Apart from launching multiple laptops, and gaming monitors, Acer also announced a unique new product called the Acer Halo Swing Portable Smart Speaker that will surely strengthen its audio offering. Let’s talk more about this smart speaker launched at CES 2023:
Acer Halo Swing Portable Smart Speaker
As the newest member of Acer’s smart speaker family, the portable Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker (Halo SPK 5100G) brings crystal clear sound and interactive LED displays everywhere and anywhere. Incorporated with DTS Sound, it highlights enhanced audio and bass projection and features a reactive RGB-lit base that adjusts to various music genres while playing. The base lighting also changes colors when interacting with Google Assistant and can transform into a light source, illuminating areas with warm light.
The latest Acer smart speaker also provides added convenience and ultra-responsive device control for multiple users all at once. Supported by Google Home and the Acer Halo Swing App, it allows for hassle-free device pairing and management, communications, and group music playing using other speakers.
The Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker allows users to play their favorite music, control the volume, and find information about the song that they are listening to hands-free. They can also plan their day, set alarms, and control smart devices around the house – just by using their voice. The speaker’s LED dot display panel enables users to check customizable updates such as mail, calendars, reminders, and messages.
To top it all off, the Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker is designed with IPX5-rated water resistance, a stylish leather handle, and smart link-switching capabilities supporting Bluetooth® 5.2 wireless streaming or aux-in port options, making it an excellent choice for portable audio devices.
The Mini LED screen with higher black levels, 2560 x 1600 resolution, and 240 Hz refresh rate is the standout improvement for this year’s Zephyrus Duo 16 laptops. The configurations have also been updated by Asus with the newest AMD Ryzen 7000 mobile processors and Nvidia GPUs, including the RTX 4090 mobile dGPU with 165 W TGP.
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 2023 – Everything You Need To Know
The Asus ROG Zephyrus gaming laptop selection continues to be led by the Duo 16. The Duo 16 is the ultimate mobile rig for gamers and content creators thanks to its dual display setup that includes a 16-inch Mini LED panel and a 4K touchscreen that glides to complement the main screen automatically as the laptop is unlocked.
Asus provides a new 16-inch 2560 x 1600 Mini LED display option, depending on configuration, with a 240 Hz frame rate, 3 ms response time, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, in addition to a number of certifications like Dolby Vision, PANTONE, VESADisplayHDR 1000, and TÜV low-blue-light. An IPS screen with G-SYNC compatibility rather than all the certificates can be used in more “modest” settings.
For the 2023 models, Asus has upgraded the Duo 16’s specifications to include the most recent AMD Zen 4 mobile processor, a Ryzen 9 7945HX with 16 cores/32 threads, and an RDNA 3 iGPU. Up to 64 GB of DDR5-4800 RAM can be added to the processors, and the PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface can accommodate up to 4 TB of storage. The Duo 16 can support top-tier dGPU models like the Nvidia RTX 4090 with a maximum TGP of 165 W and a MUX switch because of the dual display configuration.
Some other prominent features include dual smart Amp speakers with 2 woofers and 2 tweeters compliant with Dolby Atmos plus two-way AI noise cancellation. Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity as well as liquid metal processor coolant. It is equipped with an FHD webcam with an IR sensor and Windows Hello support.
It also supports a Per-key RGB chiclet keyboard with a 90 Wh battery and 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (one with power delivery), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1 video out, 2.5 GbE jack, audio jack, microSD UHS-II card reader. It weighs only 2.6 kg.
Acer recently updated its affordable Aspire lineup of products which includes Acer Aspire laptops and All-in-One PCs, all powered by the latest Intel and AMD processors. Designed to support families’ day-to-day productivity and entertainment needs, while adding a touch of style to the home environment.
The sleek Acer Aspire S all-in-one PCs come in both 27-inch and 32-inch models and are equipped with up to the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and Windows 11 to empower a seamless computing experience. Providing efficiency and reliability for multi-tasking users working from home, the Aspire 5 Series laptops come with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX® GPUs, while the lightweight Aspire 3 Series notebooks deliver ready-to-go performance.
Acer also introduced the newest member of its smart speaker family with the Acer Halo Swing Smart Speaker with Google Assistant, DTS Sound™ and features a LED dot display, bringing users quality audio and dazzling lights everywhere they go.
