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Athima Chansanchai, Writer
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In May, Microsoft announced a new category of devices: the Copilot+ PC. These PCs are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built, featuring new silicon with NPUs capable of 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), all-day battery life and breakthrough AI experiences. This reimagining of the PC in its entirety has AI at its center, marking the most significant change to the Windows platform in decades. Now at IFA, the annual Berlin-based electronics tradeshow, Copilot+ PCs took center stage with Microsoft’s partners, including Acer, which expanded its Copilot+ PC lineup and introduced two new Swift 14 AI laptops – giving people the choice between Intel and AMD processors, among its major announcements at the event. [caption id="attachment_179040" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Swift Go 14 AI[/caption] Acer expands its Copilot+ PC lineup with the Swift Go 14 AI laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus platform, with eight high-performance CPU cores that clock up to 3.4 GHz, and integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU that delivers up to 45 TOPS. With the Snapdragon X Plus processor at the helm and compatibility with hundreds of premium apps that are optimized for Snapdragon architecture, it runs smoothly and efficiently even through demanding workloads and up to 28 hours of video playback. It is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and up to 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD, ensuring seamless multi-tasking operations and providing abundant storage space. Among those Acer PCs expected to get updates are the Swift 14 AI* models, which are among the first of the Swift line powered by new Intel Core Ultra processors, which deliver up to 48 TOPS NPU AI performance to handle power-demanding workloads. These processors optimize processing across the CPU, new Intel Arc graphics and next-gen neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate AI workloads. As a result, the new laptops can accelerate generative AI tasks and creations. They also feature new P-cores and E-cores designed for uncompromised performance while also delivering exceptional power-efficiency with multi-day battery life. [caption id="attachment_179039" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Swift 14 AI[/caption] Additionally, the Microsoft Pluton security processor ensures that these models are both Secured-core PCs providing chip-to-cloud security. These new Swift laptops come with Windows Hello that supports biometric login via fingerprint reader or through facial recognition by the 1440p QHD IR webcam. Plus, the laptops protect users with Acer User Sensing technology, which enables the proximity sensor adjacent to the webcam to detect the user’s presence, automatically lock the screen when the user moves away, and wake up the device when the user returns. With Copilot+ PCs, businesses get the most performant Windows 11 devices with unique AI capabilities to unlock productivity, improve collaboration and drive efficiency. As a Windows PC, they can deploy and manage a Copilot+ PC with the same tools and processes they already use. Going through intense workloads and multitasking on the Acer Swift 14 AI* is a breeze as it is powered by up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor with Ryzen AI for responsive and power-efficient processing of local AI workloads. Upgraded with an AMD XDNA 2 architecture and stacked with up to 10 high-performance “Zen 5” cores, the new AMD processors deliver up to 50 TOPS of AI processing power while maintaining extended hours of battery life, with up to 27 hours of video playback. This is complemented by up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and up to 2 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 storage for responsive task execution. [caption id="attachment_179041" align="alignnone" width="800"]
TravelMate P6 14 AI[/caption] For the on-the-go professionals, Acer presented the new TravelMate P6 14 AI*, a laptop with Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in NPUs in a compact, lightweight carbon fiber chassis. It provides advanced security and administration features with a QHD IR camera for quick and safe login without requiring passwords. It also has a privacy shutter to help safeguard against hackers. Acer User Sensing Technology uses a built-in vision-based AI sensor to accurately detect people based on range and movement. It helps secure data by locking the screen when the owner leaves, and quickly waking up when they return. These PCs can withstand the rigors of life on the road thanks to MIL-STD 810H military-grade compliance and Acer Dust Defender which helps minimize dust buildup that can slow performance. Acer's suite of commercial solutions helps businesses manage IT functions and safeguard data. [caption id="attachment_179037" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Nitro Blaze 7[/caption] Also at IFA, Acer announced its entry into the handheld gaming space with the Windows 11-powered Nitro Blaze 7. Acer’s first-generation handheld AI gaming PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, with Ryzen AI that optimizes performance and responsiveness across a wide range of games and applications. It also comes with a 7-inch Full HD (FHD) IPS display with a touch interface, plus AMD Premium technology, and a 144 Hz refresh rate so that players can experience enhanced visuals and responsive controls while playing their favorite AAA titles. To help them do that, the device includes three months of PC Game Pass for access to hundreds of high-quality PC games. For high-speed connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and incorporates various ports for seamless device and accessory pairing including USB Type-C with fast charging, and a MicroSD card reader to expand storage capacity. Find out more about these and other devices Acer announced at IFA. *Availability of Copilot+ PC experiences varies by device and region. Some devices require download of free updates to run Copilot+ PC experiences, available starting later this year. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
