Acer unveils four new Liquid phones and a convertible Chromebook

While IFA technically hasn’t started yet, the real fun always happens a few days ahead, as all the OEMs unveil their new devices at special press events. With this is mind, Acer has kicked off the festivities with the announcement of several new products, including 4 new Acer Liquid phones and a convertible Chromebook. Let’s start by discussing the phones: the Liquid Z630, Z530, and Z520. The Z630 and Z530 also have “S” models that are pretty much the same, but with slightly better specs.

The Liquid Z630 series offers a 5.5-inch 720p display, 8MP front and back cameras, and a 4000 mAh battery. The S model offers an octa-core MediaTek processor with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while the standard version has a 1.3GHz MediaTek quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. Pricing for the Z630 will begin at €199 (roughly $224.16) when it arrives in September, though no specific pricing details have been revealed for the Z630S.

Next we have the Z530 series, powered by a quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek processor. Other specs include a 5-inch 720p display, 8MP front and back cams, and an unspecified battery size. The S model has 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, while the standard version has either 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, or 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. The Z630 will price at €149 and will arrive in October.

On the lower-end you’ll find the Z330 and Z320. Both of these phones offer 4.5-inch displays, Snapdragon 210 processors, 1GB RAM, and 8GB storage. The only major difference is that the Z330 has a 210 MSM8909 with Cat4 LTE, while the Z320 has a MSM8209 and is 3G only. No exact word on pricing for either of these models just yet.

Regardless of what phone you pick up, all of them will feature Android 5.1 with Acer’s UI customizations running on top. The new Liquid family will not be made available for the North American market unfortunately, and instead will be aimed at Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Acer Chromebook R11

Last but not least, Acer has shown of the R11, a new convertible Chromebook that allows the screen to fully rotate around back, essentially transforming the laptop into a Chrome tablet.

On the spec front, you’ll get an 11-inch 1366 x 768 LCD display with 10-point touch and a Intel Celeron N3150 or N3050, depending on your configuration. Other specs include up to 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, an HDR-capable webcam, 802.11ac WiFi, and a USB 3.0 port.

Pricing for the Chromebook R11 begins at $299 and will launch to North America in October. Europe and other regions can expect the laptop in November.

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Acer’s First Convertible Chromebook Will Bend over Backwards for Work and Play

Acer’s first convertible Chromebook, the Chromebook R 11, expands company’s successful and award-winning line
Innovative 360 degree hinge design gives customers four versatile usage modes for work and play
HD touch screen held steady by sturdy dual-torque hinges
Powered by Intel® Celeron ® processors for fast performance
Up to three times faster1 wireless performance with 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless connection
BERLIN, GERMANY (September 2, 2015) Today Acer, the market leader and pioneer in the Chromebook category, adds the company’s first convertible Chromebook to its line-up, the Acer Chromebook R 11. The new Chromebook is packed with the latest technology and features for a faster, more productive and flexible user experience.

Following the success of Chromebook line since Acer entered the space in 2011, the Chromebook R 11 is Acer’s first convertible notebook. It easily transitions between four usage modes: laptop, pad, display and tent modes, letting customers enjoy the Chromebook in a variety of settings. 1 Based on an IEEE 802.11ac draft specification. Actual speed will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network, and other factors.  According to Gartner, Acer is the world’s leading Chromebook brand with over 36 percent market share in 20142.

Four Modes to Fulfil Needs at Work or at Play

The Chromebook R 11 is equipped with Acer’s patented 360 degrees dual-torque hinge design, enabling customers to manipulate the display to any degree that is most comfortable for the setting. The dual-torque hinges keep the display secure and stable during touch control and while switching between the modes. Always smart, the audio channel output automatically reverses as the display changes orientation.

Since the classic laptop experience is still a crucial part of the way people use their Chromebooks, users will find themselves right at home in laptop mode when they need to access the keyboard for an efficient and productive input experience.
Pushing back the Chromebook into display mode hides the keyboard and brings the display closer to make the most of visuals and entertainment. As the Chromebook R 11 is flipped, the on-screen image automatically rotates 180 degrees to the correct viewing orientation.
Tent mode provides an ideal viewing and touch experience in confined spaces such as when traveling on a plane or train.
Push the display back 360 degrees so the Chromebook converts to pad mode for a quick and efficient way to play, share and browse. The Chromebook R 11 supports both landscape and portrait pad modes.
Lighter, Faster, More Powerful

At just 19.2 mm thin and weighing less than 1.25 kg, the Chromebook R 11 is designed to slip into book bags and backpacks effortlessly. This lightweight computer also packs a huge punch with Intel® Celeron® processors, ultra-fast 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless connection, USB 3.0 port, and fast boot time.  Stylish Design and Vibrant Touch Screen

The Chromebook R 11 packs style as well as substance. The premium aluminum top cover is imprinted for a uniquely textured metallic finish using Acer nano-imprint technology

The 11.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) screen with wide viewing angle is complemented by an HD webcam with HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging, with a crisp and vibrant touch screen display. The LED-backlit LCD screen has integrated 10-point touch, supporting Tap, Swipe and Pinch to Zoom gestures so any web page or app can benefit.

“By launching the Acer Chromebook R 11, we are providing our customers with a greater choice of Chrome OS notebooks,” said Jerry Kao, president of Notebook Business Group at Acer. “We already offer a variety of Chromebooks from 11 to 15 inches. The addition of the convertible series is another illustration of our commitment to our customers and the category.”

