In the contemporary digital landscape, Solid State Drives (SSDs) play a pivotal role by providing crucial attributes such as speed, reliability, and efficiency. These attributes facilitate rapid data retrieval, elevate system responsiveness, enable seamless multitasking, and significantly reduce boot times and application launch delays. Among the top contenders in the SSD market, Acer's FA100 M.2 SSD has successfully secured the top place, capturing the discerning consumer's attention with its cutting-edge performance and unwavering reliability. It stands out as the preferred choice for users who demand excellence in their storage solutions.

Acer FA100 NVMe PCIe SSD
The Acer FA100 M.2 SSD is renowned for its exceptional speed and efficiency, boasting read speeds up to 3300 MB/s and write speeds up to 2700 MB/s. It supports ECC error correction technology and the S.M.A.R.T. function, based on 4K LDPC, which enhances error correction capabilities and ensures secure data storage. Additionally, it supports multiple technologies such as modern standby and ultra-low power consumption. Designed to elevate user experience, the Acer FA100 combines high performance with robust durability, making it ideal for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike.

TrendForce has observed that in 2024, major CSPs such as Microsoft, Google, Meta, and AWS will continue to be the primary buyers of high-end AI servers, which are crucial for LLM and AI modeling. Following establishing a significant AI training server infrastructure in 2024, these CSPs are expected to actively expand into edge AI in 2025. This expansion will include the development of smaller LLM models and setting up edge AI servers to facilitate AI applications across various sectors, such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and business.

Moreover, AI PCs or notebooks share a similar architecture to AI servers, offering substantial computational power and the ability to run smaller LLM and generative AI applications. These devices are anticipated to serve as the final bridge between cloud AI infrastructure and edge AI for small-scale training or inference applications.

Acer Inc. announced its consolidated revenues for May at NT$21.13 billion with 18.4% growth month-on-month and 16.8% growth year-on-year (YoY), achieving 11 consecutive months of YoY growth. Consolidated revenues for year-to-May reached NT$97.81 billion with 15.9% growth YoY, while revenues from the personal computers [1] business grew 26.0% YoY in May and 22.6% YoY year-to-May.

Acer's strategy to expand multiple business engines continued to gain momentum. Total revenues from businesses other than computers and displays contributed 26.5% of the group's total revenues in May and 29.0% year-to-May.

Acer today announced the expansion of its wireless router portfolio with two new options designed for gamers and a wide range of individuals, including families and remote workers. The Acer Wave 7 leverages the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology to deliver broad, reliable coverage for large homes with many devices, while the Predator Connect W6x utilizes Wi-Fi 6 to prioritize speed and performance for smooth online gaming experiences.

The W6x boasts dual-band connectivity, utilizing both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to ensure strong and consistent signals throughout the home, while the Wave 7 elevates further with the additional support of up to 6 GHz of Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, they come equipped with Hybrid Quality of Service (QoS) software and the Intel Killer Prioritization Engine, working together to identify and prioritize critical network traffic for maximized speed and minimal lag. User-friendly interfaces make setup and management a breeze, while built-in Trend Micro Home Network Security safeguards network and connected devices from potential threats.

Acer today announced a new range of AI-enhanced TravelMate business laptops. Powered with the latest generation of processors with built-in NPUs, the new laptops offer professionals and executives next-level performance, productivity, and mobility, in addition to enhanced security and connectivity features.

Optimized to deliver new AI-powered capabilities and user experiences, all of the new business laptops come with Acer TravelMateSense for quick access to device management settings and customizations, a new Acer Experience Zone for the collection of the devices' AI features, and Copilot accessible through a dedicated hotkey. Each model also offers advanced security and administration features to streamline device deployment and management for business, ensuring data are safeguarded with discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, biometric security, and a camera privacy shutter.

Acer today introduces two new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise laptops, both designed with powerful technology and Google AI capabilities that ensure businesses, their workforces and frontline employees are equipped with the latest technology to work in the cloud more efficiently and securely.

Both new Chromebook Plus Enterprise models - the Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 515 and Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise Spin 514 - come with the business capabilities of ChromeOS unlocked, ensuring best-in-class security, simple management, flexible access, and enhanced administrative support, all coupled with double the speed, memory and storage. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-4HN) is also available for consumers or individuals.

