Tag: Computex 2019

Today, at Computex in Taipei, Microsoft executives Roanne Sones, CVP OS Platforms and Rodney Clark, VP IoT Sales, shared the keynote stage with me to showcase Microsoft 365, Windows platform and Azure IoT technologies and services that device partners can use to deliver innovative modern PC experiences and build a new generation of connected devices and IoT solutions. In addition, they provided perspective as to how intelligent edge ecosystem partners can fuel business transformation by working together to build edge to cloud IoT solutions.

Microsoft 365 and Windows

The PC ecosystem continues to innovate and build modern Windows PCs that deliver breakthrough performance, enable new scenarios and offer the ultimate in secure, intelligent edge devices that customers love. Partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and MSI have recently announced new modern PCs that will delight both creators and gamers.

Acer’s ConceptD 9 creator notebook features a 4K UHD IPS PANTONE Validated display. Colors are as accurate as possible as the display covers 100 percent of the Adobe RGB color gamut. This creator notebook stays quiet with Acer’s 4th generation AeroBlade 3D Fan with a noise reduction mechanism that emits less than 40 db of noise — equivalent to the sound level of a library — while maintaining high computing and graphics performance. 

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581), an ultraportable laptop that includes a 4KOLED UHD ASUS ScreenPad Plus (3840 x 2160), a full-width secondary touchscreen (3840 x 1100) that expands and enhances the interactive capabilities of the original ASUS ScreenPad. The display is a frameless four-sided ASUS NanoEdge design, with ultra slim bezels for immersive visuals, in an ultra-compact form factor.The new Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 packs more performance in a thinner design and larger display. Dell’s first laptop with Intel’s Ice Lake-U 10nm 10th gen processors and features adaptive performance based on the latest Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology, which proactively changes the power of the CPU according to the performance of the workload. It comes with a redesigned thermal system to cool the higher performing processor, while creating an overall 8% thinner 2-in-1 than the previous generation.HP recently announced the OMEN X 2S. On top of a variety of awesome use cases for messaging, music apps, watching videos, stream chats and OMEN Command Center, it features a real-time screen mirroring feature further bolsters the OMEN X 2S, by cutting and magnifying parts of the main screen – such as copying the map portion of a racing game – to the second screen, ensuring centered vision and more vertical head movement.

The new Lenovo ThinkPad T495 offers feature upgrades without compromise, and provides a high level of hardware security and manageability. It has longer battery life, and increased performance by up to 18 percent (compared to benchmarks of prior generations). And since security is top of mind for everyone, Lenovo is delivering greater peace of mind with just a slide of the ThinkShutter, the all-in-one integrated camera security cover that physically protects ThinkPad users from malicious webcam snoopers.

Featuring the latest RTX graphics and 9th Generation Intel Core i9 processor and Wi-Fi 6, the new MSI GE65 Raider can easily handle demanding AAA game titles. Its ultra-fast 240Hz IPS-level thin bezel display ensures sharp and clear images in a compact form factor, and the new two-toned mesh design at the underside of the unit, inspired by a dragon theme, provides better ventilation and prevents hot air from recirculating.These new modern PCs and innovative devices the ecosystem will continue to build and bring to market in the future require a modern operating system. An OS  that provides a set of enablers that deliver the foundational experiences customers expect from their devices, and includes a set of delighters that deliver innovative human centric experiences. Enablers include seamless updates – with a modern OS updates are invisibly done in the background; the update experience is deterministic, reliable, and instant with no interruptions! A modern OS, is also secure by default, the state is separated from the operating system; compute is separated from applications; this protects the user from malicious attacks throughout the device lifecycle. Always connected -with a modern OS Wifi, LTE 5G will just work – and users never have to worry about a deadspot. All of a users devices are aware and connected to each other. A modern OS provides sustained performance, from the moment a user picks up their device – everything is ready to go – without having to worry about the next time the PC needs to be charged. These enablers will satisfy customer’s basic needs, but to truly differentiate we must also delight them. A modern OS does this by enabling cloud-connected experiences that use the compute power of the cloud to enhance users experiences on their devices.  These experiences are powered by AI, so a modern OS is aware of what a user is doing tomorrow and helps them get it done, and it enhances applications making them more intelligent. A modern OS is also multi-sense. People can use pen, voice, touch, even gaze – what ever input method a user wants to use works just as well as the keyboard and mouse. Finally, a modern OS provides the ultimate in form factor agility. A modern OS has the right sensor support and posture awareness to enable the breadth of innovative form factors and applications that our partner ecosystem will deliver

