Acer wants to sell you a touchscreen fitness tracker for less than $90
This is Acer’s latest play for your wrist, the Liquid Leap+. It takes the form of a fairly basic fitness tracker that also pulls notifications from your smartphone. Aesthetically it’s a continuation of what Acer offered with the original Liquid Leap, meaning it’s very similar to Garmin, Microsoft and Samsung’s fitness trackers.
The Liquid Leap+ communicates over low-energy Bluetooth 4.0, is IPX7-certified water resistant and comes in a variety of colors. It promises to track your activity and sleep, and will also convert that data to approximate your daily calorie burn. It’s got a one-inch OLED touchscreen (there are no physical buttons here) that lets you define what activity you’re currently partaking in or swipe through notifications, and other tricks include music control and compatibility with iOS, Android and Windows Phone (including Acer’s new Liquid M220).
The Liquid Leap+ will go on sale later this month in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at €79 ($88). Is Acer doing anything dramatically different with its wearable? Not really, but that’s a very competitive price when compared to the Fitbit Flex and other similar trackers, which may persuade those that want a capable fitness tracker without shelling out hundreds of dollars to come around to Acer’s way of thinking. We’ll get some face time with the Liquid Leap+ at Mobile World Congress this week, so stay tuned for some first-hand impressions.
Acer’s new Windows Phone is unlikely to blow you away
For some time now, consumers have pretty much been stuck choosing between Lumias for their Windows Phone fix. Acer is aiming to change that with the launch of its catchily named “Liquid M220″ smartphone. The M220 is a decidedly low-end handset, with a 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800 pixels) display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage (upgradable via microSD), 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front-facing shooter. It’s clearly aiming to compete with Microsoft’s cheapest Lumias, and, although admittedly this comes down to taste, it’s not exactly a looker compared to its rivals.
Things get worse for Acer when you consider the price. At €79 ($88) it’s up against the Lumia 535, which has double the RAM and internal storage. Interestingly, although the M220 has only 512MB of RAM, Acer is promising it’ll be upgradeable to Windows 10. Microsoft has noted that squeezing all the features of Windows 10 onto such low-end devices may not be possible, so bear in mind when deciding on your next phone that, despite the upgrade promise, not all Windows 10 phones will be equal. The M220 will go on sale in Europe, the Middle East and Africa this April.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Acer
Acer announces two new Chromebooks for students
If you are looking for a new laptop for next term, you may be interested to note that Acer has just unveiled two new Chromebook models specifically designed for students, the C910 and C740.
The Acer C740 Chromebook is the smaller of the two, coming in with a screen sized at just 11.6 inches and a resolution of 1366×768. The C740 also comes with a 16GB solid-state hard drive, battery life that will last around 8.5 hours of use, and comes with the choice of Intel Celeron or Core i3 processors and 2GB or 4GB of RAM.
The C910 is the larger and slightly more high-end model, featuring a 15.6 inch screen with the choice of either a Full HD (1920×1080) display or a more budget friendly 1366×768 option. Again you will find choices for either a Celeron or i3 processor, but the C910 comes with 4GB RAM as standard and larger 16GB or 32GB internal memory options.
Acer has designed both Chromebooks to withstand the trials of the school-yard. They can each withstand up to 132 pounds (around 60kg) of force, the corners won’t buckle from accidental drops up to 18 inches in height, and the hinges have been reinforced so that they won’t easily snap.
The C740 Chromebook stats at $259.99, while the basic C910 model costs a little more at $299.99. Both will be available in the US come February.
Acer has a 15-inch Chromebook, but it’s unclear why you’d want one
I initially wasn’t going to bother writing a longer piece about Acer’s new 15-inch Chromebook. I figured the last thing you wanted from me during the busiest week in tech news were hands-on photos of yet another laptop, especially when we already review so many same-y Chrome OS devices. Then it occurred to me: Although this is the first-ever 15-inch Chromebook, not to mention the largest, Acer never actually made a case for why it should exist, and it’s a question that many of my peers at other tech publications don’t seem to be asking. Does anyone need a notebook this big that basically just runs the Chrome browser? I belatedly spent some time with one to try and find out.
