CES 2013: Acer announces entry-level 7-inch Acer Iconia B1-A71 tablet

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Jan 072013
 

Acer Iconia B1-A71Acer today unveiled a new entry level tablet aimed at new users, “families opting for a 2nd tablet for their children.” As you would expect from a tablet that will be among the cheapest when it launches, the Acer Iconia B1-A71 (a name that just rolls off the tongue) will not sport impressive specifications. But it may find a niche among those looking for such a device.

The Iconia B1 is an affordable entry level device to the wide family of Acer products and is designed for the everyday usage of Modern Day Explorers – in this case young explorers or busy mobile explorers. The Iconia B1 is, like its Acer family products, a device which provides the most premium experience at its price point.

Acer Iconia B1-A71 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Mediatek MTK 8317T
  • Operating system: Google Android Jelly Bean
  • Cellular connectivity: None
  • Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600)
  • Input: Multitouch capacitive touchscreen
  • Memory: 512MB RAM
  • Storage: 8GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB
  • Rear-facing camera: None
  • Front-facing camera: 0.3MP
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB 2.0 port
  • Battery: 2,710mAh
  • Dimensions / weight: 197.4 x 128.5 x 11.3 millimeters / 320 grams

Acer did not provide specific availability details but indicated that it will sell for less than US$150 when it launches.

Read more: Acer

Acer to launch 7-inch Iconia Tab A110 tablet on October 30th

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Oct 182012
 

Acer Iconia Tab A110The 7-inch tablet space got a bit more crowded today. Acer announced that it will launch its newest tablet, the Iconia Tab A110, in both Canada and the U.S. on October 30th.

“Today’s consumers are increasingly mobile and want easy and instant access to entertainment at all times,” said Paul Tayar, senior director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “The Iconia Tab A110 is another example of how Acer is meeting the needs of consumers, by providing tablet form factors that combine portability and performance for fun and gaming, at affordable prices.”

Acer Iconia A110 specifications:

  • Processor: Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Cellular connectivity: None
  • Other connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
  • Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600)
  • Input: Touchscreen
  • Memory: 1GB RAM
  • Storage: 8GB onboard and microSD cards up to 32GB
  • Rear-facing camera: None
  • Front-facing camera: 2GB
  • Connectors: micro-USB, micro-HDMI
  • Dimensions / weight: 390 grams
  • Colours: Black

The Acer Iconia Tab A110 will sell for CA$229.99 and US$229.99 and will be available starting on October 30th.

Acer announces Android 4.1 upgrade plans for Iconia Tab tablets

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Oct 052012
 

AcerIt looks like some good news is coming to many Acer tablet owners. A company spokesperson today confirmed to Computerworld that a number of its Android tablets will be upgraded to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. In fact, the deployment of the update for the Iconia Tab A700 is already underway.

The other tablets scheduled for upgrades are the Iconia Tab A210 and Iconia Tab A510. Both updates are scheduled to start this quarter and complete before the end of the year.

The newly announced Iconia Tab A110 will ship with Android 4.1 pre-loaded.

Unfortunately, Acer also confirmed that the Iconia Tab A100, Iconia Tab A200, and Iconia Tab A500 will not be upgraded to Android 4.1 and will remain on current versions.

Read more: Computerworld

Acer and ASUS pull out of netbook market

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Sep 052012
 

ASUS Eee PCBoth Acer and ASUS are set to pull out of the netbook market. Both companies have seen sales drop as customers shift their attention to tablets and ultrabooks that offer better performance at competitive prices.

ASUS, which launched the first netbook in 2007 and effectively launched the product category, has already stopped producing new Eee PC models and is now focused on selling off its remaining inventory. The company will focus more attention on its family of Eee Pad Transformer tablets.

Acer has yet to officially confirm its withdrawal from the netbook market but has not announced any new netbook models to replace discontinued models.

Read more: Digitimes

Acer to release six smartphones in 2013

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Sep 042012
 

AcerThe smartphone market is going to be more crowded in 2013. Last week ASUS announced its intention to re-enter the market next year and now it’s Acer’s turn. Company president Jim Wong confirmed that Acer will launch six new smartphones in Europe and Asia in 2013. It appears that North America is not in Acer’s plans at this time though.

One will be powered by Windows Phone 8 with the remainder to use Google Android. High-end models will use dual-core Qualcomm processors while entry-level ones will use MediaTek chipsets.

Acer recently launched the high-end CloudMobile S500 smartphone in Europe.

Acer smartphone production will be outsourced to Qisda and Compal Communications in 2013 for “consistency in design.”

Read more: Digitimes

Acer asks Microsoft to “think twice” about entry into tablet market

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Aug 072012
 

AcerMicrosoft’s decision to enter the tablet hardware market with its Surface tablets is one that has likely affected its relationship with its hardware partners (even if there are few such public signs). Acer Chairman and Chief Executive J.T. Wang sees the move as direct competition with its own tablets and spoke out during an interview with The Financial Times. He revealed that he has warned Microsoft about the move:

“We have said think it over. Think twice. It will create a huge negative impact for the ecosystem and other brands may take a negative reaction. It is not something you are good at so please think twice.”