These enablers and delighters underpin our vision for a Modern OS, they will provide the foundational elements for an evolution of the PC ecosystem and enable partners  to deliver the more human-centric experiences of tomorrow. Microsoft is investing to enable these modern OS experiences, and to deliver new ones that take advantage of silicon advancements, powerful PCs, the cloud and power of AI. Experiences like an Asian Inking platform, cognitive recognition services that help with photo tagging and new Your Phone capabilities that let users mirror their Android phone screen on their PC and use the PC mouse and keyboard to interact with phone apps and content using either Wi-Fi or LTE.

Intelligent Edge and the Internet of Things

IoT is another area of tremendous growth and unparalleled innovation, and our broad ecosystem of IoT partners including chip makers, hardware manufacturers, solution providers and aggregators are building a diverse assortment of IoT devices and solutions for businesses across industries. At Microsoft our goal is to simplify IoT – from the cloud down to the smallest MCU based devices, and we do this by meeting our partners and customers where they are, with the right intelligent cloud services, software and development tools they need to get devices connected, and manage solutions at scale.

Device partners are utilizing Azure IoT Central, Azure IoT Edge and Windows IoT to build intelligent edge devices that can be connected to the cloud and used in solutions that deliver business results. Today at Computex, we announced that Microsoft and NXP are continuing their efforts to bring the full range of NXP systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) to Windows IoT. The board support package (BSP) for the i.MX6 SoloX applications processors will be generally available in June 2019. Additional BSPs for members of the i.MX6 series are expected to become available later this summer, with BSPs for the i.MX7 and i.MX8 series released later this year.

We’ve recently announced additional services and programs that hardware manufacturers can use to get their devices connected to the cloud and included in IoT solutions.

IoT Plug and Play, a new open modeling language to connect IoT devices to the cloud seamlessly, helps device partners navigate one of the biggest challenges they face — deploying IoT solutions at scale. Previously, software had to be written specifically for the connected device it supported, limiting the scale of IoT deployments. IoT Plug and Play provides partners with a straightforward way to model the capabilities and data coming from their IoT devices and will provide customers with a large portfolio of partner-certified devices that can easily be made to work with any IoT solution, often without writing any new code.

Azure IoT Central is a fully managed global IoT SaaS (software-as-a-service) solution that makes it easy to connect, monitor, and manage IoT assets at scale. Bring connected products to market faster while staying focused on customers.  New custom dashboard features allow partners to bring their own brand and user experience to their IoT solution, and benefit from the built-in security, reliability, device connectivity and role-based user account management provided by IoT Central.

Microsoft Azure IoT Device Agent V2 for Windows 10 IoT, lets operators configure, monitor and manage their devices remotely from their Azure dashboard. It provides an open-source, ready to build package that: creates and manages the Azure IoT Hub identities on the device, manages the cloud connection and its renewal, provides a plug-in model for platform components, which allows easy onboarding to various Azure services, including discovery, initialization, error reporting and state aggregation, comes with a set of ready-to-ship plug-ins for commonly used platform components and leverages Azure IoT Module Twin so a separate UWP app is not required to connect to Azure IoT Hub.

Businesses who are implementing IoT solutions want to achieve time to value as quickly as possible. And, when partners take advantage of Microsoft’s comprehensive, trusted and easy to use edge to cloud platforms, embrace business model transformation and work together they can reduce the complexity of IoT, and accelerate time to value for customers. Leveraging a common architecture and repeatable solutions based on accelerators can eliminate up to 80 percent of the development work on a new solution, and collaborating with compatible partners offers greater speed, scalability, and depth of expertise. All of which means customers get their IoT solutions up and running faster — hastening ROI and increasing profitability.