It might go without saying, but if you were to buy a 15-inch Chromebook, you’d do it for the screen real estate. Extra inches means you can read that much more email on one screen. It makes an even nicer canvas for streaming Netflix. If you spend a lot of time working in Google Docs — and many people do — it could be nice to not be limited to a smaller 11- or even 13-inch screen. Same argument behind having an external display, really. So far, so good: I get it.
Though the base model will be offered with 1,366 x 768 resolution, I strongly suggest you find the extra cash to get one of the higher-end versions with a 1080p display. During my hands-on testing, I could tell immediately I was looking at the full HD model; everything like app icons and text was sharper than it would have been otherwise, though not to the point where it was ludicrously tiny. All told, Acer will actually have two 1,920 x 1,080 versions, one with a regular ol’ TN screen and one with an IPS panel for wider viewing angles. Considering how many tradeoffs you might be making in terms of weight and overall heft (more on that in a second), you may as well go with the IPS and make the most out of that screen as you can. If not, what’s the point, really?
Speaking of the sort, this isn’t a heavy machine, all things considered; there are clunkier 15-inch laptops out there. Still, at 4.85 pounds, it’s impossible to ignore how much bigger and heavier it is compared to a smaller-screened Chromebook. If you were willing to put up with that weight, you could also get a Windows laptop that runs desktop programs, in addition to just the Chrome browser. All that said, the build quality is solid for a $250 machine, and the design is pleasing, if a little basic. The all-plastic laptop comes in both white and black, with a textured lid that both looks nice and probably does a good job of masking fingerprints. I’m not privy to Acer’s future plans, but they’d be smart to consider using a similar design on their low-end Windows laptops too.
As you take a tour of the machine, one of the first things you’ll notice are the two big speaker grilles, which sit on either side of the keyboard, kind of like a 2007-era MacBook Pro. I think in general it’s reasonable to expect more robust sound on a larger machine, but particularly when the speakers start eating into the keyboard space, they’d better be worth it, ya know? And eat into the keyboard deck they do. Despite the fact that this 15-inch Chromebook has a wider footprint than any of its competitors, it still suffers from some shrunken buttons, especially around the arrow keys. If I’m going to carry a larger machine, I expect the keys to be the cushiest, the most spacious, the most pleasant to type on. That doesn’t appear to be the case here, but I’m of course willing to revisit that in a full review.
The last unknown seems to be performance: I’m worried it won’t be enough for some people. And I’m talking from experience here. I remember years ago, when netbooks were a thing, and companies started introducing slightly larger models — ones that had 11- or 12-inch screens, as opposed to the usual 10.1. What ended up happening was, people saw these bigger machines, and expected bigger performance. While poky performance may have been acceptable on a 10-inch system, it was hard to believe a larger system, something closer in size to a “real” laptop, could be quite that slow.
I’m concerned the same is true of 15-inch Chromebooks. The model Acer is showing off today has Intel’s Broadwell-series processors, with your choice of Celeron or Core i3. I’ve yet to benchmark a Broadwell CPU, but so far, Celeron in Chromebooks has been… okay. Good enough for basic use, but not what I’d call powerful. Interestingly, Core i3 hasn’t fared much better, at least not on Chrome OS machines. What’s more the battery life might take a hit too. Speaking of which, Acer is rating this for up to eight hours of runtime — about what you can expect on Acer’s own 11-inch C720 Chromebook. If you thought you might get longer battery life in exchange for a heftier machine, you’re going to be disappointed.
All of this is to say: I think Acer has created some big expectations here. When you agree to buy a heavier machine, you expect stronger performance, better audio, a bigger battery and the comfiest of keyboards. After spending some time with the Chromebook 15 in person, I’m not sure these are promises Acer can keep.
