 is a 5.5-inch (resolution 1280 x 720 pixels) smartphone with a 64-bit quad-core MediaTek MT6735 processor with a clock frequency of 1.3 GHz. The characteristics of the device also include 2 gigabytes of RAM and 16 internal memory, two cameras with a resolution of 8 megapixels and the ability to shoot FullHD-video, as well as a 4000 mAh battery. The advanced modification of the Acer Liquid Z630S device differs from the basic version with an eight-core processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of internal memory. Sales of the device will start in September at a price of 199 euros.

Acer Liquid Z530 received a processor similar to the older model, but less powerful characteristics: the device is equipped with a 5-inch HD-display without an air gap, 1 or 2 gigabytes of RAM and 8 or 16 gigabytes of permanent memory, as well as two 8-megapixel cameras. It is noteworthy that the front camera has wide viewing angles of up to 84 degrees for high-quality selfie shots. The model also received an advanced version with an eight-core processor, 3 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of read-only memory. Price Acer Liquid Z530 will be 149 euros.

The Liquid Z330 took a niche of less powerful devices - it is a compact 4.5-inch Android smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, 1 gigabyte of RAM, 8 gigabytes of internal memory and two 5-megapixel cameras. The Liquid M330 has exactly the same characteristics and appearance, however, Windows 10 is the operating system here. The price of two models will start at 129 euros, and sales will start in October.

Finally, the most budget smartphone of the presented - Liquid Z320. The device differs from Liquid Z330 in the absence of support for 4G networks and the less powerful 2-megapixel front camera. The design, dimensions and other characteristics of the device correspond to Liquid Z330. In addition, the Liquid Z320 also has a "double" with Windows as the operating system - Liquid M320.
Thus, the presentation of Acer at IFA 2015 was extremely saturated. Despite the appearance of the company at the recent Gamescom exhibition, where, as many would have thought, all stocks of gaming innovations were exhausted, Acer was still able to surprise game lovers with new products. In addition, company representatives decided to show that the direction of such devices will be relevant for a long time, including thanks to mobile gaming. Against the backdrop of powerful Predator devices, Acer also plans to develop the production of Chrome OS devices and transformer laptops.