Tag: CES 2020

Intelligent Edge devices and solutions were on full display at the Microsoft CES 2020 Showcase this week. New PCs, connected storefront and IOT solutions demonstrated the power of Microsoft’s unique and growing relationship with its partners around the world.

Working with this vibrant partner ecosystem has long been a priority for Microsoft and it is a key differentiator that’s helped make Windows 10 and Azure successful. Taking a collective, collaborative approach enables the top minds in our industry to work together, accelerate innovation, and ensure we bring great devices and experiences to market for our customers. Together with our partners, we are driving technology forward.

During the first CES of a new decade, we’ve been doing our own 10-year challenge this week, looking back at where we were in 2010 in contrast with how dramatically things have changed since then. Every year along the way has brought exciting innovation across the intelligent edge and computing as a whole, and it’s at these milestones where we can see the dramatic shifts in the tech landscape.

As we close out another great year at CES, let’s look at where we’ve been, how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.

A decade of disruptive change

In 2010, Intel launched its Core i7 line — the first six core desktop CPU. Blackberry owned double the market share of the iPhone and triple that of smartphones running other operating systems. The iPad and Instagram launched. Office 2010 was introduced and surpassed Microsoft’s previous records for adoption, deployment and revenue.

Ten years later, we can see how some of those innovations moved entire markets. Some of them played their role then passed the baton to other creations. And new, disruptive technology trends have emerged, affecting the entire technology industry.

Today we are in an age of services, cloud computing, AI and machine learning. Next-generation Windows PCs and entirely new product categories are being built to incorporate cloud and AI services, support new experiences like virtual and augmented reality, and address our insatiable demand for new ways to work with data.

With these emerging technologies and trends, we are creating new possibilities for the modern PC that weren’t on the radar in 2010. Yet in today’s PCs we still see parallels with the innovation from a decade earlier—in 2020 as in 2010, the whole ecosystem remains focused on delivering new customer scenarios. And as we move into a more connected, intelligent era of computing, PCs today can do what PCs simply could not do a decade ago.

Partner innovations at CES

The impact of the past decade’s innovations is showing up in many ways across a spectrum of devices. Features like Windows Hello, Windows Ink and Cortana all require specific hardware to work well, and this week, our partners have demonstrated innovations that complement our software, like fingerprint readers on the power button and cameras with security features, among many other advancements large and small.

Along with the evolution of devices have come changes in the expectations of both consumers and commercial customers. People want attractive, high-quality devices with no tradeoffs between cost and quality. At CES this week, we’ve seen how our partners continue to offer attractive, no-compromise devices packed with premium features to customers at all price points.

The Windows ecosystem is growing every year, and CES 2020 showcased some of the most innovative devices we’ve seen—from incredibly thin and light laptops, convertibles and 2-in-1s, to powerful gaming rigs, always-connected devices and more. Some of the devices at the show included:

• The Acer Swift 3, which supports fast-charging, enabling up to four hours of use with a 30-minute charge.

• The ASUS ExpertBook B9, which offers a frameless four-sided NanoEdge display meaning the 14-inch panel fits into a standard 13-inch laptop chassis with a 94% screen-to-body ratio.

• The latest version of the popular XPS 13 from Dell, which has reduced its InfinityEdge borders and has a 6.8% larger 16:10 display that spans from all four edges and is 25% brighter than before.

• The HP Elite Dragonfly, the first world’s laptop with built-in Tile technology, which allows users to easily find a lost notebook, and is made with ocean bound plastic material with more than 82% of the mechanical parts made from recycled materials.

• The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 with the exclusive Lenovo Q-Control Intelligent Cooling feature that uses AI to optimize battery life by an average of up to 20%.

• The Samsung Galaxy Book Flex α, which offers a long-lasting battery, an immersive QLED display capable of producing over 1 billion colors and featuring an ultra-thin bezel, and up to 17.5-hours battery life.

The power of these products shows how Microsoft’s vibrant ecosystem continues to enable the top minds in our industry to work together, accelerate innovation and bring great experiences to market.

