Acer has just announced the expansion of its Predator Helios Neo portfolio with the all-new Predator Helios Neo 16 AI and Predator Helios Neo 18 AI gaming laptops.

Powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTXTM 5070 Ti Laptop GPU, built to deliver impactful AI capabilities for players entering the next era of gaming.

50 Series Laptop GPUs bring game-changing capabilities to gamers and creators. Equipped with a massive level of AI horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity.

Multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash creativity with NVIDIA Studio. Plus, access NVIDIA NIM microservices – state-of-the-art AI models that let enthusiasts and developers build AI assistants, agents, and workflows with peak performance on NIM-ready systems.

In addition to the combination of their powerful silicon, the Predator Helios Neo AI devices showcase impressive display options. The 16-inch model offers up to an OLED panel option, while the 18-inch version features a Mini LED display. Both devices are equipped with 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans, ensuring smooth performance and advanced cooling under any task or challenge.

The Windows 11 Predator gaming laptops come with three months of PC Game Pass, designed for PC players, and provides access to games on day one such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ara: History Untold, and titles from EA Play.

Acer’s Predator Helios Neo AI line focuses on delivering affordable price points by zeroing in on select key components. The Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) AI is ideal for gamers and professionals on the go, while the Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) serves as a great desktop replacement option.

Both gaming laptops are equipped with the latest technology in the market and feature subdued minimalist designs with an RGB logo on the lid and dynamic 4-zone RGB keyboards. The Predator Helios Neo laptops are extremely powerful, offering up to an Intel CoreTM Ultra 9 275HX processor that ensures ultra-smooth and responsive gameplay.

Users will experience fine- tuned game and system performance with less latency and automatic enhancements on classic titles, thanks to ongoing updates to the Intel Application Optimisation application. Additionally, these laptops come with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTXTM 5070 Ti Laptop GPU, featuring the latest NVIDIA DLSS 4, a revolutionary suite of neural rendering technologies that uses AI to boost FPS, reduce latency, and improve image quality. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPUs also enhance the laptops with ray tracing for cinematic quality visuals at unprecedented speed, enabled by 4th gen RT Cores and breakthrough neural rendering technologies accelerated with 5th gen Tensor cores.

Both models support up to 64 GB of memory and 2 TB of storage, and come with Intel Killer Ethernet E3100G and Wi-Fi 6E to deliver fast and reliable gaming sessions and internet connections.

In addition to their advanced CPU and GPU specifications, the gaming laptops offer premium displays; the Helios Neo 16 AI features an OLED WQXGA (2560×1600) display with a 240 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time.

The Helios Neo 18 AI includes a Mini LED WQXGA (2560×1600) panel with a speedy 250 Hz refresh rate and 3 ms response time. Both models also support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, and MUX Switch.

Gaming sessions are kept nice and cool with Acer’s 5th Gen AeroBlade technology, liquid metal thermal grease and a Vector Heat Pipe. They also include the latest PredatorSense 5.0 utility app, an AI Experience Zone and feature AI-enhanced communications such as Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0’s triple microphone array and AI noise reduction technology to filter out unwanted background sounds. Also, the Acer PurifiedView 2.0’s AI-powered webcam solution ensures vclear video and image outputs.

The Predator Helios Neo 16 AI (PHN16-73) and Predator Helios Neo 18 AI (PHN18-72) will be available from Q3, 2025, local pricing still to be confirmed. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.

The post Acer Launches New Predator Helios Neo AI Gaming Laptops appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Acer has 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[1], 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.”

“It’s exciting to collaborate with Acer to bring AI technology to its Windows PC range of devices from sleek ultrabooks to powerful gaming rigs. Our collaboration has been crucial in delivering productive and secure PCs that cater to a broad spectrum of customers while also balancing style and performance with affordability, making technology accessible to a wider audience while also focusing on sustainability. With Acer’s launch of its Copilot+ PC, the Swift 14 AI laptop, we will bring new AI experiences to life for customers, taking advantage of on-device and cloud AI to empower individuals and organisations to achieve more,” states Mark Linton, VP Device Partner Sales, Microsoft Corp.

“The Swift 14 AI is a remarkable device that demonstrates the power, performance and intelligence capabilities of the Snapdragon X Elite platform,” said Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Compute & Gaming, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Powered by the world’s fastest NPU for laptops and high-performance CPU cores, the Swift 14 AI delivers groundbreaking AI, enhanced productivity and creativity, making Acer’s new device a game-changer in the world of AI-enabled laptops.”