Techsun is a great example of an ecosystem partner who is embracing IoT transformation.  They successfully collaborated with Compal to design an AI camera, IoT sensor and IOT management platform that leverages Microsoft services including Edge AI, Azure IoT and cognitive services to develop cloud to edge AI algorithms, a data management platform and a business management platform for retail. A variety of retailers have implemented Techsun’s Retail Next solution and are using consumer flow and store operation data along with information on consumer behavior that the solution makes available to improve customer service, increase efficiency and enhance store layouts. By developing this new solution, Techsun has transformed itself from being a traditional Dynamics partner into a leading retail digital service provider in China.

Advantech developed an end-to-end industry safety solution that includes the BTI MIOTY LPWAN wireless solution running on an industry-standard Windows IoT gateway and a wearable device that monitors heart rates. Industrial customers can use this solution to gather health data for their people working in high-risk industrial environments, send the data to the Microsoft Cloud where Hitachi Solutions’ IoT Service Hub is used to provide actionable insights on workers’ health and to send alerts when people are in danger. Employers, such as mining site operators, can deploy this end-to-end solution to protect their workforce with unprecedented responsiveness at a fraction of the cost of previously available technologies.

The breadth of innovative intelligent edge devices and solutions our partners, across the PC and IoT ecosystems, have delivered in the last year is incredible, and we’re just getting started! The opportunities we all have to empower people, drive growth and enable business transformation, when we use the power of the cloud and AI to build intelligent edge solutions, are limitless. I look forward to the innovation we will deliver together.

Tags: AI, COMPUTEX, intelligent edge, IoT

In Taipei, Taiwan, Dell announced several new and refreshed laptops and other devices at Computex 2019. Gaming enthusiasts of all levels can turn to Dell and Alienware for powerful laptops, as well as gaming headsets. Consumers and businesses will see lighter and thinner devices throughout the company’s XPS, Inspiron and Vostro lines. And everyone can benefit from home installation of their PCs.

For mobile gaming fans, Alienware m15 and m17 both weigh under six pounds. Not only do they introduce Alienware’s new Legend industrial design, first announced earlier this year at CES, but the new Alienware m17 introduces technologies culminating from everything the Alienware design team has learned over the years.

The Alienware m15 is the world’s first 15-inch laptop to feature Tobii eyetracking, and the Alienware m17 is the world’s first laptop to feature an Eyesafe certified display. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to harmful blue light from digital displays can lead to dry irritated eyes, trouble sleeping, blurred vision, and reduced attention spans and concentration. Eyesafe display integration within Alienware m17, Alienware m15, Alienware Area -51m and G7 17 lowers blue light exposure while maintaining color performance.

Alienware m15, m17 and Dell G3 15 are among the first laptops to showcase brand-new processors that supercharge the PC gaming experience. The 9^th Generation Intel Core CPUs offer the highest performance for gaming and creator laptops, delivering up to 5.0 GHz Turbo, eight cores and 16 threads, on a platform that handles everything from demanding AAA games to creative workloads like editing and rendering. NVIDIA’s latest graphic cards complement this, as a fast supercharger for popular games.

Additional design features include: an all-magnesium chassis; smooth-edge, Alienware’s narrowest bezels; a re-engineered keyboard; precision-point glass touchpad; SSD-only storage; and per key RGB LED AlienFX lighting.

Alienware m15 and m17 with 9^th Generation Intel Core will be available in the U.S. beginning June 11, starting at $1,499.

Dell’s G3 15 comes to this year’s Computex with even more to offer to budget-conscious and entry-level players. A new Game Shift feature enables maximum fan speed for optimal processor performance during periods of intense gaming with the click of one button. The 15-inch G3 also shows outward innovations through a thin-and-sleek design, narrow borders, optional 144Hz gaming display, four-zone RGB backlit keyboard and an S-curve design to accommodate larger component ports near the back.