Looking ahead

In the next 10 years, we expect this pace of innovation will only accelerate. The 5G networks coming online will process extremely high volumes of data at much faster speeds, driving new streaming experiences and even more services across a range of devices. Graphics will get even better as HDR displays continue to improve and 8K becomes ubiquitous. New types of devices are sure to appear, with dual screen and foldable PCs already on the horizon for 2020.

Customer expectations and demand for the most modern devices will keep rising, and the ways we use PCs will keep evolving as we expand our cloud computing capabilities and our understanding of AI and machine learning.

As we work through this new decade, Microsoft will continue to innovate with our partners to meet these demands, so everyone can achieve more. From 5G to the power of the intelligent edge, I’m excited to see what our partners will bring to market in the new “roaring twenties.”

As customers think about more about security and mobility, new devices from Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo—announced this week at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas—provide a productive, secure experience for on-the-go professionals.

Acer

Acer introduced the TravelMate P6, a durable, thin-and-light notebook and the TravelMate P2, a modern device for an increasingly mobile workforce.

The TravelMate P6 battery can be charged up to 50 percent in less than 45 minutes making it an excellent choice for professionals on the go. The 180-hinge allows users to lay it flat to easily share the screen. In addition, the TravelMate P6 is certified for Microsoft Teams and delivers crystal-clear videoconferencing via a four-mic array that picks up vocals from up to 6.5 feet away. The TravelMate P6 also offers powerful security features, including Windows Hello, which allows users to sign in using fingerprint or facial recognition.

The TravelMate P2 features high-speed connectivity, all-day battery life, and is easy to deploy and manage. The TravelMate P2 is built with connectivity at the forefront making it a reliable choice for mobile workers. And a wide host of customization options enables the TravelMate P2 to adapt to work on anything.

Both the TravelMate P6 and P2 run Windows 10 Pro. To learn more, visit Acer.com.

Dell

Dell Technologies introduced the Latitude 9510, the world’s smallest and lightest commercial 15-inch PC, which easily fits into a small work bag. At only 3.2 pounds, professionals can travel light without carrying extra weight of battery chargers, adapters, or speakerphone pucks needed for a work day. The Latitude 9510 includes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve battery life based on charge patterns and power usage, as well as launch frequently used applications faster. In addition, users can sign in quickly and securely with Windows Hello.

The Latitude 9510 runs on Windows 10 Pro and will be available globally March 26, 2020. Learn more at Dell.com.

HP

HP announced the HP Elite Dragonfly, the first world’s laptop with built-in Tile technology, which allows users to easily find a lost notebook. Running on Windows 10 Pro, the HP Elite Dragonfly is made with ocean bound plastic material with more than 82 percent of the mechanical parts made from recycled materials. HP Elite Dragonfly with optional Tile integration and HP Sure View Reflect is expected to be available starting February 2020. HP Elite Dragonfly with 5G and latest processor is expected to be available later in the summer. Visit HP, Inc. for more information.

Lenovo

Lenovo announced the ThinkPad X1 Fold, and ThinkBook Plus, both designed to improve productivity on the go.

The ThinkPad X1 Fold offers a new form factor giving professionals—who frequently switch between phone, tablet, and laptop—multiple ways to use the PC without compromising on performance or screen size. Built from a combination of lightweight alloys and carbon fibre and covered in a leather folio cover, the ThinkPad X1 Fold can easily slip into the smallest of bags. Running Windows 10 Pro, the ThinkPad X1 Fold offers the durability and reliability users expect from any ThinkPad.

The ThinkBook Plus features an innovative e-Ink display on the cover, so users can take notes or create illustrations with the digital pen and then sync to Microsoft OneNote. In addition, essential notifications can be received when the lid is closed allowing users to stay focused during meetings. The ThinkBook Plus leverages the power of Windows 10 to quickly launch apps and Smart Power On simplifies Windows Hello authentication with the fingerprint integrated into the power button.

To learn more about these and other devices announced today, visit Lenovo.com.

Lenovo closed out its announcements at CES with some big reveals: what it claims as the “world’s first 5G PC” [1] and a special limited-edition laptop that incorporates designs inspired by the company’s partnership with Ducati.