The Snapdragon X Series processors are built for AI and are designed to be among the most powerful, intelligent, and power efficient processors created for Windows in its class today. The new Acer Swift 14 AI, powered by Snapdragon X Elite, features high-performance CPU cores on a 4nm process node, integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU of 3.8 TFLOPS, and Qualcomm Hexagon NPU capable of 45 TOPS. It is also equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory and up to 1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD to enhance system performance and navigate demanding multi-tasking workloads across productivity, creativity, and immersive entertainment scenarios without sacrificing power. Paired with the hundreds of premium apps that are optimised for Arm-compatible architecture, Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors enable user experiences that run smoothly and efficiently.

The new Swift 14 AI has been optimised with powerful AI, unlocking new productivity, creativity, and communication experiences. With Recall, users can easily find anything they have seen on their PC by simply describing the clues they remember.

With an explorable timeline, users can easily scroll across time to get back to apps, documents, or messages they previously used. Live Captions with live translations provides automatic speech captions and conducts translations in real-time of any live or pre-recorded video from 44 languages into English.

To spark imagination and creative abilities, visual or written prompts can now be used to co-create AI images and texts on the device with Cocreator. Auto Super Resolution automatically upscales graphics resolution and frame refresh rates of games in real-time to deliver the visuals players crave without taking a hit on performance. For those who always want to look and sound their best while better engaging their audience in video calls, Windows Studio Effects helps to automatically improve lighting conditions and cancel out unwanted noise. It can also be used to activate three artistic filters on any video platform via Quick settings, allowing users to express themselves in new and creative ways during video calls.

And Copilot, the everyday AI companion, is accessible via a single click of the dedicated Copilot key.

As a reflection of its modern capabilities and usability, the Swift 14 AI sports a refined Copilot+ PC-exclusive design, highlighted by a unique AI icon stamped on the cover of the thin-and-light chassis and an Activity Indicator on the touchpad that illuminates when the device or Copilot is activated. The laptop features a 14.5-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and support for 100% sRGB colour gamut.

It is available with edge-to-edge touchscreen options and comes with TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe Certification 2.0 to help minimise the effects of harmful blue light without sacrificing colour accuracy. A 180-degree hinge design provides the flexibility of a different user mode and enables easy opening of the aluminium cover with one hand.

A 1440p QHD IR webcam with a triple microphone array and privacy shutter supports Acer’s suite of AI-boosted conferencing tools in Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 to ensure users always look and sound their best.

These can be swiftly calibrated thanks to Acer QuickPanel which intuitively appears when the device’s webcam or microphone has been switched on. A dedicated key directs users to the Red Dot Design Award-winning AcerSense app for device management and a library of AI features available on the device through the Experience Zone.

This Copilot+ PC comes with Windows Hello that supports biometric and facial recognition login for quick and secure access.

Sustainability remains a vital pillar for Acer’s next-generation products, with the Swift 14 AI utilising PCR plastic in the device, shipping with 100% recyclable packaging, and receiving the EPEAT Gold certification for its compliance with the highest EPEAT criteria. The device also boasts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity to deliver speeds of up to 5.8 Gbps and low network latency of under 2 ms, plus a host of generous port selections including two USB Type-C and two USB 3.2 Type-A ports for added flexibility.

The Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) will be available from late July 2024.

The post Acer Announces their First Copilot+ PC appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Acer unleashes a series of powerhouse gaming laptops, headlined by the refreshed models of the Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16.

Acer also announced the new Predator Helios Neo 18 gaming laptop and major updates to the Predator Helios Neo 16, all outfitted with the latest Intel Core 14th gen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs with DLSS 3.5 technology and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus.

NVIDIA RTX Laptop GPUs are packed with specialised AI Tensor Cores enabling unmatched AI performance and accelerations in creative apps, ultra-efficient productivity, blistering fast gaming, and more. The Predator laptops feature Microsoft’s Copilot in Windows 11 and a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered task assistance.

They also come with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving gamers access to hundreds of high-quality PC games. Gamers seeking a competitive edge will be thrilled with the Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16 laptops as they come with options for captivating Mini LED panels, MagKey 3.0 swappable mechanical switch for shorter key travel and response time, and lightning-fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 compatibility.Along with the top gaming specs and features, the pair of new Helios Neo laptops entice enthusiasts to embark on another adventure to the Predator verse by decoding the hidden messages on their sleek anodised covers. All the gaming laptops leverage 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology to keep the laptops cool under pressure, Acer’s PurifiedVoice 2.0 AI-noise reduction technology to eliminate unwanted background noise, and speakers with DTS:X Ultra for immersive audio experiences when playing, communicating, or streaming. “We are excited to unveil the new Predator Helios gaming laptop lineup for 2024, offering the combination of performance, advanced thermal capabilities, and brilliant displays,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks at Acer Inc.

