The team, led by Rocket League professional player Gareth “Snowyy” Spiers, claimed the top spot after competing in the EMEA playoffs on 20 November 2022.

The winning team members also included David “2Die4” Morgenrood, and Ethan “Darth” Deysel.

As the winners of the tournament, Spiers and his team walk away with a brand-new Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop and a combined cash prize of €2,500 (R46,000).

Cape Town-based esports organisation ATK took second place, with the player prizes including an Acer Predator Galea 311 gaming headset, Predator mousepad, Urban backpack, and a combined cash prize of €1,500 (R27 500).

Pirate eSports, the esports division of the Orlando Pirate Football Club, came in third, with each player receiving an Urban backpack and a combined cash prize of €1,000 (R18 000).

Commenting on the win, Spiers said that the prizes would impact him in a positive way. “It’s really special to be winning this amount of money competing in esports locally in South Africa. On top of that, winning the Predator Helios laptop is really cool. I have never had a gaming laptop before, so I am looking forward to enjoying high-end gaming packed into the convenience of a laptop.”

Team Limitless’ win came after a gruelling tournament that saw teams go head-to-head in national qualifiers, national playoffs, and then finally in the EMEA playoffs. Teams of three competed against each other in rounds of Rocket League, in which players command rocket-powered vehicles to score goals in an arena.

During the qualifying events, teams played in double-elimination brackets, the winners of which then proceeded to the national playoffs. Those who made it through then proceeded to the EMEA playoffs for a chance at total victory.

“I really find great joy in competing at the highest level, and when you come out on top in any competition, it’s a magical feeling that keeps me going,” Spiers added.

“Congratulations go out to Team Limitless and their hard-earned victory on the regional stage. It is truly inspiring to see local talent being showcased in this manner and making a real case for esports on the African continent. By accommodating that talent and providing it with the best in gaming hardware and peripherals, we are enabling players in a growing and blossoming sector,” said Bobbi Nyamane, Marketing Lead at Acer Africa.

The post eSports team Limitless Takes first Prize in Acer EMEA Predator League appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• The 3D Ultra mode in SpatialLabs TrueGame allows gamers to venture deeper into the world of 3D gaming in addition to the 3D+ gaming mode
• Gamers can customize stereo 3D effects based on their visual and performance preferences with its 3D Sense feature
• SpatialLabs TrueGame application unlocks one-click stereoscopic 3D gameplay and access to AAA titles such as God of War, Kena:Bridge of Spirit, Octopath Traveler, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Psychonauts 2
• New TrueGame forum in SpatialLabs Community for gamers to exchange ideas and experiences

Acer has made a major update to its SpatialLabs TrueGame, the glasses-free 3D gaming application, with the addition of a 3D Ultra mode.

The new feature offers gamers the ultimate 3D gaming experience with its enhanced stereo rendering capabilities, projecting images with depth and life-like 3D geometry.

SpatialLabs TrueGame was designed for gamers who love to explore and lose themselves in immersive gameplay, serving as a medium to explore and experience new realities when they set off on their quests for treasure and glory.

The new update also includes 3D Sense, a collection of 3D stereo effect configurations to match the players’ preferences in terms of visual details, effects, and 3D depth intensity.

TrueGame allows the game to be presented in a way that is tailored for different players and also continues to support game titles with new profiles added every month, including today’s list of AAA titles and former top classics that users can enjoy in their full 3D glory.

“Game development is an art form that calls on developers to bring their dreams into amazingly realistic and enchanting 3D worlds. It is an endeavor that requires an enormous investment of time and creativity.” said Jerry Kao, Co-COO, Acer Inc. “The viewing experiences of today’s gamers are greatly limited with 2D display devices. This changes with SpatialLabs TrueGame as we continue to push the envelope of the 3D gaming experience by adding full geometric 3D and unleashes the power of stereoscopic 3D technology.”

SpatialLabs TrueGame 3D Ultra –The Ultimate 3D Gaming Experience

The SpatialLabs TrueGame 3D Ultra mode provides a fresh experience of stereoscopic 3D performance to the world of gaming, letting players dive deep into a new realm of 3D entertainment.

It utilizes the combination of the SpatialLabs eye-tracking solution, stereoscopic 3D display and real-time scene rendering technologies to bring eye-popping 3D scenes, objects, and characters to life.

Users can instantly enjoy stereoscopic 3D gaming with a click of a button, as its patented One-click Game Play function allows TrueGame to automatically launch installed games with their pre-configured 3D profiles.