The Lenovo Yoga 5G is the world’s first 5G PC, which means it supports both millimeter wave full-band and sub-6GHz 5G networks, so it’s capable of satisfying your need for speed with ultra-fast connectivity, reduced latency and wider bandwidth. Download large files nearly instantly or stream a high-resolution video with true Full HD clarity even in highly populated areas like airports with 5G [2]. First previewed at COMPUTEX, this ultra-portable 2-in-1 laptop is the first-ever PC powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx 5G Compute Platform, bringing you high-speed 5G network connectivity that’s up to 10 times faster than 4G through a service provider [2] when on the move and reliable Wi-Fi access at home. Need to edit video footage in real-time on set and then upload the finished film? Or how about faster screen refreshes for smoother mobile gaming? It’s all possible with lightning-fast download speeds supported by nine built-in antennas for a stronger signal. It’s also super-light at 2.86lbs (1.3kg).

The new premium Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 laptop comes in two ultraslim sizes: 14-inch or 15-inch. Both options have Windows 10 and the convenience of the exclusive Lenovo Q-Control Intelligent Cooling feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize battery life by an average of up to 20% [3]. Even more AI-enabled features are offered via Lenovo Smart Assist on the Yoga Slim 7, including a boost to attention-sensing functionality from Glance by Mirametrix. It has up to 10^th Gen Intel Core i7 with Intel Iris Plus graphics. It also includes hands-free login and auto-logoff via IR camera and Windows Hello, plus an adjustable Smart Battery that transitions capability based on usage behavior, temperature and whether the device is plugged in.

Find out more about these Yogas.

Two years ago, Lenovo brought its smarter technology to the racetrack by becoming the key technology partner of Ducati. Lenovo’s branding can be seen on Ducati racing bikes and MotoGP riders’ uniforms, and now, for the first time, Ducati’s branding will be on the special edition thin and light laptop: The Lenovo Ducati 5.

It’s got wrap-around racing stripes, a colorful gift box and companion carrying sleeve with an emblazoned Ducati shield.

“These devices feel special, almost custom-built. And with only 12,000 machines in this limited-edition made, it’s tailored for the biggest Ducati fans,” says Brian Leonard, Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group’s vice president of Design. “As a team, we spent our time concerned with which aesthetics were going to resonate well with fans of Ducati and Lenovo – a design that fused the two brands. A look and feel that was understated but special to allow diehard Ducati fans to appreciate the quality of the finishes and unique details.”

Among those details: Notebook colors inspired by one of the Panigale street bikes, the special stitching pattern on the sleeve that matches the detailing on Ducati’s bike seats and typeface used to stamp individual serial numbers on the bottom laptop covers and on the commemorative cards is the same one Ducati uses to mark its collector edition bike parts.

Find out more at Lenovo.

[1] Based on research conducted by Lenovo in November 2019 of laptops sold by major PC manufacturers shipping > 1 million units worldwide annually.

[2] Requires 5G network service and separately purchased cellular data plan that may vary by location. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges apply. Connection speeds will vary due to location, environment, network conditions and other factors.

[3] AI-enabled middle setting extends battery life an average of up to 20% based on Intel verification testing. Actual performance will vary with use, system configurations and settings.

At CES 2020, ASUS unveiled its latest lineup of consumer devices, including refreshed VivoBook and VivoBook S-series notebooks, the 14-inch ZenBook Duo and esports-ready Strix gaming rigs. The company also released details on its latest ExpertBook B9 for business pros.

The newest ASUS VivoBook S-series notebooks carry on ASUS’ tradition of balancing personality and performance. These laptops have 10th Generation Intel Core processors to handle multitasking and high-definition entertainment. They also come with up to next-gen WiFi 6 connectivity for significantly improved performance in congested environments, up to 16GB of RAM, a choice between Intel integrated graphics or NVIDIA GeForce graphics and an updated chassis across 13-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch sizes. They’re also celebrating the new decade with new colors, including Resolute Red and Gaia Green.