Dell G3 15 with optional 9^th Generation Intel Core and NVIDIA 16 series chips will be available in the U.S. beginning May 28, starting at $799.

Alienware also debuted two accessories. The Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset features hand-picked best-in-class custom-tuned 50mm drivers to deliver a wider, more dynamic, fully immersive surround sound to ensure gamers hear opponents coming from any direction. And for long hours of gaming, there’s a cushioned headband with a clamp to ensure no slippage, comfort-fit ear cups using deeper custom-designed acoustic chambers, along with plush memory foam and sports fabric for optimal cooling and comfort. A leatherette covering promotes noise isolation.

The Alienware Stereo Gaming Headset uses a combination of best-in-class custom-tuned drivers and custom-designed acoustic chambers and earcups to create a high-resolution audio experience. With audio clarity during even the most chaotic gameplay, this headset is engineered for maximum comfort and optimal cooling.

Both headsets feature the sleek Alienware Legend design, with non-exposed extenders and a retractable boom microphone, creating a seamless outline.

Cross-platform gamers will enjoy the compatibility these headsets provide via the detachable 3.5mm cable that makes it compatible with a variety of gaming platforms.

The headsets will be available in the U.S. beginning July 31, starting at $79.99 for Alienware Stereo Gaming Headset (AW310H) and $99.99 for Alienware 7.1 Gaming Headset (AW510H).

For consumers and businesses: XPS, Inspiron and Vostro improvements

The new XPS 13 2-in-1 packs more performance in a thinner design and larger display. Dell has elevated its display experience, refining the InfinityEdge display in a new 16:10 format.

The XPS 13 2-in-1 is Dell’s first laptop with Intel’s Ice Lake-U 10nm 10th gen processors and features adaptive performance based on the latest Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology, which proactively changes the power of the CPU according to the performance of the workload. It comes with a redesigned thermal system to cool the higher performing processor, while creating an overall 8% thinner 2-in-1 than the previous generation.

The new XPS 15 combines OLED and 9^th Generation Intel Core processors in a powerhouse laptop. It’s got up to eight core i9 and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, enabling creators to experience faster speeds across video editing, graphic design and photography. The addition of Killer AX1650 built on Intel Wi-Fi 6 Chipset delivers nearly three times faster throughput than the previous generation in crowded environments [1].

The XPS 13 2-in-1 will be available in July starting at $999.99. The XPS 15 will be available in the coming weeks starting at $999.99.

The new Inspiron 15 7000 is an ultralight laptop prioritizing performance, equipped with 9^th generation Intel Core H-class processors that offer up to eight cores, up to 16GB of DDR4 memory and dual NVMe SSD options, along with latest NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics to deliver a high-performance laptop for everyday use and creative side-projects.

Design choices make a big difference with this laptop. Magnesium alloy keeps the laptop light while maintaining the rigidity and stability of traditional aluminum. The power button is incorporated within the keyboard and fingerprint reader for a cleaner look, allowing room for a full number pad on the narrow-border display. The new Adaptive Thermals of the system detects if the laptop is on a lap or desk, and changes the thermal profiles accordingly. Along with dual heat pipes, fans and a drop-hinge, the components work together to keep the system cool by exhausting heat out of hidden vents in the hinge.

The Inspiron 15 7000 is available now starting at $579.99.

Following in its big brother’s footprint, the new Inspiron 13 5000 laptop combines a 13-inch display with aluminum pieces, narrow borders and diamond-cut edges around the touchpad.

Consumers who care about connectivity will appreciate the optional mobile broadband [2] connection with a Micro SIM card slot, enabling them to get things done without a Wi-Fi connection (available on select configurations in select regions).

The Inspiron 13 5000 is available now starting at $579.99.

Previously announced at CES 2019, the Inspiron 7000 2-in-1 is now available in both 13 and 15-inch displays, equipped with the world’s first pen garage hinge [3].

Rounding out the lineup, the Inspiron 11 3000 2-in-1 is an entry-level convertible with plenty of computing power for everyday needs: an HD touchscreen, 7th Generation AMD processors, plentiful ports and eMMC storage. It will be available on June 10 starting at $349.99.