With SpatialLabs TrueGame leveraging the information developers include about shaders and 3D geometry in games, the 3D Ultra mode’s addition of a second virtual camera offers a 3D immersion experience unlike any other.

Game profiles that support the new TrueGame 3D Ultra mode include the latest AAA titles and a list of popular game titles to be explored.

With the ease-of-use of the TrueGame application and the addition of the optimized 3D Ultra profile, 3D enthusiasts can easily enjoy a smoother and wider range of glasses-free stereoscopic 3D effects, specifically developed for each individual game title.

TrueGame players and 3D gaming fanatics can also engage with one another on the SpatialLabs Community’s TrueGame forum, an open space where they can express their ideas, share their experiences, and learn from fellow gamers. 

Availability

The 3D Ultra mode in SpatialLabs TrueGame will go live by a software update at the end of January 2023.

It also supports the Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition gaming laptop and the Acer SpatialLabs View display.

The post Acer Pushes Limits of 3D Gaming with  Ultra Mode in SpatialLabs TrueGame appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

• The Predator X45 boasts a giant 45-inch UWQHD (3440×1440) OLED display, ideal for professional and console gamers, and was bestowed a 2023 CES Innovation Award.
• The Predator X27U gaming monitor with its 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) OLED panel, blazing fast 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.01 ms pixel response time delivers incredibly smooth gameplay on PCs.

Acer has announced two powerful Predator Helios gaming laptops, a pair of Predator gaming monitors and its new Predator gaming router.

The laptops feature an all-new design with 16-inch and 18-inch display sizes, the latest 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, making them Acer’s most powerful gaming laptops to date.

The Predator X45 showcases a massive 800R curved monitor and has earned a CES Innovation Award in the “Computer Peripherals & Accessories” category. Along with the Predator X27U, both monitors include OLED technology with fast 240 Hz refresh rates.

Predator Helios 16, Predator Helios 18 Laptops

The all-new Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) and Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) bring the latest and greatest tech to Acer’s most powerful gaming laptop series. Sporting a completely new design and upgraded thermals, they both offer models that include 13th Gen Intel Core i9 or i7 HX processors paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (MGP up to 165W) and a plethora of must-have top-of-the-line gaming features.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Acer to bring high-performing PC platforms to enthusiasts around the globe based on 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processor family,” said Steve Long, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific & Japan at Intel. “The blazing fast performance users could experience is remarkable when compared to industry alternatives, as our labs have shown up to 40% higher in Crossmark tests of general PC use and two times in Blender which many content creators use for work for content creators.”

The new 13th Gen Intel Core processors extend beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. Its faster performance core and hybrid design deliver ultra-efficient multitasking and immersive entertainment while playing your favorite games, without interruptions.

The new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs leverage the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Users can experience lifelike virtual worlds and boosted performance with ray tracing, high-quality frames with DLSS 3, and Reflex’s optimized system latency to gain a competitive edge.

Lastly, up to 32 GB DDR5-4800 MHz RAM and up to 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD in RAID 0 make them awe-inspiring mobile powerhouses, ideal for playing the most demanding AAA games.

The Predator Helios 16 offers a 16-inch (16:10) WQXGA (2560×1600) display at 165 Hz or 240 Hz or a Mini LED panel at 250 Hz, powered by AUO AmLED technology that supports over 1000 nits peak brightness with 1,000,000:1 high contrast ratio and 100% coverage of DCI-P3 color gamut for rich, vivid colors.

The Predator Helios 18 sports a breathtaking 18-inch (16:10) display with the following options: WUXGA (1920×1200) at 165 Hz, WQXGA (2560×1600) at 165 Hz or 240 Hz, or AUO’s superfast 250 Hz Mini LED display that showcases three times more ambient contrast ratio than conventional displays and supports 1000 local dimming zones to provide total freedom of use even in poor lighting conditions.

The higher resolutions and fast refresh rates make images glide across the screens with minimal ghosting or tearing. The immersive 18-inch panel delivers portable gaming on a bigger scale and is ideal for multiple monitor setups, taking the action to a new level with stunning clarity and detail.

Keeping the powerful new components cool, the new Predator laptops feature enhanced thermal solutions with dual custom-engineered 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans and vector heat pipes in the shape of rectangles for improved heat transfer. In addition, the chilling effects of liquid metal thermal grease cap off its advanced thermal performance.