Acer Aspire S Series All-in-One PCs
The Acer Aspire S Series all-in-One PCs provide users with a minimalist yet modern workspace to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. Designed to support families’ everyday computing and entertainment demands, the 32-inch version comes with up to 13th-Gen Intel Core i7-13700 desktop processors and Intel® Arc™ A-Series Graphics.
While the 27-inch model is powered by the latest 12th-Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors as well as Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics, delivering superior multi-tasking performance where it is needed most. The all-in-one also boasts a sleek aluminium chassis, with a carefully designed ergonomic tiltable display to provide comfortable viewing when working or browsing.
Users are also treated to a multi-dimensional, audiovisual experience on the Acer Aspire S all-in-one PCs. The models’ sharp, near-borderless WQHD displays boast crisp, brilliant imagery on a near-borderless screen, while its dual speakers produce exhilarating sound with DTS Surround sound audio. Video calling and content creation are now a breeze with the magnetically mounted 1080p FHD webcam and an optional 1440p QHD webcam with a ring light accessory to capture users’ best on-screen appearances.
Thanks to Acer EyeSense™ facial recognition software and Windows Hello fingerprint reader, users can experience password-free biometric security for easier access to Windows 11 devices, while their personal data continues to be secured. Adding to its bundle of features, the Acer Aspire S all-in-one PCs host a generous number of ports and connectivity options and implement Wi-Fi 6E, while taking advantage of seven additional 160 MHz channels to experience three times faster connectivity to local networks.
Acer Aspire 5 Laptops
New models in the Acer Aspire 5 line feature powerful 13th Gen Intel Core processors and are paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPUs infused with advanced AI technology for ray tracing, making them an ideal choice for users who demand performance and versatility. As a well-rounded home notebook, the Aspire 5 Series also comes with up to 32 GB of DDR4 memory and up to a 1 TB M.2 SSD, providing bloggers, photographers, and students with the essential tools to allow them to get things done and express their passions through a host of applications all at once.
All that power lies beneath its aluminium chassis which is available in multiple stunning colorways. Users are treated to clear and comfortable viewing with the home laptops’ stunning display as the 15-inch laptop showcases a QHD display and a 16:9 aspect ratio, while the 14-inch version features an FHD display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, and narrow bezels on an eye-catching IPS wide viewing angle.
The experience is heightened even further as the laptops are equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimizations. The Aspire 5 also makes a great choice for streamers and users constantly on video. It’s 1080p FHD webcam and digital microphones utilize Acer’s Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) technology and Acer PurifiedVoice™ for high-quality video feeds and crisp audio output when streaming or making conference calls.
Lastly, the Aspire 5 laptops stay cool inside and out with TwinAir Cooling and an air inlet keyboard for improved thermal capacity and to expel more heat. These also feature a wide range of port options to connect or charge devices, with a full-function USB Type-C with Thunderbolt™ 4 port, Wi-Fi 6Eand HDMI 2.1 for increased functionality when streaming or file sharing.
Acer Aspire 3 Laptops
The Acer Aspire 3 Series are budget-friendly, easy-to-use laptops made for practical multi-tasking functions and catering to all members of the family. The laptops for home are always ready to go with the new Intel® Core™ i3-N series processors to get more out of work, study, or play. With performance and productivity at its core, the improved thermal systems showcase a 40% increase in fan surface areaand an additional 17% thermal capacity for optimized airflow and cooler internals, allowing for longer and more efficient usage while unplugged.
The Aspire 3 line was purposefully designed to be lighter and thinner, weighing just 1.6 kgwith a slick 18.9 mm metal casing available in a range of vibrant colors. Families are treated to sharp, detailed images when browsing the web or streaming movies thanks to its 1080p FHDdisplay, while Acer’s BlueLightShield™ technology reduces the emission of blue light to help minimize eye strains. All models are also equipped with a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.1 ports and Wi-Fi 6E, providing increased functionality for the whole family’s connectivity essentials.
Price and Availability
The 27-inch Aspire S (S27-1755) will be available in North America in Q1, starting at USD 1,199.99; and in EMEA in January, starting at EUR 1199.
The 32-inch Aspire S (S32-1856) will be available in North America in Q1, starting at USD 1,699.99; and in EMEA in June, starting at EUR 1799.
The 14-inch Aspire 3 (A314-23P) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 499; and in EMEA in January, starting at EUR 549.