Two new completely redesigned All-in-Ones bring a clean and renewed focus back towards the screen to minimize outside distractions. The Inspiron 24 5000 AIO and Inspiron 27 7000 AIO feature InfinityEdge and a vivid and clear 23.8-inch or 27-inch FHD 1080p display with pop-up webcam.

Both contain a forward-firing speaker bar beneath the display to direct the speakers’ acoustic energy towards the listener, and with the addition of Dell Cinema, the AIOs provide an immersive experience.

The Inspiron 24 5000 AIO and Inspiron 27 7000 AIO are available now starting at $699.99 and $949.99, respectively.

The two additions to the Vostro line cater to the needs of small businesses.  The new Vostro 13 5000 is only 14.9 thin, 2.59 lb. light and comes equipped with advanced video-conferencing technology, making it the perfect notebook for mobile professionals and road warriors who need to attend meetings from anywhere.The new Vostro 15 7000 offers the latest H Series Intel 6-core processors for performance-demanding applications, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics and triple-drive expandability storage options for small businesses that demand a high performance system to get the job done.

The Vostro 13 5000 and Vostro 15 7000 are available now starting at $849 and $1,149, respectively.

The new Dell Home Installation Services provide a super simple, fast and convenient way to setup a PC at home. A technician unpacks and installs the PC, performs the system start up and connects it to your network and peripherals. Optional add-on services are available for an additional cost, including migrating your data or personalized settings from the previous PC, and installing additional components like memory, sound cards, video card, a secondary hard drive, optical drive and multiple monitors.

These services are available now available in 13 countries for new Inspiron, XPS or Alienware PCs.

[1] 802.11ax 2×2 160MHz enables 2402Mbps maximum theoretical data rates approximately three times faster than standard 802.11ac 2×2 (867Mbps) Wi-Fi as documented in IEEE 802.11 wireless standard specifications, and requires the use of similarly configured 802.11ax wireless network routers.

[2] Subject to service provider’s broadband subscription and coverage area; speeds may vary. Additional charges will apply. Contact your service provider for details.

[3] Based on Dell internal analysis, November 2018.

At Computex in Taipei, Taiwan, HP introduced new additions to its Personal Systems portfolio targeted at enabling more intuitive experiences across work and life.

The Elite x2 G4 is the world’s first business detachable with a leather keyboard folio [1], integrated dual-camera privacy shutters and privacy screen [2]. Along with the EliteBook x360 1030 G4, and EliteBook x360 1040 G6, it redefines mobility with best-in-class battery life. In fact, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G4 is the world’s smallest and lightest business convertible [3]. It also makes sure you stay connected with Gigabit Class 4G LTE [4], Wi-Fi 6 [5] and Bluetooth 5 and up to 24 hours of battery life.

The ZBook 15 G6, ZBook 17 G6 and VR Backpack give creators and designers powerful options. For architects, product developers and creative professionals who require high-performance computing and expandability, HP introduces powerful entry workstations – HP Z1 Entry Tower G5, HP Z2 Mini G4, HP Z2 Small Form Factor G4 and HP Z2 Tower G4.

The new HP Z2 Tower has been redesigned to provide two times the graphics power and 41 percent more processing power over the previous generation. This enables creators to confidently tackle complex workloads like rendering photo-realistic 3D models and scenes with full performance and whisper-quiet acoustics.

HP also brings some new designs with the world’s first convertible PCs made with authentic wood [6]: the HP ENVY 13, HP ENVY x360 13, HP ENVY x360 15 and the HP ENVY 17 Wood Series. They come with a choice of new, next-gen Intel Core processors or 2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Mobile Processors with Radeon Vega Graphics [7].

Engineering the lowest starting pressure ever in a PC active pen makes it possible for natural handwriting on both the HP Elite x2 and full line of HP Elite convertibles with the optional HP Rechargeable Active Pen G3 to be the world’s most precise writing experience [8].