Housing all this powerful tech is a new design for the Helios series, featuring a simplified matte black chassis with clean edges and thinner bezels. Several ports are located on the back of the laptop with a customizable RGB light bar that runs along the top of the back vents.

The new design is complimented by a mini-LED backlit keyboard with 1.8 mm key travel and anti-ghosting N-key rollover. The per-key RGB backlit keyboard has been redesigned to showcase bright uniform color (with less halo) and smooth dynamic lighting effects, requiring less power and helping expel heat efficiently with a specially designed backlight module.

The new dedicated Mode key provides instant mode switching for improved gaming performance, while the PredatorSense key makes it easy to quickly open the app. Users can also utilize PredatorSense to enable Predator Pulsar lighting for added customization on their keyboard’s per-key RGB backlighting.

In addition, Acer’s gaming control center, PredatorSense, has been updated to version 4.0 and offers a more robust design that makes it easier to control system settings and monitoring, while the new Scenario Manager feature enables the creation of personal profiles for different gaming setups.

Players stay fully connected as the Predator laptops come with the Intel Killer E2600 Ethernet Controller, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 frequency band support for fast, seamless gameplay. The gaming laptops cover a full range of peripherals with USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, including an HDMI 2.1, two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 that support power delivery, and a Micro SD card reader.

The Predator Helios 16  and Predator Helios 18  laptops also include one month of Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass, providing access to hundreds of high-quality PC games.

Predator X45 & X27U Gaming Monitors

Acer’s newest Predator-branded gaming monitors, the Predator X45 and the Predator X27U, feature OLED displays and blazingly fast performance that will please even the most hardcore gamers. The 45-inch UWQHD (3440×1440) Predator X45 is an 800R monitor with an ultra-wide, narrow frame that expands the field of vision, deepening gaming immersion.

It also supports 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut for stunningly realistic images. Outfitted with DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, it supports both PCs and consoles and is also TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe-certified.

The Predator X45’s OLED panel with HDR10 and a peak brightness of 1000 nits produce excellent contrast for more detailed images, while its UGR<22 rating allows for glare-free gaming in bright conditions. An adjustable metal stand with a sleek, yet sturdy metal base keeps the large monitor stable throughout gameplay.

The Predator X27U’s flat 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) panel with 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage is ideal for professional gamers looking for a reliable and powerful machine for daily use. The TÜV Rheinland EyeSafe-certified monitor also leverages a peak brightness of 1000 nits and HDR10 capabilities to deliver astounding and life-like visuals.

Both the Predator X45 and Predator X27U have very fast 240 Hz refresh rates and 0.01 ms pixel response time combined with AMD FreeSync Premium technology to deliver incredibly smooth gameplay.

They also have a KVM switch which allows for effortless switching between desktops and laptops without having to change the keyboard and mouse. In addition, a USB hub with USB Type-C is a convenient home for gadgets and other peripherals.

Pricing and Availability

The Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD 1,699.99; in EMEA in February, starting at EUR 2,399, and in China in February, starting at RMB 17,999.

The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) will be available in North America in April, starting at USD 1,599; in EMEA in March, starting at EUR 2,499, and in China in February, starting at RMB 20,999.

The Predator X45 will be available in North America in Q2, starting at USD 1,699; in EMEA in Q2, starting at EUR 1,799, and in China in Q1, starting at RMB 12,999.

The Predator X27U will be available in North America in Q2, starting at USD 1,099; in EMEA in Q2, starting at EUR 1,099, and in China in Q1, starting at RMB 7,999.

Exact specifications, prices, and availability for these new products may vary by region.

We have not been able to confirm from Acer when the products will be available in Africa

The post CES 2023: Acer Boosts its Gaming Portfolio with New Predator Laptops and Monitors appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This is also a dream for many, and the way to make that dream a reality starts with considering the role technology plays in it. 

Small businesses are vitally important to South Africa’s economy. According to the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE), the number of the country’s SMMEs totaled 2.61 million in the first quarter of 2020. And, in 2019, annual turnover generated by the formal SMME sector totaled R10.5 trillion. 

“It’s with access to the power of technology, namely business-oriented IT solutions and products, that businesses can master digital transformation,” says Glenn Du Toit, Director at Acer Africa. “Technology opens up new streams of revenue and marketing, allowing people to engage with customers through popular communication channels, and assist with administrative and logistical tasks. It’s business, simplified through technology.”