The 15-inch Aspire 3 (A315-510P) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 349; and in EMEA in January, starting at EUR 499.
The 17-inch Aspire 3 (A317-55P) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 379.99; and in EMEA in February, starting at EUR 599.
The 14-inch Aspire 5 (A514-56P) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 549.99; in EMEA in March, starting at EUR 799, and in China in March, starting at 4,099
The 15-inch Aspire 5 (A515-58P) will be available in North America in April, starting at USD 599.99; in EMEA in March, starting at EUR 799, and in China in March, starting at 4,099
The 17-inch Aspire 5 (A517-58M) will be available in North America in April, starting at USD 699.99.
Acer recently introduced a suite of powerful new Nitro gaming laptops, featuring the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series GPUs at CES 2023.
Aimed at casual gamers who are ready for enhanced gameplay, extra features, and a more immersive experience, the new 16-inch and 17-inch Acer Nitro laptops come in more compact, thinner, and lighter form factors with higher screen-to-body ratios.
Whether it’s exploring the ever-growing catalogue of game titles or editing montages of gameplay videos, the Nitro’s solid construction and powerful performance lead users to experience a new level of gaming.
The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs are powered by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Gamers can experience lifelike virtual worlds with ray tracing, massively boost performance with DLSS 3, and get a competitive edge with Reflex.
Acer Nitro 16
The new Nitro 16 (AN16-51) gaming laptop comes with a 5% larger screen area than its predecessor and features an upgraded 16-inch WUXGA or WQXGA display with a 165 Hz refresh rate that supports NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, allowing users to dynamically switch between the integrated graphics and discrete graphics without having to reboot. It comes with a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard and keeps colors bright with 100% sRGB color gamut support and a boosted 84% screen-to-body ratio for a more attractive viewing experience.
Acer Nitro 17
Powered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core HX processors, the Nitro 17’s power is enveloped in a chassis that weighs less than 3 kg and comes in a slim 400.20 x 293.25 x 27.9/28.9 mm design. The 17.3-inch laptop comes with multiple display options, with either a FHD display with 144 Hz or 165 Hz refresh rates, or a quad high-definition display (QHD) with a 165 Hz refresh rate. It also offers a large touchpad (125.0 mm x 81.6 mm), an 81% screen-to-body ratio, and an RGB 4-zone backlit keyboard to add some flair to the gaming experience.
The new Windows 11-based Acer Nitro laptops come with up to 32 GB of DDR5 4800 MHz memory, and up to a massive 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 storage so players can save more games, movies, and streaming footage on hand. Both laptops also come with one month of Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, giving gamers access to hundreds of popular PC titles.
These Nitro devices have dual fans, four fan outlets located at their sides and rear, upper air intake, and are further supported by liquid metal thermal grease to aid cooling over intense gaming periods. They each come installed with NitroSense software and a dedicated NitroSense key, allowing users to monitor their systems’ temperatures, as well as adjust fan speed and power performance settings to keep the hardware running as cool as possible.
Each model comes with Killer DoubleShot Pro and is Killer Wi-Fi 6 1650i enabled to provide more bandwidth. To heighten the gameplay and streaming experience, these laptops feature an HD camera, two microphones, and two speakers with DTS:X® Ultra audio so players can fully immerse themselves in lush soundscapes.
The new Nitro gaming laptops also possess a range of superb connectivity options with an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports supporting Power Delivery, and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, with one that allows for offline charging.
Price and Availability
The Acer Nitro 16 (AN16-51) will be available in North America in May, starting at USD 1,199.99; in EMEA in May, starting at EUR 1,499, and in China in May, starting at RMB 6,599.
The Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-51) will be available in North America in May, starting at USD 1,199.99; and in EMEA in May, starting at EUR 1,599.
As we know, Acer has a wide portfolio of laptops for professionals and two of them are incredibly popular, one being the Acer Swift X and the other being Acer Swift 14.
At CES 2023, these new Acer Swift X 14 and Acer Swift 14 were refreshed and launched with new modern designs, the latest performance technologies, and all the tools to help users stay productive and connected on the go.
The new Swift Go, Swift X 14 and Swift 14 models highlight new ultraportable designs that are incredibly sleek and stylish. Incorporating well-considered features such as angular edges and structural lines result in a more refined look for these notebooks, appealing to highly mobile customers seeking a more confident look and feel.