The latest VivoBook 14 and VivoBook 15 notebooks are ready-made for your connected, creative lifestyle – especially on the go. Their compact, lightweight chassis design, as well as ultra-slim NanoEdge display bezels, make for a surprisingly small footprint. They also have up to Core i7 Intel 10th Generation Processors, the latest NVIDIA GeForce graphics for light gaming or photo/video editing, up to 16GB of RAM and optional WiFi 6 for top-notch connectivity. To speed up access to commonly used apps and files, there are also VivoBook models with Intel’s Optane memory. Enjoy a backlit keyboard, ports for HDMI and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, and a microphone array to interact with voice assistants like Microsoft’s Cortana from up to four meters away.

The latest ASUS ZenBook Duo is a 14-inch laptop featuring the new ASUS ScreenPad Plus — a 12.6-inch full-width auxiliary touchscreen that expands and enhances the interactive capabilities offered by the original ASUS ScreenPad. ScreenPad Plus changes the way users can interact with their laptop, encouraging productivity-enhancing workflows and easy multitasking. A 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, combined with up to 16GB RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU, provides extreme performance. Up to a 1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD delivers ultrafast storage.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) also debuted new models: Strix GA35 and GT35 gaming desktops to get players tournament-ready for competitive esports. They’re engineered to sustain smooth gameplay under serious pressure, and offer the flexibility to do everything from producing top-quality streams to developing games.

GPU power is crucial for maintaining an edge in multiplayer and rendering realistic visual effects that deepen immersion in AAA titles, so these Strix desktops feature up to an ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card. For demanding workloads like content creation and heavy duty multitasking, the GA35 has up to a 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 3950X CPU, while the upcoming GT35 will feature 10th Generation Intel Core processors.

The graphics card’s massive triple-fan cooler stands tall in an optional vertical mount, while a 240-mm radiator chills the CPU with liquid cooling. They’re part of a comprehensive cooling system that includes a multi-zone chassis optimized for airflow. The all-new case is simple to open and upgrade, giving gamers the freedom to build upon their investment.

In addition to those new gaming devices, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) also announced new Strix GA15 and GT15 gaming desktops that focus on gaming fundamentals for competitive esports players on a budget. Lean and lightweight, these leverage powerful, latest generation processors to capably handle hardcore gaming, streaming and multitasking. These use the latest 3rd Generation AMD Ryzen CPUs and upcoming 10th Generation Intel Core processors. The Strix GA15 is available with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 3800X CPU that has 8 cores and 16 threads to easily handle demanding and varied workloads. Top configurations add up to 32GB of high-performance DDR4-3200MHz RAM, ensuring responsiveness even under heavy loads.

They fit it all in a compact, 10kg package with a built-in carrying handle for easy portability. The efficient cooling design helps quietly deliver a gaming experience that can hold its own at LAN parties, tournaments and more.

Gamers may also appreciate the extensive personalization options that come with these desktops. The case comes with an EMI-shielded glass panel that showcases a range of internal components illuminated by RGB lighting. Customizable lighting also cuts across the front of the chassis with an evenly diffused glow.

And for busy professionals who do business on the go, ASUS also announced the ExpertBook B9 laptop, weighing in at just 865 grams with a 14.9mm-thin profile. A frameless four-sided NanoEdge display means the B9450’s 14-inch panel fits into a standard 13-inch laptop chassis with a 94% screen-to-body ratio. Even with its small form factor, you can expect uninterrupted performance with long-lasting battery life to get through the work day.

Professionals will find top-tier performance thanks to up to a 10th Generation Intel Core processor, two ultrafast 1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs, up to 16GB of RAM, next-gen connectivity with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. And in addition to being built to last with military-grade durability, the B9450 integrates a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM) security chip to keeps business-critical data safe, while a built-in IR camera allows for biometric logins.

Find out more about all these devices at ASUS Edge Up and the ASUS Newsroom.

At CES, Acer debuted updated models of its popular convertible notebook PC line, expanded its Creator PC line and introduced a trio of new Predator monitors with large displays and a powerful feature set.

The Spin 3 and Spin 5 now sport slimmer designs, the latest 10^th Generation Intel Core processors and Windows 10 Home. Four modes (tablet, notebook, display or tent) encourage sketching, taking notes, and creating content and presentations throughout the day. The hinge features a design that elevates the keyboard in laptop mode.