“Powered by Intel Core (14th Gen) HX-Series processors, the laptops’ capabilities are pushed further and are ready to take on new gaming adventures that lie ahead.” “The new Acer Predator Helios is a beautiful laptop that truly unleashes the performance of our new Intel Core (14th Gen) HX-Series processors,” says Roger Chandler, VP & GM Enthusiast PC & Workstation at Intel. “Acer’s advanced cooling technologies keep our processors cool and running fast, combined with a great selection of display, memory, and storage options that make the Predator Helios 16 and 18 a great choice for gamers and creators.” Predator Helios 18 and Predator Helios 16 Laptops Acer’s performance-focused gaming laptops come with the latest processors and superb features, empowering gamers to reach their full potential when in-game.

With up to an Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX that features newly optimised performance hybrid architecture, the Predator Helios 18 (PH18-72) and Predator Helios 16 (PH16-72) let users go head-to-head with today’s most demanding games and software without compromise. Video game realms appear as realistic as ever on the AI ready gaming laptops, powered by up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 175 W) designed with the ultra-efficient NVIDIA ADA Lovelace architecture to deliver breakthrough performance and AI-enhanced graphics thanks to DLSS 3.5 technology’s full ray tracing capabilities.

GeForce RTX technologies are supported in more than 500 popular games and applications, including blockbuster games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2. Acer’s advanced thermal solutions keep the devices and internals running at full steam, driven by dual 5th Gen AeroBlade fans combined with liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU and vector heat pipes. Players will be fully engaged when exploring gaming realms on the Helios laptops’ impressive displays, illuminated with remarkable brightness and vivid colours. The laptops offer options of 16 and 18-inch (16:10) WQXGA or Mini LED panels that operate at a rapid 250 Hz, support brilliant 1000 nits luminosity, and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut for exceptional visual experiences.

The mesmerising show of colour extends beyond its screens, showcasing dynamic RGB lighting effects on the laptops’ Predator logos, backside Infinity Mirror lighting bar, and customisable LED backlit keyboards. Lighting effects and colours of the cover logos and per-key RGB can be customised using the latest all-in-one PredatorSense app, which also functions as the control and monitor center for the laptops’ performance mode and fan settings.

The Predator Helios 16 and Predator Helios 18 laptops also come with the latest sensory technology features. New MagKey 3.0 has been installed on the laptops’ vital WASD buttons with two additional sets for customisation included upon purchase. MagClick features a patented swappable mechanical switch that lets gamers enjoy the satisfying sounds of distinct mechanical tactile feedback and faster response time with every key press.

Meanwhile, MagSpeed combines speedometer aesthetics with vibrant LED lighting underneath to add pleasing effects. For ingame communication and streams, the laptops leverage Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0’s triple microphone array and AI noise reduction technology to filter out unwanted background sounds, and Acer PurifiedView’s AI powered webcam solution for clear video and image outputs. Immersive sounds can be amplified through the headphones and internal speakers embedded with DTS:X Ultra for high-quality and distortion-free audio. The Predator Helios laptops also ensure stable and fast network speeds with Wi-Fi 7 capability and each features two all around USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and MicroSD card readers for added convenience. Predator Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 Laptops

The all-new Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71) and Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) come with the latest technology and features at more accessible price points, to power the gaming adventures of more casual and entry-level esports players. Known for their unique visual appearances, the Helios Neo laptops continue to showcase striking designs and distinctive details with laser-etched encrypted codes on their deep black anodised covers, enticing gamers to decipher the hidden messages and embark on an exhilarating journey to the Predator Verse.

Powered by up to a newly optimised Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs with maximum graphics power of 140 W in Turbo mode, the Helios Neo gaming devices enable users to do more beyond gaming and creation. They also leverage smooth AI-driven graphic enhancements and accelerated system performance with DLSS 3.5 technology and full ray tracing. As an added boost, the laptops can be configured with up to 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz memory and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 4 solid state drives in RAID 0.

The combination of 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fan technology, liquid metal thermal grease on their CPUs, and vector heat pipes for efficient heat transfer ensures that the laptops’ maximum output is sustained throughout. On top of their impressive internals, the Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 laptops showcase stunning visuals on their WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS displays with 240 Hz refresh rates, 3 ms response time, and coverage for 100% DCI P3 colour range.

Their panels come with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and G-SYNC technology to dynamically increase frame rates and reduce latency based on loaded games and applications. Features such as dynamic lighting customisation on the laptops’ 4-zone RGB keyboard and device management through the PredatorSense 5.0 utility app (with a dedicated PredatorSense Key) give users full control and allow them to add personal touches to their devices. The Helios Neo 18 and Helios Neo 16 laptops also utilise Acer’s AI-enhanced video conferencing tools in Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Acer PurifiedView, while the powerful DTS:X Ultra surround sound speaker system elevates sounds generated when gaming, chatting, and leisure activities. They also come with Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro for lag-free connections, and a full range of ports including two USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and MicroSD card readers.