Campbell Kan, Acer’s president for personal computer global operations, added that Acer is evaluating its response to Microsoft’s decision. “If Microsoft … is going to do hardware business, what should we do? Should we still rely on Microsoft, or should we find other alternatives?” he asked. Exactly what alternatives Acer is considering remains to be seen.

Microsoft knows that its decision will upset its partners. In a recent regulatory filing, it warned, “Our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM [original equipment manufacturer] partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.” Just how upset and next steps will be taken may well be decided by how Microsoft Surface tablets and Windows 8 and RT sell when they are released.

Read more: The Financial Times (Source: Reuters)

Acer launches Iconia Tab A700 tablet in Canada

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Jun 282012
 

Acer Iconia Tab A700Acer today announced the Canadian debut of its Iconia Tab A700 tablet. Acer first teased its first full HD tablet back at CES 2012.

“Consumers have embraced their tablets as a mobile hub for their daily lives, and the full HD display on the Acer A700 will give customers a fresh new perspective on the apps, games and digital media they enjoy,” said Paul Tayar, director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “Customers looking for a no-compromise tablet will get the features and performance they want in the new Acer A700.”

Acer Iconia Tab A700 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with Acer Ring interface
  • Cellular connectivity: None
  • Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Display: 10.1-inch LED backlit WUXGA (1920×1200)
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Memory: 1GB RAM
  • Storage: 32GB onboard and microSD cards up to 64GB
  • Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF
  • Front-facing camera: 1MP FF
  • Connectors: Micro-USB, micro-HDMI, 3.5mm combo jack
  • Battery: 9800mAh
  • Dimensions / weight: 259.8×175.0×10.9 millimeters / 667 grams
  • Colours: Silver, Black

The Acer Iconia Tab A700 is now available for CA$449.99 from national electronics retailers.

Read more: Acer

Rumour: Acer, ASUS, and HTC to launch Tizen-powered devices later this year

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May 222012
 

TizenTizen recently hit the SDK and source code version 1.0 milestone. The operating system itself could be formally launched in late June with devices to then follow. According to Digitimes sources, Acer, ASUS and HTC all have devices in development.

The report is vague as to what type of devices each manufacturer is working on. Both Acer and ASUS are planning Tizen-powered netbooks for launch before the end of the third quarter. That leaves HTC to be developing a Tizen-powered smartphone, a likelier scenario than other types of devices, for some time before the end of the year.

No mention is made of upcoming Samsung devices, despite it begin one of Tizen’s key backers.

Tizen rose out of the ashes of MeeGo and the LiMo operating systems last year. Backed by companies that include Intel, Samsung, Telefonica, and Vodafone, it is designed for multiple device categories.

Read more: Digitimes

Rumour: Acer Windows Phone 8 W11 to come with QWERTY keyboard

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Apr 142012
 

Microsoft Windows PhoneThe Windows Phone 8 device rumours are heating up. Samsung has confirmed that it is working on devices and Nokia could be bringing its PureView technology along for the ride. Now comes word of an Acer device, this one sporting a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

According to Russian site Acer-Club, the device is codenamed W11. Aside from the keyboard, only a few additional details are revealed. A dual-core Qualcomm processor appears to be in the cards. It is also being designed as an entry-level, low cost device.

The report adds that Microsoft will formally announce Windows Phone 8 in September with a release in October. These timelines line up with those of earlier rumours.

There have been a number of Windows Phone QWERTY sliders already, including the Dell Venue Pro, the LG Optimus Quantum and the HTC 7 Pro. That another is in the works is not inconceivable.

Read more: Acer-Club (in Russian) [Google translation]

Acer Iconia Tab A510 tablet pre-orders now available in Canada in U.S.

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Mar 222012
 

Acer today announced that its first quad-core tablet, the Acer Iconia Tab A510, is now available for pre-order in both Canada and the U.S. In fact, this is a special “Olympic Edition” version featuring the Olympic rings logo on the back but otherwise no different from the normal A510.

“The new Acer Iconia Tab A510 will exceed the expectations of customers who are ready to embrace using their tablets for more fun, entertainment and a first-rate mobile gaming experience,” said Paul Tayar, director of product marketing for connected devices, Acer America. “Our second-generation Acer A510 builds on the success of its award-winning predecessor with notable improvements in performance, responsiveness and ease-of use, elevating it to the status of ultimate mobile companion. Plus, the tablet will really surprise people with its comprehensive suite of productivity apps that will enable them to remain productive and connected on-the-go.”

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PC vendors to reenter smartphone market with Windows Phone 8?

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Feb 052012
 

PC vendors may be Microsoft’s newest Windows Phone ally. According to a Digitimes report, companies including Acer, Hewlett-Packard and Dell could return to the smartphone market with the next major version of Windows Phone (codenamed Apollo). The close relationship between Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 (details leaked this week about a number of common elements) could make it easier for these companies to develop new WP8-based smartphones.