Acer today unveiled a new lineup of versatile smart monitors, built to create tailored experiences that support various consumer needs and lifestyles. The Acer DA1 and Nitro GA1 series monitors are designed with 31.5- and 27-inch space-saving models to fit into any home setup and can function as an entertainment hub to stream content, an extended workstation for everyday tasks, and a reliable gaming companion with fast refresh rate. An abundance of smart features are also available on the monitors, including wireless projection, simultaneous viewing from different sources via Multiview, and more.

High-definition Resolution for Smooth Frames and Vivid Details
New Acer DA271K and DA321QK LED monitors come with 4K UHD resolution, while the Nitro GA271U P and Nitro GA321QU P are equipped with WQHD resolution and up to a speedy 180 Hz refresh rate to deliver smooth scenes and excellent in-game experiences. Equipped with HDR10, 250 nits brightness, images, and colors are recreated to be more immersive and realistic, while it works with AMD FreeSync and is NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, helping minimize screen tearing when playing or watching videos. Ultra-low latency also delivers quick response times to help minimize input lag, so fast-paced action and content appear smoothly with no blurring.

Acer today announced three new gaming monitors in its Predator lineup, designed to appeal to professional gamers and gaming enthusiasts who want reliable machines for everyday use. The new models include the Predator X27U F3, Predator X34 X5, and Predator X32 X3 featuring brilliant OLED displays, high refresh rates, and ultra-smooth performance.

These powerhouse monitors are NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible to eliminate stuttering, flicker, and visual artifacts for a smooth and tear-free experience. The monitors also seamlessly integrate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro to eliminate ghosting, provide fluidity and ensure that every frame is rendered flawlessly. With true 10-bit color depth, they deliver cinematic visuals with stunning contrast and vibrant colors further enhanced by DCI-P3 99% color gamut and Delta E<1 color accuracy. In addition, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 ensures deep blacks and incredible brightness for lifelike visuals.

Acer today announces two new models in its Aspire series of all-in-one PCs, delivering seamless AI-powered experiences for everyday computing and entertainment. With immersive 23.8- and 27-inch display options, smart collaboration features, and sleek, versatile designs, the Acer Aspire C range appeals to multiple types of users, including students, hybrid workers, and families. The new Acer Aspire C24 (C24-195ES) and Acer Aspire C27 (C27-195ES) are powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155U with Intel AI Boost and Intel Graphics built-in, with support for up to 32 GB dual channel DDR5 memory and up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe SSD to produce impressive overall performance and experiences.

To further complement the usability of the all-in-one AI computers, productivity features such as Copilot, the everyday AI companion, leverage the power of AI to boost productivity and unlock creativity, while the Intel Unison software lets multiple devices and operating systems come together into an integrated experience focused on a single screen. Their 1440p QHD 5.0-megapixel webcams (with privacy shutter) support Windows Studio effects and Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction technology to suppress unwanted background noises when conducting online meetings and discussions. Users will also be pleased with ultra-fast and stable connectivity when streaming and surfing thanks to Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, along with Bluetooth LE audio which allows for multistream transmission of enhanced, wireless sound quality through more audio devices.

Acer today 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.

Acer today announced the launch of its new eco-friendly Vero projectors, designed to elevate home entertainment experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. Two new models are equipped with 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility to deliver stunning visuals and enhanced brightness with 4000 ANSI lumens from its laser/LED hybrid light source. The Acer Vero HL6810ATV comes with an Acer-exclusive Android TV embedded dongle design, giving users access to smart home features at their fingertips.

In line with the Vero line's advocacy for sustainability, the new laser projectors are designed to consume less power without sacrificing performance and offer long-lasting brightness consistency with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan. Their hybrid light source is also 100% mercury-free and the devices incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their chassis and recycled paper for packaging.

Today, at a special event on our new Microsoft campus, we introduced the world to a new category of Windows PCs designed for AI, Copilot+ PCs. Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built. With powerful new silicon capable of an incredible 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), all-day battery life and access to the most advanced AI models, Copilot+ PCs will enable you to do things you can't on any other PC. Easily find and remember what you have seen in your PC with Recall, generate and refine AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, and bridge language barriers with Live Captions, translating audio from 40+ languages into English.

These experiences come to life on a set of thin, light and beautiful devices from Microsoft Surface and our OEM partners Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, with pre-orders beginning today and availability starting on June 18. Starting at $999, Copilot+ PCs offer incredible value. This first wave of Copilot+ PCs is just the beginning. Over the past year, we have seen an incredible pace of innovation of AI in the cloud with Copilot allowing us to do things that we never dreamed possible. Now, we begin a new chapter with AI innovation on the device. We have completely reimagined the entirety of the PC - from silicon to the operating system, the application layer to the cloud - with AI at the center, marking the most significant change to the Window platform in decades.