The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-72) will be available in Q1 2024, the Predator Helios 16 (PH16-72) availability will be in Q1 2024, the Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71) availability is still to be announced and the Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) will be available in Q1 2024.

The post Acer Refreshes Predator Helios Gaming Laptops appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Acer has announced the Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) gaming laptop, unlocking improved performance, immersive experiences, plus essential features for playing and multi-tasking on the go.

The device is powered by the latest Intel Core 14th gen processors, featuring Intel’s Performance Hybrid Architecture with improved power and core frequencies to manage workloads efficiently.

At the same time, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs with DLSS 3.5 technology. NVIDIA RTX Laptop GPUs are packed with specialised AI Tensor Cores enabling unmatched AI performance in creative apps, ultra-efficient productivity, blistering fast gaming, and more. Built with Microsoft Copilot and the next wave of computing, the Nitro laptop provides access to Copilot in Windows via a dedicated Copilot key, making it even easier to harness the power of AI to assist with productivity and creativity tasks.

Users can feast their eyes on immersive visuals and pristine colours on the device’s 17-inch QHD display with a fast 165 Hz refresh rate and support for the NVIDIA Advanced Optimus feature.

The Nitro 17 is further supported by an advanced cooling system, AI-assisted communication features, and NitroSense software for full device control. To top it all off, the Windows 11 gaming laptop is shipped with one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, providing access to a library of hundreds of high-quality games to be explored with friends on PC, console, or cloud. Acer Nitro 17: All-around Gaming Experiences Made Accessible

Acer’s Nitro laptop line gets a significant upgrade with the addition of up to an Intel Core i7 processor 14700HX and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, a powerful combination in a budget-friendly gaming device. Casual gamers and students can expect a fluid experience gaming, streaming, or working thanks to Intel’s latest and fastest mobile gaming processors that seamlessly allocate power to optimise device performance. Built with the ultraefficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, the GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPU powers the laptop’s breathtaking graphics with AI-enhanced DLSS 3.5 technology and full ray tracing.

GeForce RTX technologies are supported in more than 500 popular games and applications, including blockbuster games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2. Asan everyday AI companion, Copilot in Windows lends a hand to accelerate work, creation, and play on the gaming laptop with just one click of the dedicated Copilot key. To let users get the most out of demanding games and applications by reducing load time, the Nitro 17 also supports up to 32 GB of DDR5 5600 MHz memory and up to 2 TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Players can expect stunning frames and exceptional details when playing their favourite games on the Nitro laptop’s 17.3 inch QHD display (2560 x 1440) which boasts a 16:9 aspect ratio, 165 Hz refresh rate and 3 ms overdrive response time, and eye-popping colours from DCI-P3 100% colour gamut.

Plus, support for the NVIDIA Advanced Optimus feature solidifies frames and allows for dynamic graphics switching without having to reboot the device. The laptop utilises a streamlined thermal design with the integration of dual fan quad-intake and quad exhaust systems, vector heat pipes, and liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU to minimise throttle and help the components operate at full capacity for longer productivity. When streaming or communicating in-game, Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 with a three-microphone setup harnesses the power of AI to filter unwanted ambient noise and lets the users’ voices stand out through its speakers with DTS:X Ultra, while the HD webcam utilises the Acer PurifiedView’s AI-powered solutions for enhanced on-screen experiences with automatic framing, eye-contact, and background blur. An integrated NitroSense and mode switch key lets players exercise greater control by instantly giving access to customise the laptop’s 4-zone RGB keyboard lighting and an overview of the laptop’s performance, temperature, power meters, and more in real time.

For lightning-fast and high-quality connectivity, the Nitro 17 provides a full-fledged range of ports; two Type C USB with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a Micro SD card reader. It also comes with Killer DoubleShot Pro Ethernet E3100G and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility for seamless network connections.

The Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-72) release date is still to be announced.

The post Acer Announces New Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Acer has expanded its Predator gaming monitor line for hardcore gamers with four premium models designed to make gaming more immersive than ever with wide curved screens, spectacular picture quality, and smooth performance.

The new monitors include a pair of 2304-zone MiniLED models, with the flagship Predator Z57, the largest of the group with a 57-inch DUHD (7680×2160) at 120 Hz display, and the Predator X34 V3 with a 34-inch panel, an immensely popular size for PC gamers.

In addition, the powerful 39-inch Predator X39 and the 34-inch Predator X34 X with bright OLED displays offer smooth and captivating visual experiences with up to a 240 Hz refresh rate and blazing-fast 0.01 ms pixel response time.