Acer announces the 64-bit 7.78 mm thick Liquid Jade S smartphone
The Liquid Z410 isn’t the only Acer phone heading to CES this year. The Liquid Jade S was also announced today, which sports a 5-inch display along with a MediaTek 64-bit octa-core processor. That might not be as powerful as something from Qualcomm or Exynos, but couple that with a 13 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/1.8, a 5MP front-facing camera, 4G LTE (Cat. 4), and a 7.78 mm body, and you have quite a phone for €299.
One cool feature is the AcerEXTEND app that will let you use your computer keyboard in place of the onscreen keyboard. You will have to connect the Jade S to your desktop, but it might not be bad for those times in which you need to type information in an app that isn’t available on your computer.
The only real downer is that the Liquid Jade S will sport Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box, but Acer does say that it will be upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop later this year. It will go on sale in EMEA this month.
Be sure to check out Talk Android’s full CES 2015 coverage here.
Full Press Release:
Liquid Jade S: Faster, More Powerful, Still Beautiful
LAS VEGAS
2015-01-03
Acer announces the Liquid Jade S that brings additional speed and performance into the Liquid Jade smartphone series. Akin to the original Liquid Jade, the new S version continues to astonish with its superb sleek looks featuring 4G LTE connectivity, true octa-core processing power with 64-bit architecture and a new-and-improved controllable voice-command camera.
The Liquid Jade S will be on display at Pepcom’s Digital Experience! Event on Jan. 5th at The Mirage in Las Vegas.
Epic Speed
The Liquid Jade S was created to be an elegant but powerful smartphone. It premieres the latest 64-bits Octa-core processor from Mediatek (MT6752M) which makes it up to 2.5 times faster than traditional quadcore-powered smartphones currently on the market. Supporting 4G LTE (Cat. 4) ensures speedy connectivity to browse, stream and download almost anywhere in the world.
“We are very pleased to be working with our close partner Acer on its new Liquid Jade S launch. MediaTek technology is accelerating the global transition to LTE, and the MT6752M processor brings high-performance for the mass market. This chip, featuring eight 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 CPUs, will help Acer satisfy its customers’ demand for faster and more powerful Android 64-bit mobile operating systems,” said Jeffrey Ju, SVP and general manager of wireless communication at MediaTek.
Sporting a Mali T760 graphics chip, the Liquid Jade S also secures high quality visuals and seamless graphic performance, great for gaming as well as a smooth user-interface experience. Launching on Android 4.4 Jelly Bean, it is Android 5.0 Lollipop ready when available later in 2015.
Legendary Design
As part of the superior designed Liquid Jade family, it boasts a fully curved body with curved surface and gives the eye an impression of elegance and grace. 7.78mm slim and weighing only 116 grams, the Liquid Jade S is amongst the most elegant, lightest 5-inch LTE smartphones on the market; it is also comfortable to hold and use with one hand, thanks to the securing grip provided by the HD-textured rear. Jade S will be available in four colors1: Cosmic Black, Lunar White, Ice Pink and Solar Red.
Allen Burnes, vice-president Smartphone business, Acer Europe explains: “We’ve had great feedback on the disruptive design of the first Liquid Jade, one of the most beautiful handset launched in 2014 celebrated with the prestigious Good Design award. The Liquid Jade S with its long list of new features evolved from this award-winning design enhances the benefits of a thin, light and elegant smartphone from Acer.”
Marvelous Camera
Thanks to its 13MP rear camera with F1.8 aperture, it can produce flawless pictures in any environment, even when the light is scarce. A front camera of 5 megapixels is also on board, to empower users to shoot their best selfie. The Liquid Jade S’ cameras are voice-actionable, and can be commanded with basic terms such as “Cheese” to shoot or “Selfie” to switch from the rear to the front camera and seamlessly snap a perfect smile. The intuitive interface provides users total control over their cameras, from filters through exposure adjustment. Additionally, Acer introduces a series of exclusive modes, made available for the first time on the Liquid Jade S: Dual Shot lets users make a collage of simultaneous shots from the front and rear cameras for Picture-in-Picture and Video-in-Video, Gourmet Mode will make Instagram feeds more beautiful with delicious shots. And for non tech-savvy types, Auto-Scene-Detect will intuitively set the best camera settings.