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Swift Go 14 AI[/caption] Acer expands its Copilot+ PC lineup with the Swift Go 14 AI laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus platform, with eight high-performance CPU cores that clock up to 3.4 GHz, and integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU that delivers up to 45 TOPS. With the Snapdragon X Plus processor at the helm and compatibility with hundreds of premium apps that are optimized for Snapdragon architecture, it runs smoothly and efficiently even through demanding workloads and up to 28 hours of video playback. It is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and up to 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD, ensuring seamless multi-tasking operations and providing abundant storage space. Among those Acer PCs expected to get updates are the Swift 14 AI* models, which are among the first of the Swift line powered by new Intel Core Ultra processors, which deliver up to 48 TOPS NPU AI performance to handle power-demanding workloads. These processors optimize processing across the CPU, new Intel Arc graphics and next-gen neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate AI workloads. As a result, the new laptops can accelerate generative AI tasks and creations. They also feature new P-cores and E-cores designed for uncompromised performance while also delivering exceptional power-efficiency with multi-day battery life. [caption id="attachment_179039" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Swift 14 AI[/caption] Additionally, the Microsoft Pluton security processor ensures that these models are both Secured-core PCs providing chip-to-cloud security. These new Swift laptops come with Windows Hello that supports biometric login via fingerprint reader or through facial recognition by the 1440p QHD IR webcam. Plus, the laptops protect users with Acer User Sensing technology, which enables the proximity sensor adjacent to the webcam to detect the user’s presence, automatically lock the screen when the user moves away, and wake up the device when the user returns. With Copilot+ PCs, businesses get the most performant Windows 11 devices with unique AI capabilities to unlock productivity, improve collaboration and drive efficiency. As a Windows PC, they can deploy and manage a Copilot+ PC with the same tools and processes they already use. Going through intense workloads and multitasking on the Acer Swift 14 AI* is a breeze as it is powered by up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor with Ryzen AI for responsive and power-efficient processing of local AI workloads. Upgraded with an AMD XDNA 2 architecture and stacked with up to 10 high-performance “Zen 5” cores, the new AMD processors deliver up to 50 TOPS of AI processing power while maintaining extended hours of battery life, with up to 27 hours of video playback. This is complemented by up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory and up to 2 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 storage for responsive task execution. [caption id="attachment_179041" align="alignnone" width="800"] TravelMate P6 14 AI[/caption] For the on-the-go professionals, Acer presented the new TravelMate P6 14 AI*, a laptop with Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in NPUs in a compact, lightweight carbon fiber chassis. It provides advanced security and administration features with a QHD IR camera for quick and safe login without requiring passwords. It also has a privacy shutter to help safeguard against hackers. Acer User Sensing Technology uses a built-in vision-based AI sensor to accurately detect people based on range and movement. It helps secure data by locking the screen when the owner leaves, and quickly waking up when they return. These PCs can withstand the rigors of life on the road thanks to MIL-STD 810H military-grade compliance and Acer Dust Defender which helps minimize dust buildup that can slow performance. Acer's suite of commercial solutions helps businesses manage IT functions and safeguard data. [caption id="attachment_179037" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Nitro Blaze 7[/caption] Also at IFA, Acer announced its entry into the handheld gaming space with the Windows 11-powered Nitro Blaze 7. Acer’s first-generation handheld AI gaming PC features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, with Ryzen AI that optimizes performance and responsiveness across a wide range of games and applications. It also comes with a 7-inch Full HD (FHD) IPS display with a touch interface, plus AMD Premium technology, and a 144 Hz refresh rate so that players can experience enhanced visuals and responsive controls while playing their favorite AAA titles. To help them do that, the device includes three months of PC Game Pass for access to hundreds of high-quality PC games. For high-speed connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and incorporates various ports for seamless device and accessory pairing including USB Type-C with fast charging, and a MicroSD card reader to expand storage capacity. Find out more about these and other devices Acer announced at IFA. *Availability of Copilot+ PC experiences varies by device and region. Some devices require download of free updates to run Copilot+ PC experiences, available starting later this year. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.Continue reading...