Predator Z57

The massive 57-inch Predator Z57 with a DUHD (7680×2160) resolution at 120 Hz is a gaming goliath for conquering the fiercest battles. Leveraging the 2304-zone MiniLED technology, it provides superb picture quality and brightness when showing dark scenes and black backgrounds.

The wide 32:9 aspect ratio and 1000R curvature draw users closer to the gaming environment and increases their field of vision when playing or working. In addition, top-of-theline VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification ensures that it achieves up to 1000 nit brightness, produces highly accurate colours, and maximises light and dark contrast to illuminate fine details, a total difference maker during intense gaming sessions. Combined with a wide DCI-P3 98% colour gamut, the Predator Z57 creates visuals so realistic, it will thrill even the most experienced players.

The ultra-wide viewing area is ideal for multi-tasking along with productivity-enhancing features, which include picture-by-picture that splits the screen in half to showcase output from two different sources simultaneously, and picture-in-picture that divides the screen with displays on the main screen and another in an inset window. Two HDMI 2.1 ports support the latest consoles (PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X), while a DisplayPort 1.4 port also provides fast and reliable connectivity.

The Predator Z57 is also VESA compliant for hanging on a wall to save desk space and its base is elegantly sleek, yet robust and offers adjustable height, tilt, and swivel to suit individual preferences. This model also has two powerful 10W speakers to amplify sound effects.

Predator X34 V3

The Predator X34 V3 has a 34-inch curved MiniLED display with a 21:9 ultrawide QHD (3440×1440) resolution to support avid gamers with smooth performance and a broad view of the action for a competitive advantage. The 1500R curvature deepens immersion and improves peripheral vision, while the high DCI-P3 94% colour gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification showcase titles in vibrant colour and luminosity.

A fast 180 Hz refresh rate and 1ms (G-to-G) response time support fluid, uninterrupted gameplay with minimal ghosting.

Excellent connectivity via two HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.4 lets players connect to the gamut of sources available today. The Predator X34 V3 can also be hung on a wall and has an adjustable height, tilt, and swivel to optimise viewing comfort. In addition, two 5W speakers provide quality audio for games, music, and movies, and a wall mount is provided, making it ideal for console gamers.

OLED Models: Predator X39 & Predator X34 X

Acer’s newest OLED models include the 39-inch Predator X39 and the 34-inch Predator X34 X, enabling high contrast for incredibly detailed images and ultra-fast refresh rates and response times for the smoothest possible performance.

They also support accurate views, even at tight angles of up to 178 degrees. Both deliver UWQHD (3440×1440) resolution with up to a 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.01 ms pixel response time, ensuring gameplay is smooth and free of stutter and lag.

The 800R curvature broadens the peripheral view and amplifies the line of vision to deepen engagement. A broad DCI-P3 99% colour gamut supports a vast array of colours and shades, while VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 showcases details often hidden in the shadows so no details are missed. These new models are also Eyesafe 2.0 certified and default to image retention refresh to help prevent eye strain.

All new models feature AMD FreeSync Premium that smoothly renders fast-paced action scenes without screen tearing and flickering. They also have a USB Type-C 90W PD port to deliver display, data transfer, and device charging simultaneously, and a built-in KVM switch for swapping sources without having to reconnect peripherals.

The Predator Z57 and the Predator X39 release date is still to be announced. The Predator X34 X will be available in Q2 2024, and the Predator X34 V3 will also be available in Q2 2024.

The post Acer Debuts Curved OLED & MiniLED Gaming Monitors appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Predator Gaming ANZ is delighted to announce that team Antic eSports will be heading to the Philippines this coming January , 2024, to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific Predator League after being crowned champions at the Oceanic Final Qualifiers last month.

This year’s Predator League boasts a combined prize pool of US$200,000, the highly coveted Predator Shield and Acer Predator products.

Teams from across the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, will be battling it out in-person at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals in Manila in January – the region’s most esteemed esports tournament. To take home this prestigious award, teams must demonstrate mastery of the highly acclaimed game, Valorant.

With the latest Australia Plays – 2023 Report by IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) and Bond University stating that 81% of all Australians play video games, Predator continues to nurture and promote the esports industry, with Predator League providing an avenue for young esports talent to grow their potential.

Team Antic eSports are located across various parts of NSW and QLD, with a love for gaming seeing them develop a bond that eventually led to them being a winning esports team. Team manager Mitchell Pilipowski said on the team’s recent achievements, “Tournaments like Predator League provide a great platform to showcase Australian talent in the Asia Pacific and are exactly the kind of opportunities that local players need. Historically, Australia has been one of the strongest regions in tactical first-person shooter games like Valorant – we can’t wait to represent Australia at the Grand Finals and to go up against some of the best players in the region.”