Chrome is Secure, Easy to Use and Share in Different Modes

The Acer Chromebook R 11 is the ideal device for a range of customers who view, edit, create and collaborate in programs such as Microsoft Office Online documents and Google Docs. Chromebooks are simple to use and ideal for sharing by multiple users, since users can log into their own account to access Docs, website bookmarks and other information. Storage on Google Drive protects files, documents, and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version of the file or document is always available and safe, even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen. Security is a key benefit of the Chrome OS, as it’s automatically updated to guard against ever- changing online threats. In addition, the Supervised Users feature helps get customers online in a safe, controlled way.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Chromebook R 11 will be available in North America in October with prices starting from $299. It will also be available in EMEA starting in November at prices starting at €299. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

BERLIN, GERMANY (September 2, 2015) Today Acer announces six new Liquid smartphones; four running Android 5.1 and two with Windows 10. The handsets feature sleek, curved chassis with upgraded front-facing cameras, wide-angle lenses and enhanced audio.

All Acer Liquid smartphones announced today share several features that improve the overall enjoyment of the technology in consumers’ hands, whether it’s watching movies, snapping selfies, or listening to music. Innovations such as Acer BluelightShieldTM 2 which controls users’ exposure of blue light from the screen and DTS Studio SoundTM 2 gives high-quality audio performance for music and movies. Phone fans will appreciate exposure control which allows adjustment of exposure and focus independently to get clear and bright shots, and Bright Magic photo that ensures selfies are always presented in the best lighting conditions.

Other user features through the range include the Acer QuickMode2 user interface which provides three customized layout options designed for specific groups of users – Standard Mode for those familiar with a smartphones; Easy Mode for those who are just learning; and Basic Mode that offers a range of protective options for kids. On top of Basic Mode, these handsets all offer Kids Center, a protected environment with parental control. Helping people get the most out of all these features is the Acer Aid Kit2, a set of three tools that monitors the phone’s performance, manage battery life, and run the backup and restore center.

“There is a movement among smartphone users at all levels towards using their handsets as digital content and entertainment devices,” noted ST Liew, president of Acer’s Smart Products Business Group. “We focused on bringing these attributes to the forefront in our new models. Enhanced sound, camera and features along with Acer’s easy to use UI makes these models ideal for anyone looking for a first smartphone, or upgrade from a basic model for a superb media experience.”

Liquid Z630 – Big on Power and Size

Powered by the 64-bit, quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6735 processor the 5.5-inch Z630 (measuring 156.3 x 77.5 8.9 mm) Android 5.1 handset is ideal for those looking to create, share and enjoy digital content on the go, enabled by 2GB RAM and a standard 16GB of internal memory. It packs a 4000 mAh battery ensures lasting performance from every charge. A HD Zero Air Gap screen with IPS technology extends to house the 8MP wide view angle front lens (capable of 1080p video recording) as well as the 8MP auto-focus rear camera (capable of 1080p video). Connectivity comes through its Cat4 LTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, and Bluetooth 4.0 with LE connectivity.  The updated Acer Liquid UI is designed to be more consumer friendly than ever before. Key apps have been designed as “Float Apps” taking up only a portion of the screen so users can see and interact with the desktop below. This feature is available for maps, browser, notes, calendar and more, along with “Float Caller” which lets an incoming call pop up as a mini window for the user to choose whether to answer or reply with quick messages without interrupting the current session completely.

The Z630 is also equipped with AcerEXTEND which connects wirelessly to a compatible laptop or PC and lets you view the phone’s home screen in a phone-shaped emulator box on the computer. Enabling functions like webpage and document sharing, full screening, drag and drop organization, messaging, typing and simplifies managing files and switching from personal to professional mode using the same device. Acer will also offer the Liquid Z630S model powered by an octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM.

Liquid Z530 – Perfect Selfie Smartphone

Also powered by the 64-bit, quad-core 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6735 processor, the 5-inch Z530 (measuring 144 x 70.3 x 8.9 mm) Android 5.1 phone is an intelligent device for those serious about their selfies. Focusing on sharp display and quality images and supported by 1GB/2GB RAM and 8GB/16GB storage (depending on market), the Vivid Color display; 84 degree wide- angle front facing 8MP selfie lens; Cat4 LTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity; Acer QuickTouch controls and ergonomic design all contribute to this social media optimized phone.

The Android 5.1 handset features a HD IPS screen with Zero Air Gap to ensure bright rendering of color. Photo enhancements presented by Gourmet Mode for food photographers automatically adjusts color temperature and style for pictures of dishes; Touch to capture for focusing and capturing photos with just one touch; Smile Shutter to capture smiles as they happen and much more. Also featuring the Acer Liquid UI, the handset is designed for anyone looking to explore the real benefits of carrying a camera with them wherever they go.

Acer will also offer the Liquid Z530S model powered by an octa-core processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Liquid Z630 will be available in EMEA in September with prices starting at €199.  The Acer Liquid Z530 will be available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €149.

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

The new products were unveiled today at the next@acer press event at IFA Berlin in Germany, where the company announced its latest devices and solutions for gamers and consumers for the holiday season. Visit Acer’s booth at IFA 2015 in Messe Berlin (Hall 12/101) or learn about the new product range on acer.com/ifaberlin2015.

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