During the Copilot+ debut, Microsoft and global OEMs announced PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus - the only devices that are capable of bringing Copilot+ experiences to life today. The leading AI technology and performance efficiency of these platforms will power this groundbreaking new category, as Copilot+ revolutionizes how users interact with their PCs. Together, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Microsoft are taking intelligent computing to the next level and transforming the PC experience.

Qualcomm Technologies is restoring performance leadership to the Windows PC ecosystem with our leading NPU powered by Snapdragon X Elite which delivers the highest NPU performance per watt for laptops, up to 2.6X vs. M3 and up to 5.4X vs. Core Ultra 7. With the integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU architecture, it can deliver up to 24 TOPS/watt peak performance in uses cases like Super Resolution and with our leading Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Snapdragon X Elite leads in performance per watt, matching competitor peak PC CPU performance at 60% less power.

Acer today launched its first Copilot+ PC with the Swift 14 AI laptop, in collaboration with Microsoft and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., ushering in a new AI era with brand new user experiences and AI capabilities on Windows 11. The Swift 14 AI has multiple device models, powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus platforms, and both feature one of the world's fastest NPUs for laptops to enable on-device AI processing. Users can streamline everyday tasks with smarter PC functions and tackle complex workloads more effectively.

"Engineered for AI from the inside out, the Swift 14 AI is the first among many Acer Copilot+ PCs to come," said Jerry Kao, COO, Acer Inc. "These next-generation AI PCs see significant leaps in AI processing power, unlocking brand new experiences that we know users will love."

For those unhappy with the resolution of most ultrawide displays on the market, Acer's new addition to its Predator line should please most of you, as it has a DUHD resolution which is better known as 7680 x 2160 pixels, aka dual 4K. The Predator Z57 also sports a 2304 zone MiniLED backlight which equals 1152 zones on a standard 4K display. Thanks to the MiniLED backlight, the Predator Z57 also gets a VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification. However, the 120 Hz VA display panel might not be to everyone's liking, alongside the 1000R curvature.

Other features include support for AMD FreeSync Premium, 98 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space, an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-C port with 90 W USB-PD support, integrated KVM support, but seemingly no support for DP 2.1. The stand offers height, tilt and swivel adjustments and the display also sports a pair of built in 10 W speakers. Acer hasn't released the full specs of the display, but it retails for US$1,999.99 and can be ordered from Acer in the US now with Europe seemingly following shortly.

Acer unveiled the latest addition to its gaming line with the new Predator Helios Neo 14, a portable powerhouse equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, unlocking AI experiences on the PC. In addition, the Acer Nitro 16 gaming laptop has been refreshed with Intel Core 14th gen processors, allowing users to do more when gaming or creating. Players of all levels will be amazed by the pristine visuals and AI-driven graphics shown when gaming or streaming thanks to the devices' NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40[1] Series Laptop GPUs, which support the latest AI-powered DLSS 3.5 technology and other AI accelerations across creative applications. Brilliant colors and pixels stand out on the laptops' WQXGA display options, combined with 100% support for sRGB color gamut and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility.

To further complement creativity and capabilities on the gaming laptops, these feature Microsoft Copilot in Windows (with a dedicated Copilot key), providing faster access to the everyday AI assistant and Acer's suite of AI-enhanced videoconferencing features. With one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included in every device, players can enjoy hundreds of high-quality PC games. Plus, dual fans, exhaust cooling systems, and liquid metal thermal on the CPUs ensure the gaming laptops' interiors run on full speed even in the most heated gaming sessions.

Acer today announced the new Nitro 14 and Nitro 16 gaming laptops, powered by AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors with Ryzen AI[1]. With up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060[2] Laptop GPUs supported by DLSS 3.5 technology, both are backed by NVIDIA's RTX AI platform, providing an array of capabilities in over 500 games and applications, enhanced by AI. Gamers are immersed in their 14- and 16-inch NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible panels with up to WQXGA (2560x1600) resolution.

Whether in call or streaming in-game, Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 harnesses the power of AI to block out external noises, while Acer PurifiedView keeps users always front and center of all the action. Microsoft Copilot in Windows (with a dedicated Copilot key) helps accelerate everyday tasks on these AI laptops, and with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate included with every device, players will enjoy hundreds of high-quality PC games. To seamlessly take command of device performance and customizations, one click of the NitroSense key directs users to the control center and the library of available AI-related functions through the new Experience Zone.