This year’s Valorant Oceanic Qualifiers saw Predator partner with video gaming marketing and game tech leaders Livewire to deliver the local leg of the tournament, with Livewire Co-Founder Brad Manuel commenting, “We are proud to have partnered with Predator for the Oceanic Qualifiers for this year’s Asia Pacific Predator League. Tournaments like Predator League provide a valuable platform for emerging competitive players, giving them the important opportunity to further develop their skills,” said Brad.

The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals will be taking place in the Philippines from the 13th to 14th of January, 2024.

The post Team Antic eSports to Represent Australia appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

If you’re a serious PC gamer you’ve no doubt heard of the Predator that’s ready to do battle, just as you are.

Acer’s gaming laptop Predator series is one in the top echelons of pro gamer gear.

So when a non Predator gaming laptop is released by Acer, you can bet it’s got what it takes to be a worthy weapon on the gaming device market.

Introducing the new Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop, built for serious game time without the hefty price tag.

When you first get the box, it understates just what is inside.

Sure accessories are minimal, there’s the laptop, charger and a keyboard cover, but one look over the Acer Nitro 5 you’ll see from its markings you have something that means business.

Under the hood you’ve got a 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 dedicated graphics card, 16GB DDR4 RAM with 12th Gen i7 Intel processors crunching data @ 2.7 GHz or turbo mode  @ 4.5 GHz.

The 512GB SSD was a little disappointing. Given that Windows 11 chomps some of that up and there’s a recovery partition already set, you’ll need to invest in an external drive if your PC games library has more than a couple of Triple AAA titles.

The chiclet keyboard has your playing keys already accented and the red backlighting is a nice touch.

Audio wise the Acer Nitro 5 actually sounds real good via the laptop speakers. Better than most gaming laptops I’ve tried, but using compatible headphones will give you 7.1 surround.

Acer haven’t skimped on ports either. You’ve got a 3.5 mm headphone / mic port, a generous array of three USB-A ports on the sides, LAN socket, USB-C and HDMI at the back with a proprietary mains plug. No Display Adaptor port though.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card never skipped a beat through my run through of some heavy weight games.

And if you’re a content creator, the Acer Nitro 5 is multipurpose for you.  Being able to render out 4K video and high resolution graphics in no time.

Most PC gamers that I know who have a gaming laptop use it like a desktop with the added benefit of being able to fold it and take it to a mates house every now and then.

On a desk you’ll be fine, if you prefer to actually place the laptop on your lap be prepared for some heat.

A couple of games got the Acer Nitro 5 a bit warm, God of War, Ratchet and Clank to name a couple.

While the Acer Nitro 5 does have some very impressive vents at the back there was still enough warmth on a few games for me to think I should probably use this on a desk.

The 15.6 inch Screen has larger than expected bezels top, bottom and sides.

However the quality of the visuals is high and you’ll get a refresh rate of 144 Hz with up to 1920 x 1080 resolution and 16:9 ratio.

Battery life was pleasing. Even on the larger games the Acer Nitro 5 was able to keep up the pace for around 5 hours.

If you use this laptop for other life stuff as well as gaming, you’ll be sweet for hours on a full charge.

In all the Acer Nitro 5 gives you boom for your dollars without you needing to spend an other worldly sum to keep up with the other serious PC gamers and esports contenders out there.

With a super sleek look on the outside and grunt on the inside, the Acer Nitro 5 has got what it takes for you to be gaming like a pro this holiday season and beyond.

The post Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Gaming laptops need as much help as they can.

They are pushed in every way to do as much as they can with as little as they can get away with. Whether that’s CPU performance, battery life, cooling weight or GPU power, gaming laptops can fall short when even one of these elements is compromised. You can have all the power in the world but a laptop operating above thermal limits won’t perform and will sound and feel horrible while doing it. A weak GPU may or a GPU not being fed enough power will mean a subpar performance experience.

Some of the latest technologies have been helpful in this regard. On the CPU side we have seen the introduction of e-cores into higher end CPUs, allowing low-power needs tasks to be moved to more efficient cores while reserving the higher-powered cores only for the most demanding tasks.

On the GPU side, NVIDIA’s tensor-core powered DLSS has been an excellent way to reduce GPU demand by rendering at a lower base resolution, thus boosting the possible performance for all GPUs, but is especially useful for laptops in power-limited scenarios. Of course, AMD’s FSR2 and other temporal upscaling solutions are also present, but the fact that DLSS operates on dedicated hardware can be a significant win for a laptop’s power management.