The Acer Swift laptop line has also been a recipient of numerous accolades in recent years, with the Swift Edge being named a CES® 2023 Innovation Awards honoree.
“Our new Swift laptops kick off 2023 with all-new designs that are elevated, modern, and offer a striking visual appeal,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer. “The new Swift laptops do not only look good but house an impressive array of the latest technologies and features including OLED and high-resolution displays, long-lasting batteries and new 13th Gen Intel Core processors that deliver first-class performance.”
Acer Swift X 14 – Powerful Performance with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX GPUs
The Swift X 14 (SFX14-71) unleashes the potential of amateur and professional creators with its advanced CPU and discrete GPU. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors [] power the premium laptop and has the option for up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPUs. These powerful laptops are NVIDIA Studio-validated and are optimized with pre-installed NVIDIA Studio Drivers, enabling creators to do more by providing optimal support when collaborating with other creative applications. The Swift X 14’s advanced thermals include a larger fan that draws in more air to keep the internals cool, along with the dedicated air inlet keyboard and dual D6 copper heat pipes. The redesigned chassis makes room for a larger battery to provide all-day productivity and performance.
The gorgeous 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 120 Hz frame refresh rate vividly highlights 100% of the DCI-P3 color range and has VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification. The display’s 500-nit peak brightness and high-contrast rating bring impressive colors and images to life while ensuring text is crisp and clear throughout the viewing experience. Creators can collaborate seamlessly on the go with the 1080p FHD webcam and Acer PurifiedView™ andPurifiedVoice™ with AI Noise Reduction. In addition, the latest ports, including dual USB Type-C and HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD card reader keep creators connected to displays, printers, and other peripherals.
Acer Swift 14 – Stylish Premium Design
Sporting a new and improved design, the latest Swift 14 (SF14-71T) boasts a thin-and-light CNC-machined unibody chassis enveloped in gorgeous aerospace-grade aluminium that comes in either Mist Green or Steam Blue colorways. The diamond-cut edges and double anodized materials elevate the slender and high-class chassis that measures a mere 14.95 mm (0.59 inch) thin and weighs only 1.2 kg (2.64 lbs). The OceanGlasstouchpad complements the laptop’s premium style while also contributing to Acer’s Earthion mission as the glass-like touchpad has been made from ocean-bound plastic waste.
The Swift 14 laptop looks good inside and out as it houses up to 13th Gen Intel Core H-series processors and is Intel Evo-verified while offering more than 9.5 hours of battery life. The notebooks are also integrated with Intel Unisonallowing users to collaborate across different operating systems on the most vital productivity functions. The Swift 14’s impressive thermal solutions feature an air inlet design that pairs with Acer’s TwinAir dual-fan system and D6 copper heat pipes to increase airflow that keeps the systems cool.
The Acer Swift 14 offers two gorgeous 14-inch touchscreen display options – either WQXGA (2560×1600) or WUXGA (1920×1200) that are both covered with durable Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass to boost durability, provide scratch resistance, and prevent the growth of stain- and odour-causing bacteria. Hybrid employees, remote workers and students on the go will enjoy conferences, classes, and video chats with the Swift 14’s 1440p QHD webcam with TNR technology, Acer PurifiedVoice™ and dual speakers enhanced with DTS® Audio. User logins are made easier without sacrificing security with Windows Hello and the integrated fingerprint reader, while the two USB Type-C Thunderbolt™ 4 ports and HDMI 2.1 port provide a convenient connection to peripherals.
Price and Availability
The Acer Swift X 14 (SFX14-71G) will be available in North America in April, starting at USD 1,099.99; in EMEA in April, starting at EUR 1499, and in China in April, starting at RMB 7,099.
The Acer Swift 14 (SF14-71T) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 1,399.99; in EMEA in January, starting at EUR 1,699; and in China in January, starting at RMB 7,999.
Swift Go line launches with additional Swift laptops featuring all-new designs with 13th Gen Intel Core processors and Windows 11
The Taiwanese giant has recently launched a plethora of new laptops at CES 2023, powered by the new 13th Gen Intel processors, however, they have introduced the new Acer Swift Go lineup which is basically a thin-and-light laptop with OLED display.
This Swift Go line adds to the award-winning Swift family of notebooks designed for today’s mobile professionals, creators, and students.