Equally Beautiful Inside
Beyond the exclusive camera features, the Liquid Jade S is compatible with the best technology enhancements brought by Acer. AcerEXTEND2 will enable users to take full control of their smartphones via cable or wirelessly using their Windows-based PC, typing with their keyboard, using drag and drop and rich sharing – taking the multitasking experience to the next level.
That’s Not All
The Liquid Jade S comes with optional3 hybrid microSD/dual nano-SIM. Users have the flexibility to swap the microSD card for a second nano-SIM to stay connected to two worlds on one single device, be it personal and work lives for busy professionals, or home and local networks for globe-travelers, while being more organized and cost-effective.
Availability
The Liquid Jade S will be available in January in EMEA with a starting price of €299.-.
1Specifications may vary depending on region.
2AcerEXTEND and Acer QuickMode are Acer Services available on a selection of Acer devices. Availability may be depending on SKU, countries, software version and resellers. Find more info at acer.com or contact your local Acer Service Center.
3The Liquid Jade S (S56) is available in single or hybrid-dual nano/microSD in selected countries. Check out acer.com for more information or contact your local Acer service center.
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Acer announces 4G-capable Liquid Z410 smartphone
Acer has just announced their new low-cost smartphone ahead of CES 2015, the Liquid Z410. Acer has been a long-time supporter of the budget smartphone movement, and this new device fits right in to the company’s lineup. This new device is meant to deliver a solid mid-range experience to the user without breaking the bank.
So what makes this device so interesting? The Z410 totes a 64-bit quad-core MediaTek MT6732 CPU, ARM Mali-T760 GPU, as well as 4G connectivity. It also has a 4.5-inch qHD display with 540×960 resolution, 5MP rear-facing camera and a 2MP front-facing camera with a wide 80-degree lens. The device also has a battery that can last up to either 5.5 hours of talk time or a massive 400 hours of standby. There’s no mention of the actual battery capacity, but we’ll know more details about the device later in the week. We’re also unsure of what Android version the device is running, but we do know that the company has decided to include familiar software features like Acer QuickTouch and AcerRAPID Key.
The Z410 will be sold for only €129 (around $155), and will be available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa around the end of February. Acer will have the device available on the CES show floor in the coming days, so stay tuned to Android Authority for more details on this device and many others!
Ready to Boom: Acer Introduces the Liquid Z410 4G Smartphone
LAS VEGAS
Acer announces budget friendly Liquid Z410 smartphone
Acer continues to grab the early spotlight for CES 2015 with one of their latest devices to be announced, the Acer Liquid Z410 smartphone. Acer is focusing on the budget buyer with the Liquid Z410 which gets a starting retail price of €129 ($155 USD) when released to EMEA markets at the end of February. Even with the low price, Acer is bringing a smartphone with a 64-bit quad-core chip and support for 4G LTE to market.
The Liquid Z410 will come with a 4.5-inch IPS display, a 5 MP rear-facing camera and 2 MP front-facing camera. Acer did not indicate how much RAM will be installed or what internal storage options may be available. Acer says they will demo the Liquid Z410 at CES 2015.
For our continuing coverage of CES 2015, be sure to check back here at TalkAndroid.
The full Acer press release for the Acer Liquid Z410 is below.
Ready to Boom: Acer Introduces the Liquid Z410 4G Smartphone
LAS VEGAS
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Acer launches projector with Chromecast port inside
In advance of the upcoming CES 2015 in Vegas, Acer unveiled a new projector yesterday that has a hidden compartment for you to connect your Chromecast into. The projector’s designation is H7550ST and it packs some pretty impressive specs, outside of that bit about the Chromecast.