The report adds that one or more current Windows Phone manufacturers HTC, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics could reduce or stop supporting Windows Phone due to low sales. They may also be looking for an arrangement similar to the one Microsoft has with Nokia which includes development funding.

The report also outlines a roadmap for Windows Phone in 2012. Mango will be upgraded to Tango in the March or April time frame. Tango 2 will then follow in mid-year with Windows Phone 8 to arrive by year’s end. Most WP8-based smartphones would then follow in the first half of 2013. Similar rumours first surfaced last October.

Read more: Digitimes

CES 2012: Acer teases Iconia Tab A700 quad-core 1080p tablet

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Jan 082012
 

AcerCES 2012 has yet to formally start but the press conferences are already underway. Acer kicked things off with a presentation today that focused on ultrabooks and a new cloud service (called AcerCloud). The recently rumoured Iconia Tab A700 tablet was not announced but Acer did tease an upcoming quad-core tablet with a 1080p display (which matches the A700). Aside from that, Acer revealed little else about it.

The Verge was able to track down the mysterious tablet later and confirm that it is in fact the A700 (the name was on the tablet itself). It was also able to confirm the following specifications:

  • Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3
  • Operating system: Google Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with Acer Ring
  • Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
  • Display: 10.1-inch WUXGA (1920×1200)
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Storage: microSD cards
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB, micro-HDMI
  • Dimensions: 9.8 millimeters thick

The Acer Iconia Tab A700 is expected to ship in Q2 2012.

Read more: CNET and The Verge

Acer Iconia Tab A200 available in U.S. on January 15th

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Jan 052012
 

Acer Iconia Tab A200Acer today announced that its Iconia Tab A200 tablet will be available in the U.S. starting on January 15th.

“The Acer Iconia Tab family of tablets is an excellent example of Acer’s ability to deliver high-performance, full-function mobile devices at unbeatable values,” said Eric Ackerson, senior product marketing manager for Acer America. “Acer brings the Iconia Tab A200 to consumers at an affordable price, without making sacrifices on key tablet features such as expansion, connectivity to other devices, HD displays and cameras.”

Acer Iconia Tab A200 specifications:

  • Processor: 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2
  • Operating system: Google Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) with Acer Ring
  • Cellular connectivity: None
  • Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, DLNA
  • Display: 10.1-inch WXGA (1280×800)
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Memory: 1GB RAM
  • Storage: 8GB or 16GB onboard / microSD cards
  • Rear-facing camera: None
  • Front-facing camera: 2MP
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, USB 2.0, microUSB 2.0
  • Battery: 3,260mAh
  • Dimensions / weight: 260 x 175 x 12.4 millimeters / 720 grams

An update to Android 4.0 is expected to be available in mid-February.

The 8GB version of the Acer Iconia Tab A200 will sell for US329.99. The 16GB version will sell for US$349.99.

There is no word yet on a Canadian launch at this time.

Read more: Acer America

Acer and Lenovo Wintel tablets coming in Q3 2012?

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Jan 022012
 

The tablet market is set to get even more crowded in 2012 with the expected launch of Windows 8 tablets. Citing “sources from the upstream supply chain,” Digitimes claims that both Acer and Lenovo will launch tablets powered by Intel’s Clover Trail platform and Windows 8 in the third quarter of 2012.

While Intel will likely show off Medfield-based smartphones and tablets at next week’s CES, the report suggests that manufacturers could wait for the Clover Trail platform as it promises better performance and more efficient power consumption.

The report also suggests that Wintel-based tablets may do better in the enterprise market where Microsoft is firmly entrenched. The consumer space could remain (at least in 2012) primarily a battleground between dominant Apple iPad and the multitude of Android tablets.

Both Acer and Lenovo (and likely others) are expected in the meantime to unveil new quad-core Android tablets in Q1 2012 (possibly as early as CES 2012).

Read more: Digitimes

Acer Iconia Tab A700 revealed?

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Dec 302011
 

While the ASUS Transformer Prime may have been the first quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 tablet, it will not be the last. Acer’s Iconia Tab family looks set to soon welcome the Iconia Tab A700 according to Russian site Nomobile.ru. As past rumours already suggested, it may have at least one advantage over the Transformer Prime: its higher resolution display (an impressive 1920×1200).

Rumoured Acer Iconia A700 specifications:

  • Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3
  • Cellular connectivity: 3G option
  • Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
  • Display: 10.1-inch WUXGA (1920×1200)
  • Input: Capacitive touchscreen
  • Rear-facing camera: HD-capable
  • Front-facing camera: 5MP with LED flash
  • Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, micro-USB, micro-HDMI
  • Battery: 9800mAh
  • Weight: 650 grams

Rumoured Acer Iconia Tab A700

Acer could announce the Iconia Tab A700 at CES 2012 with a launch date in March or April 2012.

Read more (in Russian) [Google translation]

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