The next stage in NVIDIA’s bag of performance-enhancing tricks is frame generation, or what they call DLSS 3. This allows the GPU to intelligently interpolate frames, boosting the perceptible frame-rate significantly. While not a perfect solution, it again is a boon for laptop users looking to move into and above playable framerates while not overstressing components that would otherwise be using more energy and power and thus reducing battery life and increasing the need for complex heat management solutions.

So in this vein I was excited to test Acer’s Predator Helios 16. The version I tested boasted a Core i7-13700HX, 16GB of RAM and an RTX 4060 GPU, which provided an excellent test bed for how DLSS3 can benefit a laptop’s performance.

Starting from the outside first however, I was struck by two things. Firstly, I was excited to see a gaming laptop embrace the 16:10 aspect ratio, with the Acer Predator Helios 16 featuring a large 16” 2560×1600 display. Personally, I love this taller display ratio, which allows your game to fill more of your view, and makes for a much improved productivity experience. I am also glad that gaming laptops have finally made the move to greater than 1080p displays, which were starting to look a bit low-resolution in the 2020s.

Otherwise, the laptop has a relatively understated look, with a good selection of ports available on nearly all sides of the device. It’s not a small laptop by any means – nobody is going to mistake this as a MacBook Air – but it retains a decent semblance of portability while containing adequate cooling solutions for high-stress gaming. I was delighted to see two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are an excellent addition for gaming laptops, letting you plug into an external eGPU and high speed storage solutions when at a desk. It also helps stretch the longevity of the device, letting the included RTX 4060 age gracefully given there is the option to utilise the inevitable next generation of GPUs when plugged in.

The laptop’s storage and RAM are also upgradeable, which while not necessary out of the box also help the laptop be more serviceable and repairable, while letting you adjust the machine to your computer-use needs as they change over time.

Now onto the software experience. Unfortunately, like most Windows laptops, the Acer Predator Helios 16 was practically submerged with additional programs and pre-installed software out of the box. I wasn’t a fan of the included applications, including the power profile management software, which seemed overdesigned for what it offered with a strong “gaming” vibe. Add to that Windows 11’s self-advertising and it can take a while to set up the laptop to your liking. Your mileage may vary here of course, so take this with a grain of salt.

Onto the gaming experience. With a Core i7-13700HX I never found myself CPU-limited in gaming in any typical gaming session. It is nearly overkill for the other components, but I loved having this power at my disposal, and again if you plug in the laptop to an eGPU, the CPU will run free of battery life or contention for power with the GPU.

As a desktop GPU, the NVIDIA RTX 4060 may be somewhat maligned compared to its 3060 predecessor, but with the addition of a new much more efficient processing node and the incorporation of DLSS 3, the benefits for portable devices is significant. 8GB of VRAM is currently sufficient for ~1440p gaming, and on the more compact screen of a laptop even if you have to drop down texture resolution a step or two it’s less likely to be as noticeable as on a larger display.

Overall, I was able to happily hit my framerate targets at native resolution using a combination of pure rasterization and ray tracing performance, DLSS upscaling and DLSS 3 frame generation. Otherwise, you can gain back a decent chunk of performance in some titles by dropping the resolution down to a more manageable 2560×1440 16:9 setting.

DLSS 3 is somewhat of a game changer for laptops, honestly. I found myself utilizing it in two ways. Firstly, once you get to a sufficiently high level of performance (such as 60FPS), you can switch on frame generation to add extra frames without significantly increasing the laptop’s workload. This means you can play at perceivably higher frame rates without the extra heat, noise and battery life hit that you would otherwise have. In other situations, I really did want to (or need to) push the laptop to its limits. In these circumstances, turning on frame generation extended the top end of performance above what would otherwise be possible.

Now DLSS 3 frame generation isn’t available in every title, but for those where it is available, it can be transformative. The hardware upscaling functions of NVIDIA GPUs (rather than relying on the power-hungry main shader cores) make a clear case for why the green team’s silicon could be considered essential for laptop use cases where you want to extend performance by any means necessary without having a commensurate drop in image quality.

While the system is overall quite snappy and performant, during heavy I/O workloads I did notice that the SSD speed did waver significantly. Perhaps this points to a junk chip, but it also could point to ineffective or insufficient cooling for what are rapidly becoming devices pumping out significant heat, especially considering the compact confines of a gaming laptop, competing with a powerful CPU and GPU. In each run of crystaldiskmark I got wildly different results, with some pointing to near top speed for PCIe 4.0 while others crashing down to PCIe 3.0 speeds. Perhaps a more efficient NVMe SSD could be used here, or maybe it’s just a function of where the device sits in relation to its nearby components.

And as with nearly all gaming laptops, at the top performance level the Acer Predator Helios 16 can get quite loud – good headphones will be essential if you’re playing meaty AAA 3D gaming titles.