Acer is hoping that besides home use, the business and education sectors check out this projector. Once the Chromecast is connected inside of the device, the projector can be operated via smartphone or tablet, which would allow for easy usage by the corporate world during meetings or by professors during lecture.
The device is capable of projecting 1080p HD, with the added ability to project 3D video. The device comes with two 10W speakers, but if that’s child’s play compared to your audio set-up, it is able to deliver HD audio wirelessly via BlueTooth to your receiver. Also featured is that the projector is NVIDIA 3DTV Play Ready.
Another interesting perk with the H7550ST is its “short-throw” technology. In layman’s terms, if you’re operating the projector in a cramped environment, it’s still able to deliver large images up to 300-inches on your screen or wall.
The H7550ST will be available in March in the US and Europe for $999 USD.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Acer via PR Web
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Acer unveils 1080p Chromebook 15 ahead of CES
Acer has been doing very well for themselves with their line of Chrome OS powered Chromebook devices, and they are continuing to expand their offerings with their new Chromebook 15.
The Acer Chromebook 15, as the name implies, is a 15-inch class laptop with a 15.6-inch display, making it the first Chromebook of this size to hit the market.
Chromebooks have been doing very well in the market, with most sales going to education centers. However, the web-centric computing needs of the average consumer make the Chrome browser focused Chrome OS offerings very appealing, especially when you can put a solid unit in hand for under $200.
Acer’s new Chromebook 15 is a bit of a step up for those accustomed to seeing 11 inch devices. Not that there are not larger Chromebooks out there, in-fact, this very article is being written on a 14-inch Chromebook, built by HP. Where the new Acer Chromebook 15 truly differs is in the use of an Intel Core i3 processor.
Getting down to it then, there will be multiple variants of the Acer Chromebook 15. A base model will start around $250, offering a 1366 x 768 resolution display, an Intel Celeron processor, 2GB of RAM and a 16GB SSD for storage. Prices are not given for the high end of things, but a fully decked out Chromebook 15 will score you full 1080p resolution, that Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD for storage.
All options come with the standard set of USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, HDMI port, SD card reader and a battery that Acer says provides “impressive” performance, whatever that is supposed to mean.
If this size of display is more than you are looking for, be sure to also check out the Tegra K1 powered 13-inch Acer offering, aptly named the Chromebook 13. Hidden in this press release, Acer says that touchscreen versions of the 13-inch Chromebook are coming soon as well.
What do you think, is a 15.6-inch Chromebook the right way to go, or does this blur the lines with normal laptops more than it should?
Acer announces 15 inch Chromebook, touchscreen coming to 13-inch model
As attendees start to roll into Las Vegas for CES 2015, Acer decided to get an early start with announcements by revealing today that they are bringing a 15.6-inch Chromebook to market. The new Chromebook 15 will be the industry’s first device with a screen in the 15-inch range. That is not the only first for Acer though as they are also including 5th generation Intel Core i3 and Intel Celeron processors in the new Chromebook 15.
According to Jerry Kao, president of the Acer Notebook Business Group,
“The Acer Chromebook 15 is a true powerhouse – it provides fast mobile performance and a large display to help customers accomplish more every day. Acer has been a leader in the Chromebook market, from providing the latest in technology and trailblazing battery life to designing new form factors. We’re driving the category forward again with the world’s first 15.6-inch display Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 15.”
Acer will offer a couple display options for the new Chromebook 15, including a full HD version running at 1920 x 1080 resolution and another one running at 1366 x 768 resolution. Buyers will also have a choice of either a 16GB or 32GB SSD drive included in the Chromebook and a choice or RAM, either 2GB or 4GB. Prices will start at $249.99 and go up from there depending on the options selected.
Acer also announced they are expanding their Chromebook 13 line with the addition of a model that has a touchscreen. Acer says the new touchscreen equipped models are available now and will be coming to EMEA countries for €329 ($395 USD).
The new Chromebook 15 and other Acer devices will be on display at CES 2015. Be sure to check back for our coverage from CES 2015.
source: Acer
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