Technology is the pitch 

Possibly the biggest obstacle that new and existing South African businesses face is having adequate resources to compete with big names in the market. But much has changed thanks to democratisation through technology. For example, a company’s marketing strategy no longer involves having to spend budgets on a magazine ad or giant billboard.

These are formats with limited space and reach. Today’s formats, the likes of Facebook and LinkedIn that have millions of users, offer a wider scope at a widely reduced cost. 

But it’s not just marketing. Increased access to cost-effective computing hardware means businesses can exist entirely online and on digital platforms.

At the same time, that hardware should be capable and reliable. With Acer technology – such as that found in the TravelMate range – business owners can get the best performance out of their devices without compromising power efficiency, as well as reliable wireless connectivity and longer battery life.

Tallying the total cost 

Many businesses flounder because they don’t consider the true cost of their assets, resources, or operating expenses.

The solution is to take a long-term view, considering upfront prices in addition to how much cost any purchase will incur over time. Total cost of ownership (TCO) should always be a factor when building your business strategy.

That’s why it’s up to technology providers and innovators to help businesses maximise the value of their devices while minimising the overall cost.

The Acer Promise, a commitment to small businesses, supports customers in this way. If an Acer TravelMate device experiences a factory fault, Acer will repair the device under warranty, return the device to the customer, and refund 100% of the purchase price.

This is in addition to Acer’s 3-year warranty on Acer TravelMate devices that gives customers extra assurance while they work to achieve success.

Enabling small businesses 

In 2020, Acer launched #AcerInstaPitch, a campaign to help and highlight aspiring small business entrepreneurs. By reimagining the elevator pitch as an Instagram Story, budding businesspeople could share their ideas for the chance to win Acer equipment as well as a business coaching session with businesswoman Martine Solomon.

The result of the campaign demonstrated South Africa’s initiative and creativity. Whether you’re selling craft products, running a township gaming café, or baking beautiful and delicious cakes, Acer technology can boost your business strategy and open the door to new opportunities.

“We are exceptionally proud of how Acer is putting the next generation of local entrepreneurs front and centre, and enabling them to take their enterprises to the next level,” Du Toit adds. “By working with them, we are uplifting South Africa as a whole and helping to change people’s lives.”

The post How Acer Simplifies SMB Transformation through Technology appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The new Acer Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H/T) features a thoughtful design that takes the entire product lifespan into consideration, since it is easy to upgrade, repair, disassemble and recycle.

It also uses recycled materials in most areas of the product including 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in the chassis and 50% PCR plastic in the keycaps, 100% ocean-bound plastics on the touchpad surface and 90% recycled paper packaging.

“The simplicity, security and speed of Chromebooks are the ideal complements to our Vero line’s focus on delivering powerful devices that keep an eye on the environment,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “The new Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is the next step in embodying our Earthion mission by developing eco-friendlier products that have a positive ecological impact on our customers’ businesses, homes and schools.”

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

The new Acer Chromebook Vero 514 broadly integrates the use of PCR plastic with 30% in its chassis and screen bezel, and 50% in the keycaps and speakers.

In addition, the Chromebook contributes to the reduction of plastic waste in the ocean as it uses ocean-bound plastics in its internal fan housing and on its OceanGlass touchpad, which provides a sleek, glass-like texture and responsive tactile feeling.

The new Chromebook was especially designed for an extended product lifespan to minimize environmental impact.

Making repairs and upgrades to the memory and storage are now simplified with the use of standard screws on the bottom cover.

The unique exterior features a paint-free chassis with a cobblestone gray finish and a display panel which is 99% recyclable. 

The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 has a life-extending impact-resistant exterior that meets MIL-STD 810H testing standards, a reinforced design that protects it from drops as high as 122 cm (48 inches).

Acer Chromebook Vero 514 Delivers Strong Performance

Powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors and featuring Intel^® Iris^® Xe graphics, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 tackles collaboration, productivity and entertainment needs. The fast-charging battery keeps customers powered longer throughout the day as the Chromebook can charge up to 50% of its 10-hour battery life in just 30 minutes.

The 14-inch full HD anti-glare Corning Gorilla Glass display – available on the touchscreen option – boasts 300 nits brightness and a wide 100% sRGB color range, providing a more vibrant and compelling viewing experience.

The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 sports a thin bezel design that delivers an impressive 88% screen-to-body ratio.

The full HD flare-reducing webcam and DTS audio with Smart Amplifier provides high-quality video conferencing on the new Chromebook.