Otherwise, the Acer Predator Helios 16 was a great addition to my gaming life for a few weeks. There wasn’t a title that I felt it was impossible to get good gaming performance out of, and the 16:10 ratio made general computer use more pleasant. The keyboard was fine, and while battery life wasn’t good, this is fairly par for the course with these sorts of devices.

So if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that has something slightly different, without being too wacky (and the price tag that comes along with “unique” designs), the Acer Predator Helios 16 is a solid choice. There’s portability, expandability, and a supporting raft of technologies to help you get to playable performance. I would love for gaming laptops to get better at low power to idle power use, but until that day comes you wouldn’t do wrong picking up a Helios 16 for yourself.

The post Acer Predator Helios 16 Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Asia Pacific’s most prestigious esports tournament circuit is back! Asia Pacific Predator League is returning in 2024 with a combined prize pool of over US$400,000, the highly coveted Predator Shield and Acer Predator products.

The Asia Pacific Predator League is known for being the home ground for up-and-coming esports talent. Every circuit, thousands of teams across the region sign up for a chance to live out the dream of winning it all on the grandest of stages. Predator continues to nurture and promote the esports industry, with Predator League providing an avenue for young esports talent to grow their potential in the gaming industry. Since its inception in 2018, more than 15,000 teams from the Asia Pacific have participated in the region’s Predator League.

This year the Australian Qualifier rounds will be held online with up to 16 teams battling it out in Valorant, providing aspiring local esports players with an opportunity to jumpstart their professional careers.

Once the registered teams have been selected, they will be divided into two groups for the Group Stage. Challengers will face each other in a best-of-three double elimination, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Local Final Qualifiers. The matches across both Stages will be livestreamed on Predator’s Facebook page for fans to cheer on their team.

The Group Valorant Oceanic Qualifiers will take place at 7:00pm AEST on 9th October 2023, with the Local Final Qualifiers being staged at 7:30pm AEST on 17th November 2023. The winning Australian team will then represent the nation at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2023 Grand Finals in Philippines early 2024.

Registrations for the Valorant Oceanic Qualifiers close 6th October 2023.

The post Predator League is back in 2024! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Acer has revealed their new Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51), the latest addition to its power-packed gaming line.

This laptop for gaming and work is equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPUs, and up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, along with an abundance of features that would excite any type of gamer. To ensure the vital components are kept cool throughout gaming sessions, the laptop’s advanced thermal solutions combine dual 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans, Vortex Flow optimisation, and liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU, all housed within a thin metal chassis design.

At just 19.9 mm (0.78 inches), the sleek, yet powerful Predator Triton 16 showcases a sophisticated metal casing topped off with a sparkling silver finish, giving players the confidence and portability to game on-the-go. The new thin gaming laptop packs massive computing prowess as it features up to 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processors, supported by a new hybrid core architecture with a 5.4 GHz max turbo frequency.

The CPU works hand in hand with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, along with NVIDIA DLSS 3 and its bundle of Max-Q technology features for optimised ray tracing and performance across the board. Gamers are treated to an even greater performance boost as the laptop can be configured with up to 32 GB of DDR5 5200 MHz memory and up to 2 TB PCIe M.2 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration.

The Predator Triton 16, which includes one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, delivers immersive visual experiences with its 16-inch (16:10) WQXGA 2560 x 1600 IPS display, boasting 500 nits peak brightness and a blistering 240 Hz refresh rate within its narrow bezels. It also offers a DCI-P3 100% colour gamut and support for NVIDIA Advanced Optimus and NVIDIA G-SYNC to provide smooth, vibrant images, capturing all the intensity of the most visually demanding games.

To help players stay battle-ready, the laptop leverages cutting-edge thermal capabilities, highlighted by a dual-fan system with custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans.

The Predator Triton 16 pushes the envelope even further with Acer’s Vortex Flow technology, consisting of dedicated heat pipes and exhaust vents to keep the internals cool, while liquid metal thermal grease on the CPU pushes for better heat emission to keep the machine running at peak performance.

Gamers stay in full control with the PredatorSense key to enable seamless customisation on the keyboard’s per key RGB lighting, user interface, management control systems, and more on the dedicated PredatorSense utility app. Running on Windows 11, the Predator Triton 16 comes with Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro and Wi-Fi 6E (E2600+1675i), along with a generous amount of functional ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI 2.1, a Type-C USB port with Thunderbolt 4, and a Micro SD card reader. Finally, its fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support provides added protection and accessibility.

The Predator Triton 16 (PT16-51) availability and pricing is to be announced.

The post Acer Expands its Premium Gaming w. New Predator Triton 16 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.