The Swift Go, Swift X 14 and Swift 14 models highlight new ultraportable designs that are incredibly sleek and stylish. Incorporating well-considered features such as angular edges and structural lines result in a more refined look for these notebooks, appealing to highly mobile customers seeking a more confident look and feel.
The Acer Swift laptop line has also been a recipient of numerous accolades in recent years, with the Swift Edge being named a CES® 2023 Innovation Awards honoree.
“Our new Swift laptops kick off 2023 with all-new designs that are elevated, modern, and offer a striking visual appeal,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer. “The new Swift laptops do not only look good but house an impressive array of the latest technologies and features including OLED and high-resolution displays, long-lasting batteries and new 13th Gen Intel Core processors that deliver first-class performance.”
Acer Swift Go – Two New Thin, Light Models with Stunning OLED Display
The brand-new Swift Go 16 (SFG16-71) and Swift Go 14 (SFG14-71) combine the latest technologies and feature an OLED display with fast refresh rates. The thin-and-light laptops showcase stunning displays that deliver vibrant, true-to-life images with 500-nit peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500-certification.
Refined & redefined with a sleek new design, the portable Acer #SwiftGo allows you to breeze through any task with:
✅ 14'' & 16'' models available ✅ 13th Gen Intel® Core™ H-Series Processors ✅ Up to 3.2K OLED display
The Swift Go 16 features a 16-inch 3.2K OLED display with a 3200×2000 resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate, while the Swift Go 14 presents a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 2880×1800 resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate. Long hours of work, learning, and playing are made easier thanks to the laptop displays’ TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe® display certification, productivity-optimized 16:10 ratio and touch-optional capabilities. The laptops’ backlit keyboards and OceanGlass™ touchpads further ensure a smooth and productive experience when scrolling.
Powered by 13th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors and verified as Intel® Evo™ platform laptops, the new Swift Go 16 and Swift Go 14 deliver top-notch performance and all-day battery life of more than 9.5 hours. 13th Gen Intel Core processors with the Intel® Movidius™ VPU have a dedicated AI engine that allows for premium video collaboration, uncompromised AI, and seamless integration.
The notebooks also come with Intel® Unison™ to let users easily connect their PCs with Android or iOS devices for a universal, easy-to-use experience[]. The new solution puts the PC at the center of all activities and provides the freedom to work across operating systems for effortless file transfers, calling, messaging, and managing notifications, all on one screen.
Both laptops feature an upgraded TwinAir dual fan system, dual D6 copper heat pipes and an air-inlet keyboard that expels heat to maintain cool temperatures, boosting performance and reliability where you go. The sleek designs of their 14.9 mm aluminium chassis are optimized with a 90% screen-to-body ratio and ultra-slim side bezels. The 14-inch model sports narrow 4.15 mm bezels, while only weighing less than 1.3 kg. The 16-inch version’s lean side frames measure at 4.2 mm and weigh around 1.6 kg.
The Swift Go 16 and Swift Go 14 are ready to take on tasks for work, school, and creative projects. They both feature a range of ports including USB Type-C with Thunderbolt™ 4, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD card reader. The Swift Go laptops also possess the PurifiedView™ video conferencing features including Background Blur, Automatic Framing and Eye Contact.
Its 1440p webcam with Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) provides high-quality video feedback even in low-light conditions and pairs with Acer PurifiedVoice™ technology with AI noise reduction, resulting in crisp, clear images and audio for conferencing and classes. Fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6E keeps the laptops connected when it matters most. Both the Swift Go 16 and Swift Go 14 support up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD and up to 16 GB LPDDR5 memory.
Price and Availability
The Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-71) will be available in North America in June, starting at USD 799.99; in EMEA in March, starting at EUR 1099, and in China in March, starting at RMB 6,599.
The Acer Swift Go 14 (SFG14-71) will be available in North America in May, starting at USD 849.99; in EMEA in February, starting at EUR 999, and in China in February, starting at RMB 5,499.
The global Tech giant Acer Predator has recently announced a broad lineup of products including gaming laptops and monitors at CES 2023. The Predator X45 showcases a massive 800R curved monitor and has earned a CES Innovation Award in the “Computer Peripherals & Accessories” category. Along with the Predator X27U, both monitors include OLED technology with fast 240 Hz refresh rates.