Designed for creating and connecting, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 features fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6E and connects to a range of devices and displays. It also provides charging capabilities through its port selection, including two USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A and HDMI.

Acer Chromebook Enterprise Vero 514

The Acer Chromebook Enterprise Vero 514 equips enterprise users with various ChromeOS business capabilities, empowering employees at green-minded organizations, call centers, healthcare organizations and other businesses with greater operating efficiency and productivity.

The Chromebook Enterprise Vero 514 ships with the business capabilities of ChromeOS unlocked, including advanced security, reporting and insights, scalable cloud-based management and zero-touch enrollment.

Recyclable Packaging Further Reduces Environmental Impact

The packaging uses recyclable material to help minimize environmental waste. The box is made from 90% recycled paper, while the notebook bag and keyboard sheet are made from 100% recycled plastic.

The adapter sleeve is made from paper, instead of using the traditional plastic bag. Once the Chromebook is set up for use, the device’s inner packaging can be transformed into a multi-purpose triangular laptop stand or be used for other household or office functions.

Full line of Eco-Minded Acer Vero products

The new Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is the latest addition to Acer’s Vero line which includes Aspire Vero laptops, Veriton Vero All-In-One, Vero monitors, Vero projector, and Vero branded accessories, including a mouse and keyboard.

Acer Earthion

The Vero lineup of products was initiated under the Earthion initiative, Acer’s mission to leverage its strengths, supply chain partners, customers and employees to develop innovative and integrated solutions to help tackle environmental issues for a more sustainable future.

Earthion’s objectives include Acer’s RE100 commitment to source 100% renewable energy by 2035, more eco-friendly product designs, and the reduction of Acer’s supply chain carbon footprint.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H/T) laptop will be available in the United States in October, starting at $499.99; in EMEA in November starting at EUR 599.

TechEconomy understands that exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.

To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, contact your nearest Acer office via the link here.

The post Acer Chromebook Vero 514 – Specification, Price and Availability appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

One of these endeavours is the Green Rewards program. 

Glenn Du Toit, Country Manager for Acer Africa, explains: “The problem of treating the waste of electronic and electrical products is already among the most pressing international environmental protection issues. It’s also a major concern here at Acer, which is why we’re working towards embracing more eco-friendly options. One of the ways we’re doing this is by ensuring the life cycle of our technology is more sustainable through our Green Rewards program”.

Discover the Green Rewards program

The Green Rewards program allows businesses to trade in their old devices in exchange for rewards. Businesses can trade in any branded device on their Acer purchase for a financial reward.as a spate transaction, customers can get a quote from Acer Green rewards who will buy the old devices back from an agreed cash value.

This means that businesses can save on their new purchases, while simultaneously being kinder to the planet. The goal is to help keep resources in use for as long as possible by implementing the concept of a circular economy.

Older products are reused, recycled, repurposed, or donated to non-profit organisations. This means that businesses can update their tech, older products can get a new lease on life, and those unable to afford tech products can have access to them.

How it works

Acer receives help from two organisations. Px3 is an independent specialist consultancy providing sustainability assessments to a wide range of customers looking to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their IT and computing. 

Re-Tek is a multi-award-winning Information Technology Asset Disposition company that supports both public sector enterprises and corporate organisations with end-of-life IT projects.

These companies help Acer decide what to do with the traded-in products. Px3 calculates the carbon footprint of the device to be traded in and compares it against the carbon footprint of the selected new product for purchase.

The difference between these two figures will determine the value of the GREEN reward, which represents the discount received on a new product.

As an additional bonus, certain devices also qualify for a free Windows 11 update.

The process is quick and easy. Simply conduct an instant valuation on old devices, send the old devices to Acer to be re-used, and use the GREEN reward to purchase new products. This process is up to 84% more energy efficient than traditional methods. 

In South Africa, the process can be conducted through accredited Acer partners such as:

• CHM VUWANI in Centurion
• CloudEDU in Cape Town
• First Technology in Midrand
• Introstat in Sandton

For companies that wish to become an accredited Acer partner, the Acer Synergy Partner Portal contains relevant, useful information. Together

A greener future is possible if organisations work. That’s why sustainability programs such as Green Rewards are so important.

Offering businesses opportunities to practice sustainability when it comes to their tech is crucial for a more eco-friendly tech life cycle.

The post Sustainability, a Top Priority for Acer appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.