Looking for a desktop? The Mini-In-One 24 boasts the world’s most secure modular All in One with a display that fully encloses, secures and powers a 65W ultra-small form factor PC [9]. The Mini-In-One display pairs seamlessly with the new HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini PC to enable clean desk aesthetics and the security of an all-in-one experience.

Pricing and Availability [10]

• The HP Elite x2 G4 is expected to be available in August for a starting price of $1,499.
• The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G4 is expected to be available in July for a starting price of $1,449.
• The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G6 is expected to be available in July for a starting price of $1,499.
• The HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini is expected to be available in July for a starting price of $924.
• The HP Active Pen G3 is expected to be available later this summer for a starting price of $99.
• The HP VR Backpack is expected to be available this summer for a starting price of $3,299.
• The HP Z1 Desktop Entry Tower is expected to be available in July. Pricing will be shared closer to availability.
• The HP Z2 Desktop portfolio is expected to be available in August. Pricing will be shared closer to availability.
• The HP ENVY Wood Series portfolio is expected to be available fall 2019. Pricing will be shared closer to availability.

[1 Based on HP’s internal analysis of business detachable with the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i U series processor, Windows Pro OS, vPro with optional integrated leather clad keyboard as of May 2019.

[2] Based on HP’s internal analysis of business detachables with Windows Pro OS, Intel Core i U series processor, vPro with detachable keyboard. Most private based on webcam privacy shutter and optional physically embedded, hardware-based privacy screen as of May 2019. 

[3] Based on 8th Generation Intel based 13-inch business convertibles with Intel Core i U series processor, Windows Pro OS, vPro and a convertible nondetachable design as of May 2019. Thinnest at the hinge and smallest based on volume. Lightest based on weight.

[4] Gigabit class Category 16 4G LTE module is optional and must be configured at the factory. Module designed for up to 1 Gbps download speeds as carriers deploy 5 carrier aggregation and 100Mhz channel bandwidth, requires activation and separately purchased service contract. Backwards compatible to HSPA 3G technologies. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area. Connection, upload and download speeds will vary due to network, location, environment, network conditions and other factors. 4G LTE not available on all products, in all regions.

[5] Wireless access point and internet service required and sold separately. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Wi-Fi 6 is backwards compatible with prior 802.11 specs. The specifications for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) are draft and are not final. If the final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the notebook to communicate with other 802.11ax devices. Only available in countries where 802.11ax is supported.

[6] Compared to all convertible PCs in the market as of May 28, 2019.

[7] AMD processor only available on the HP ENVY x360 13.

[8] Based on rechargeable active pens with the lowest starting pressure and are sold with PCs with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection and BIOS-level protection, passing MIL-STD 810G tests with optional docking incorporating power delivery as of May 2018.

 [9] Based on displays that can attach and enclose a separately-purchased Ultra-Small Form Factor PC as of May 2019. Most secure requires separately-purchased HP EliteDesk 800 G5 Desktop Mini with 7th Generation and higher Intel Core processors, Intel integrated graphics and Intel WLAN, and is based on HP’s unique and comprehensive security capabilities included at no additional cost, among vendors with more than one million units annual sale.

[10] Not available in all countries, pricing from HP.com, subject to change without notice. See Best Buy for pricing details.

MSI shows off its latest gear for extreme gamers at Computex 2019: the new GT76 Titan and GE65 Raider.

The GT76 Titan proves it can deliver powerful desktop-level performance in a laptop, with a design inspired by exotic cars. Under the hood, it pairs an Intel Core i9 desktop processor, overclocked to 5.0GHz across all eight cores, and top-of-the-line RTX 2080 graphics. Because so much power can overheat a machine, MSI’s exclusive Cooler Boost Titan keeps it cool by generating 2.25 times the airflow.

To enhance gamers’ visual experience with a panoramic view, the GT76 provides a 17.3-inch, 144Hz thin bezel display. The flagship also features upgraded wired-and-wireless networking, with Killer DoubleShot Pro now supporting 2.5 Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 6.