Acer Predator X45 & X27U Gaming Monitor– Features & Specifications
Acer’s newest Predator-branded gaming monitors, the Predator X45 and the Predator X27U, feature OLED displays and blazingly fast performance that will please even the most hardcore gamers. The 45-inch UWQHD (3440×1440) Predator X45 is an 800R curved monitor with an ultra-wide, narrow frame that expands the field of vision, deepening gaming immersion. It also supports 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut for stunningly realistic images.
Outfitted with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, it supports both PCs and consoles and is also TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe®-certified. The Predator X45’s OLED panel with HDR10 and a peak brightness of 1000 nits produce excellent contrast for more detailed images, while its UGR<22 rating allows for glare-free gaming in bright conditions. An adjustable metal stands with a sleek, yet sturdy metal base keeps the large monitor stable throughout gameplay.
The Predator X27U’s flat 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) panel with 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage is ideal for professional gamers looking for a reliable and powerful machine for daily use. The TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe-certified monitor also leverages a peak brightness of 1000 nits and HDR10 capabilities to deliver astounding and life-like visuals.
Both the Predator X45 and Predator X27U have very fast 240 Hz refresh rates and 0.01 ms pixel response time combined with AMD FreeSync™ Premium technology to deliver incredibly smooth gameplay. They also have a KVM switch which allows for effortless switching between desktops and laptops without having to change the keyboard and mouse. In addition, a USB hub with USB Type-C is a convenient home for gadgets and other peripherals.
Pricing and Availability
The Predator X45 will be available in North America in Q2, starting at USD 1,699; in EMEA in Q2, starting at EUR 1,799, and in China in Q1, starting at RMB 12,999.
The Predator X27U will be available in North America in Q2, starting at USD 1,099; in EMEA in Q2, starting at EUR 1,099, and in China in Q1, starting at RMB 7,999.
Leeds United have made their first signing of the January transfer window, Max Wober. The defender has joined from RB Salzburg on a permanent deal until June 2027.
The transfer fee paid for him was €12 million up-front, with add-ons taking the amount up to €20 million. He has been officially presented as a new player for the Yorkshire club, and could make his debut for them in Sunday’s FA Cup round three tie at Cardiff City.
Max Wober joins Leeds United on a permanent deal
In August 2019, the defender became the most expensive signing of the Austrian Bundesliga. He joined Salzburg for a fee worth €10.5 million from Ajax, and has won the domestic double every season he has been with the team.
Official, confirmed. Leeds United have signed Maximilian Wöber on permanent deal from RB Salzburg, contract valid until June 2027. ⚪️🤝🏻 #LUFC
Understand fixed fee is €12m but there are add-ons included up to €20m total potential package. pic.twitter.com/COGhSBH9a1
Max Wober can play both as a centre-back and left-back, and featured for Jesse March back during his time with Salzburg. Wober has also featured for Sevilla, spending eight months with them before making the move to Austria.
He has earned 13 caps for the national team, and he has scored nine goals for his former club in 125 appearances. Leeds United have confirmed that Wober will be wearing the number 39 shirt this season.
And it now remains to be seen whether they will strengthen other areas of their line-up before the end of the month.
Barcelona have been hit with an FFP sanction, and have been fined €800,000 for the contracts of Andreas Christensen, Dani Alves and Ronald Araujo. The situation isn’t for this season, but for the 21/22 campaign, when they exceeded their salary limit.
The Spanish side will not be able to pull any levers to make new signings during the January transfer window. The club president, Joan Laporta, has been in a battle with the league president – Javier Tebas, about the strict financial negotiations right after his return.
The contract signed by Christensen was still considered part of the previous year, which has factored into the breach. The immensely low wages agreed upon by Dani Alves did not help their situation either.
🚨 Barcelona fined by La Liga after for breaching FFP regulations related to the signings of THREE players pic.twitter.com/rxAdkIRxc9
Barcelona fined for player contracts – no more levers
With the sanctions imposed on them, they will only be able to use 5% of their income through player sales or other sources to sign or renew players.
They have not accepted the CVC deal for their TV rights, and are back in a financial crunch. And it could be even more difficult for them now that they have leveraged vital club assets already.
Although Barcelona has appealed the fines, the Committee of Social Appeals is undergoing a change in personnel. The club has taken this into account, and is preparing documentation for both the old and the new committee.