The Spin 5 display’s 3:2 aspect ratio adds 18% more vertical space compared to an equally wide 16:9 display, so users scroll less when viewing websites, documents and spreadsheets. Its magnesium aluminum chassis and palm rest make it durable and lightweight – only 2.65 pounds (1.2 kg). It also comes with an integrated fingerprint reader for fast and more secure logins via Windows Hello.

Both include a fast-charging Acer Active Stylus that employs Wacom AES technology, reliable and speedy Wi-Fi 6, and a full range of ports, including USB Type-C with support for Thunderbolt 3. They’re also enhanced with dual speakers and Acer TrueHarmony. Dual microphones ensure a clear audio connection when using the HD webcam for online chats. You can connect to the device via voice to interact with Cortana, even in Modern Standby mode, which is designed to give consumers better access to their PC.

Find out more at Acer.

Acer also expands its line of ConceptD creator PCs with new convertible notebooks and a powerful workstation.

The ConceptD 7 Ezel series comes with Acer’s Ezel hinge, which translates to five usage modes, making it easier than ever for creative professionals to collaborate, share and bring ideas to life. A desktop replacement that can be taken on the road, this series is ideal for those who want to sketch, finalize and present on one device.

Creators’ work comes to life in brilliant detail and clarity on the notebooks’ 4K IPS displays (3840 x 2160 resolution) which deliver more than 8 million pixels. The displays also include integrated color correction technologies and have been tested and calibrated to deliver superior fidelity in reproducing the PANTONE Matching System (PMS) Colors.

The touch screen displays provide a natural writing experience via the included Wacom EMR pen, which provides fast and accurate control. EMR pens perfectly replicate the fluidity of ink. Plus, they don’t require a battery and offer better precision, response times, resolution, pressure sensitivities, hover accessibility and durability. The displays are made of Gorilla Glass 6, making them resistant to drops. They also include an anti-glare coating, making it easy to see images when used outdoors or under bright lights.

Demanding workflows are no match for a 10^th Generation Intel Core H-series processor coming soon, NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs, up to 32 GB of DDR4 memory and up to 2 TB PCIe SSDs. Creators can quickly edit and render videos or create 3D animations and showcase their work in real time.

The ConceptD 7 Ezel convertible notebook will be available in the U.S. in June with a starting price of $2,699. The ConceptD 7 Ezel Pro convertible notebook will be available in the U.S. in July with a starting price of $3,099.

The ConceptD 700 workstation was also built to handle heavy content creator workflows with ease, thanks to an Intel Xeon E processor and up to NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 graphics to address the needs of film makers, animators and AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) designers with powerful and stable performance for 3D computer-aided design (CAD).

To keep up with evolving workloads, it can go up to 64 GB 4x DIMM 2666 MHz DDR4 memory, and use fast storage options like on-board PCIe M.2 SSD. It also has four internal storage bays supporting both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch HDDs.

Optimal thermal ventilation is critical for taking on heavy design rendering. The ConceptD 700 uses three efficient cooling fans to draw air in through the triangular-patterned front air panel and circulate it throughout the chassis.

Find out more at Acer.

Acer also introduced three new Predator monitors offering gamers a more immersive and expansive view of their play. The Predator CG552K features a huge 55-inch 4K OLED panel that’s Adaptive Sync and HDMI VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) compatible, making it ideal for hardcore PC and console gamers wanting a higher vantage point. The 37.5-inch  monitor increases gaming immersion with a 2300R curved UWQHD+ panel and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification that makes colors pop. And the 32-inch Predator X32 gaming monitor reproduces brilliant visuals with NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate, VESA Display HDR 1400 certification and 89.5% Rec. 2020, perfect for gamers who also create their own videos.

The Predator X32 gaming monitor will be available in Q2 2020 for $3,599 (MSRP), the Predator X38 in April 2020 for $2,199 (MSRP) and the Predator CG552K in Q3 for $2,999 (MSRP).

Find out more at Acer.