This gaming flagship not only comes with the robust hardware but also gives gamers complete freedom to upgrade the internals with more storage and memory capacity, just like a desktop.

The latest GE65 Raider continues its predecessor’s powerful performance. Forged with latest RTX graphics and 9^th Generation Intel Core i9 processor, the GE65 can easily handle demanding AAA games titles. It also has the latest Killer Wi-Fi 6.

Its ultra-fast 240Hz IPS-level thin bezel display ensures sharp and clear images in a compact form factor. The new two-toned mesh design at the underside of the unit, inspired by a dragon theme, provides better ventilation and prevents hot air recirculation.

At Computex 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan, ASUS unveiled a lineup of ZenBooks with new versions of its ScreenPad and a refreshed lineup of laptops from its Republic of Gamers. The company also celebrated its 30^th anniversary with an exclusive limited-edition ZenBook Edition 30 (UX334FL), a Pearl White model with a hand-crafted genuine Italian leather lid cover.

The latest ZenBook 13 (UX334), ZenBook 14 (UX434) and ZenBook 15 (UX534) models now include the ASUS ScreenPad 2.0, an interactive secondary touchscreen with an intuitive new smartphone-like interface, which could go a long way toward easy task management and multitasking workflows.

All models in the series have a four-sided frameless NanoEdge display, with up to a 95% screen-to-body ratio that gives them the world’s most compact footprint in their respective classes.

ZenBooks are known for their combination of performance and mobility and these are no different. They feature a full complement of high-performance components including up to 8th Generation Intel Core i7 quad-core CPUs, up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q graphics, 16GB RAM, ultrafast PCIe SSDs and gigabit-class Wi-Fi.

Also making its debut at Computex: the ZenBook Pro Duo (UX581), an ultraportable laptop that includes a 4K OLED UHD ASUS ScreenPad Plus (3840 x 2160), a full-width secondary touchscreen (3840 x 1100) that expands and enhances the interactive capabilities of the original ASUS ScreenPad. The display is a frameless four-sided ASUS NanoEdge design, with ultraslim bezels for immersive visuals and an ultra-compact form factor. It also features 100,000:1 HDR contrast and DCI-P3 100% for vivid color.

The ScreenPad Plus gives users the ability to enjoy the productivity and efficiency benefits of dual-screen computing on a single portable device. The full-width, high-resolution 32:9 aspect-ratio touchscreen sits directly above the laptop’s keyboard, providing a greatly enlarged visual workspace while preserving the standard laptop form factor.

You can use ScreenPad Plus just like any standard second display in Windows to display visual content, or take advantage of many time-saving features and functions built into the ScreenXpert control software to simplify multiscreen window and app management.

You can also drag discrete apps, toolbars or menus onto ScreenPad Plus to reduce clutter on the main screen and enhance work efficiency. Creators can dock their tools such as video previews, timeline controls, code windows or audio mixer panels onto ScreenPad Plus to optimize workflow. Social communications apps placed on ScreenPad Plus while working can help reduce distractions from notifications.

Adaptive functions, pioneered in the original ScreenPad, also offer enhanced workflow in apps such as Microsoft Office.

ZenBook Pro Duo features the latest version of the ASUS NumberPad, an LED-illuminated numeric keypad integrated into the touchpad. There’s also Amazon Alexa voice support.

Underneath, performance comes through up to 9th Generation Intel Core processors, combined with up to 32GB RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (UX581) or GeForce MX250 (UX481) GPU, with ultrafast storage provided by up to a 1TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD.

The full set of I/O ports includes a Thunderbolt 3-enabled USB Type-C port. The latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) provides next-level wireless speeds for connections to the world.

There’s also a dedicated Turbo Fan button to boost cooling at any time, and the ErgoLift hinge improves airflow under the laptop for better thermal performance.

ASUS Republic of Gamers also announced a top-to-bottom update of its gaming laptop family that features faster displays, best-in-class cooling, NVIDIA Turing graphics, 9th Generation Intel Core processors and AMD Ryzen APU.

Find out more at ASUS.

Updated May 27, 2019 5:59 am