Finally, at CES 2023, Acer launched new Predator Helios 16 and Helios 18 gaming laptops powered by the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 40 Series GPUs. This makes these new gaming laptops Acer’s most powerful gaming laptops to date.
The all-new Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) and Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) bring the latest and greatest tech to Acer’s most powerful gaming laptop series. Sporting a completely new design and upgraded thermals, they both offer models that include 13th Gen Intel Core™ i9 or i7 HX processors paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 165W) and a plethora of must-have top-of-the-line gaming features.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Acer to bring high-performing PC platforms to enthusiasts around the globe based on 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processor family,” said Steve Long, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific & Japan at Intel. “The blazing fast performance users could experience is remarkable when compared to industry alternatives, as our labs have shown up to 40% higher in Crossmark tests of general PC use and two times in Blender which many content creators use for work for content creators.”
The new 13th Gen Intel Core processors extend beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. Its faster performance core and hybrid design deliver ultra-efficient multitasking and immersive entertainment while playing your favorite games, without interruptions. The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs leverage the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics.
Users can experience lifelike virtual worlds and boosted performance with ray tracing, high-quality frames with DLSS 3, and Reflex’s optimized system latency to gain a competitive edge. Lastly, up to 32 GB DDR5-4800 MHz RAM and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD in RAID 0 make them awe-inspiring mobile powerhouses, ideal for playing the most demanding AAA games.
The Predator Helios 16 offers a 16-inch (16:10) WQXGA (2560×1600) display at 165 Hz or 240 Hz or a Mini LED panel at 250 Hz, powered by AUO AmLED technology that supports over 1000 nits peak brightness with 1,000,000:1 high contrast ratio and 100% coverage of DCI-P3 color gamut for rich, vivid colors.
The Predator Helios 18 sports a breathtaking 18-inch (16:10) display with the following options: WUXGA (1920×1200) at 165 Hz, WQXGA (2560×1600) at 165 Hz or 240 Hz, or AUO’s superfast 250 Hz Mini LED display that showcases three times more ambient contrast ratio than conventional displays and supports 1000 local dimming zones to provide total freedom of use even in poor lighting conditions. The higher resolutions and fast refresh rates make images glide across the screens with minimal ghosting or tearing. The immersive 18-inch panel delivers portable gaming on a bigger scale and is ideal for multiple monitor setups, taking the action to a new level with stunning clarity and detail.
Keeping the powerful new components cool, the new Predator laptops feature enhanced thermal solutions with dual custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade™ 3D metal fans and vector heat pipes in the shape of rectangles for improved heat transfer. In addition, the chilling effects of liquid metal thermal grease cap off its advanced thermal performance.
Housing all this powerful tech is a new design for the Helios series, featuring a simplified matte black chassis with clean edges and thinner bezels. Several ports are located on the back of the laptop with a customizable RGB light bar that runs along the top of the back vents.
The new design is complimented by a mini-LED backlit keyboard with 1.8 mm key travel and anti-ghosting N-key rollover. The per-key RGB backlit keyboard has been redesigned to showcase bright uniform color (with less halo) and smooth dynamic lighting effects, requiring less power and helping expel heat efficiently with a specially designed backlight module.
The new dedicated Mode key provides instant mode switching for improved gaming performance, while the PredatorSense key makes it easy to quickly open the app. Users can also utilize PredatorSense to enable Predator Pulsar lighting for added customization on their keyboard’s per-key RGB backlighting. In addition, Acer’s gaming control center, PredatorSense, has been updated to version 4.0 and offers a more robust design that makes it easier to control system settings and monitoring, while the new Scenario Manager feature enables the creation of personal profiles for different gaming setups.
Players stay fully connected as the Predator laptops come with the Intel® Killer™ E2600 Ethernet Controller, Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 frequency band support for fast, seamless gameplay. The gaming laptops cover a full range of peripherals with USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, including an HDMI 2.1, two USB Type-C Thunderbolt™ 4 that support power delivery, and a Micro SD™ card reader. The Predator Helios 16 and Predator Helios 18 laptops also include one month of Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, providing access to hundreds of high-quality PC games.
Pricing and Availability
The Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 1,649.99; in EMEA in February, starting at EUR 2,399, and in China in February, starting at RMB 17,999.
The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) will be available in North America in April, starting at USD 1,699; in EMEA in March, starting at EUR 2,499, and in China in February, starting at RMB 20,999.