George Hotz and his startup operation (Tiny Corporation) appeared ready to completely abandon AMD Radeon GPUs last week, after experiencing a period of firmware-related headaches. The original plan involved the development of a pre-orderable $15,000 TinyBox AI compute cluster that housed six XFX Speedster MERC310 RX 7900 XTX graphics cards, but software/driver issues prompted experimentation via alternative hardware routes. A lot of media coverage has focused on the unusual adoption of consumer-grade GPUs—Tiny Corp.'s struggles with RDNA 3 (rather than CDNA 3) were maneuvered further into public view, after top AMD brass pitched in.

The startup's social media feed is very transparent about showcasing everyday tasks, problem-solving and important decision-making. Several Acer Predator BiFrost Arc A770 OC cards were purchased and promptly integrated into a colorfully-lit TinyBox prototype, but Hotz & Co. swiftly moved onto Team Green pastures. Tiny Corp. has begrudgingly adopted NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPUs. Earlier today, it was announced that work on the AMD-based system has resumed—although customers were forewarned about anticipated teething problems. The surprising message arrived in the early hours: "a hard to find 'umr' repo has turned around the feasibility of the AMD TinyBox. It will be a journey, but it gives us an ability to debug. We're going to sell both, red for $15,000 and green for $25,000. When you realize your pre-order you'll choose your color. Website has been updated. If you like to tinker and feel pain, buy red. The driver still crashes the GPU and hangs sometimes, but we can work together to improve it."

Acer introduced the Predator Bifrost Radeon RX 7900 GRE OC graphics card. This card is based on what appears to be an identical board design to its Predator Bifrost RX 7800 XT OC. Given that the TBP of both GPUs is similar to each other around the 260 W-mark, this shouldn't be a cause for concern. The card features a triple-slot cooling solution, with an aluminium fin-stack heatsink, and three Frostblade 3.0 fans with webbed impellers, designed to maximum axial airflow. The card draws power from a pair of 8-pin PCIe power connectors. Display outputs include three DisplayPort 2.1, and an HDMI 2.1. The card comes with a healthy factory OC of 2050 MHz Game clock, compared to 1880 MHz AMD reference for the RX 7900 GRE.

Based on the compacted version of the "Navi 31" chiplet GPU, the RX 7900 GRE is powered by the latest RDNA 3 graphics architecture, and features 5,120 stream processors across 80 compute units (CU); besides 160 AI accelerators, 80 Ray accelerators, 320 TMUs, and 160 ROPs. Only four of the six memory cache dies (MCDs) are enabled, so the GPU gets 64 MB of Infinity Cache, and a 256-bit wide GDDR6 memory interface, driving 16 GB of memory at 18 Gbps (576 GB/s bandwidth). Acer didn't reveal pricing.

Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced today its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023 and fiscal 2023 ended December 31. In the fourth quarter, Acer reported consolidated revenues of NT$63.15 billion, gross profits of NT$6.91 billion with 10.9% margin, operating income of NT$1.39 billion with 2.2% margin, and net income [1] of NT$1.02 billion with earning-per-share (EPS) of NT$0.34.

For the full year of 2023, consolidated revenues reached NT$241.31 billion, gross profits of NT$25.82 billion with 10.7% margin, operating income was NT$4.23 billion with 1.8% margin, and net income was NT$4.93 billion with earning-per-share (EPS) of NT$1.64. Acer's computer and display business has returned to the right track of profitability and seasonality while inventory is under control. The company is optimistic about the business opportunities that artificial intelligence brings and considers Generative AI to become a megatrend in 2024 and beyond.

Acer today announced new models of the Acer Swift Edge 16 and Acer Swift Go 14 laptops, blending AI power and innovative features in stylish thin and light devices. The latest additions to the Swift lineup feature AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors with up to AMD Radeon 780M Graphics and equipped with Ryzen AI for versatile performance and support for Acer's AI-powered capabilities such as Acer PurifiedVoice, Acer PurfiedView, and the new Acer LiveArt photo-editing feature. Intuitive control and seamless navigation on the AI PCs are made possible thanks to the AcerSense application and Copilot in Windows with instant access through dedicated keys. Users can also appreciate clear images and rich colors when working or streaming through the OLED laptops' displays, as well as Microsoft Pluton technology, enabled by default, to help secure devices, personal data, and encryption keys.

Harnessing the Power of AI with AMD Ryzen 8040 Series Processors
Designed to deliver premium AI experiences and reliable performance for everyday productivity, the Swift Edge 16 and Swift Go 14 laptops are powered by AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors with Ryzen AI technology built in. AMD's latest processors enable the efficient distribution of AI workloads between accelerators on the NPU, GPU, and CPU, to advance user experiences with AI technology on the devices. It leverages AMD's "Zen 4" processor architecture with up to eight cores and delivers up to 16 threads of processing power, so creative professionals and mainstream users can expect fast, power-efficient computing and longer battery life on the ultrathin Swift laptops.

TrendForce's latest findings reveal global monitor shipments declined 7.3% in 2023 down to 125 million units—a figure below pre-pandemic levels. Looking ahead to 2024, given the low shipment base in 2023, alongside the potential for a gradual economic recovery and the typical 4 to 5-year PC replacement cycle, PCs purchased during the pandemic are expected to be upgraded between the second half of 2024 and 2025. This is anticipated to drive a 2% increase in global monitor shipments in 2024, reaching approximately 128 million units.

The top three commercial monitor brands experienced over twenty percent decline in shipments
A surge in unfulfilled business orders in Europe and America in the first half of 2022 elevated the shipment baseline for commercial brands that year. However, by 2023, commercial market demand saw a significant contraction, leading to a YoY shipment decrease of 20.4% for Dell, 20.7% for HP, and 21.4% for Lenovo—each dropping by over twenty percent.

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the leading esports and video game entertainment company, and Intel, have today announced the extension and expansion of their partnership with Acer. As the exclusive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partner, Acer's gaming brand Predator will empower EFG Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 competitions across 2024. Intel and EFG have been partners in the esports space for over 20 years, fostering and supporting a passionate global community through world-leading esports events, activations and opportunities. Their vision is shared by Acer, and the mutual desire for progress, innovation, and delivering exceptional experiences has been the catalyst in the success, and now renewal, of their partnership.

"Acer's partnership with Intel and EFG is driven by our shared commitment of supporting the esports community, bringing gameplay to new heights," said Vincent Lin, Associate Vice President, Global Product Marketing and Planning, Acer Inc. "Our latest Predator gaming laptops powered by Intel Core 14th Gen processors provide powerful performance and combine AI-powered features that enhance the overall gaming experience."

CES always gives us an exciting look at what's next for hardware, and with gaming at the forefront of technological innovation, it's no surprise that CES 2024 has revealed some truly next-generation Windows 11 gaming PCs. Microsoft and our partners are leading the way in combining traditional power with advancements in AI, and this selection of new announcements are a perfect way to future-proof your gaming experience on PC.

Every PC on this list is designed to run the latest games - including those on PC Game Pass, which will help you to jump into some of the greatest games on the platform the moment you switch on your new machine. Even better, every single computer listed below comes with at least one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality PC, console and cloud games.

BIWIN is a major memory and SSD OEM that manufactures products for leading PC brands, including Lenovo, HP, and Acer. These include everything from USB flash drives, to portable SSDs; and even memory DIMMs. Acer has been trying to enter the DIY hardware market in a big way with its Predator brand, it's tapping into BIWIN for the memory side of things. We've had the Acer Predator Hermes DDR5 RGB series at the high-end; and the Pallas II DDR5 series at the entry level, and Acer is looking to fill the gap with the Vesta II DDR5 series. The original Vesta II series won a Red Dot design award in 2022. The Vesta II comes in certain upper mid-range speeds of DDR5-6000, DDR5-6400, DDR5-6600, and DDR5-6800; with capacities that include 32 GB (2x 16), and 64 GB (2x 32 GB). We also ran into some SSDs that strick to Acer's main marquee, which includes the FA200, a PCIe Gen 4 drive, which is based on a high-end Gen 4 platform, with speeds of up to 7.2 GB/s sequential reads, and up to 6.2 GB/s sequential writes. The drive comes in capacities of up to 4 TB.

Switching gears, we see the first Lenovo-branded DIY client SSDs in the retail channel. The LN960 is a fairly premium M.2-2280 drive with a Gen 4 x4 interface, capacities of up to 4 TB, sequential speeds of up to 7.4 GB/s, and a graphene-based heatspreader. The LN860 is an entry-level NVMe drive based on a Gen 3 x4 interface, with sequential speeds of up to 3.5 GB/s. The LS800 is is being offered more as an upgrade option for those still on older machines with a 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s drive bay. It comes in capacities of up to 1.92 TB, has modern SLC caching technology, and offers sequential speeds of up to 520 MB/s.