It is not just computers in the future for Acer, which is looking with conviction towards new horizons in the name of sustainability and the crisis crushing the laptop market, which is in free fall after the recovery favoured by the pandemic, the forced and prolonged domestic isolation. Going beyond the boundaries of computing seems a courageous and partly due choice, therefore, that of the Taiwanese company, which unveiled many new products during the Global Press Conference.
Apart from the Predator series gaming PCs, two high-end convertible Chromebooks, six TravelMate notebooks for business users and the Predator Orion X compact gaming desktop together with curved monitors for gaming maniacs, the highlights are the ebii e-bike and the Acerpure Pro Vero air purifier. Two unexpected and, in the case of the urban mobility bike, unprecedented products in the company’s history.
The e-bike with AI
Minimalist design and a touch of artificial intelligence enrich the bike with useful and largely automated functions to simplify pedalling and improve cyclists’ safety. This is Acer’s surprise hit, an electric bicycle designed to customise the user experience in terms of riding conditions, pedalling power and the level of assistance the user chooses.
It features a matt white finish and a lightweight aluminium alloy frame, a 250W motor located on the front wheel hub, a rustproof carbon fibre belt drive, and a 460 Wh battery with a combined range of 110 km and 2.5 hours for a full charge (after removing the battery pack), Ebii has 20-inch wheels with airless, deflation-free tyres made of closed-loop recyclable materials for easy maintenance, 160 mm disc brakes and three assistance levels (Eco, My ebii and Boost) reaching a maximum speed of 25 km/h, for a weight of 16 kg, battery included.
However, the element with which Acer wants to differentiate itself is ebiiAssist. This feature allows the bike to automatically recognise the route type, adjusting the bike’s set-up according to the rider’s preferences. The aim is to offer a smart and comfortable bike that makes pedalling and travelling easier for those between 150 and 185 centimetres tall.
To keep everything under control while out on two wheels, there is the ebiiGO app, which, thanks to Bluetooth, allows you to monitor via your smartphone (which is fixed to the handlebars, where there is also a LED display to show warnings and the time needed to reach your destination) the data and suggestions of artificial intelligence, which processes the information providing faster routes and the state of the battery, optimising its life in relation to the destination.
On the safety side is Rear Collision Warning, a radar integrated under the saddle that alerts the rider of the proximity of cars and motorbikes behind him. At the same time, after dark, the front and rear lights switch on autonomously. The e-bike can also be locked and unlocked using the app, with the lock automatically triggered when the owner’s smartphone is out of the connection area; in the event of attempted theft, the system alerts the cyclist who can locate the bike using the integrated GPS. From next September, ebii will be on sale in different configurations with a price starting at €1,999.
Sustainable alternative
“The new products demonstrate our commitment to sustainability through technology and creative design to enhance the user experience,” said Jerry Kao, Acer Co-Chief Operating Officer since November 2018 and President of the IT Products Business.
He also clearly intends to launch an e-bike: “The e-bike debut brings together the work of Acer’s subsidiaries, such as Mps Energy‘s power system and Xplova‘s cycling computing. The keystone of the Ebii’s design is the smart control unit, which powers and directs the bike’s myriad functions from a single operating centre. So as urban commuters seek convenient, safe and greener options, the Acer ebii’s AI assistance and innovative safety features allow them to go further, faster.”
The Acerpure Pro Vero air purifier
The Taipei-based company’s breath of fresh air can also be found in the launch of Acerpure Pro Vero, an air purifier with a chassis made of more than one-third of post-consumer recycled materials releases up to 20 per cent fewer CO2 emissions during production than standard plastic. Inspired by the eco Vero product line, it integrates the 3-in-1 HEPA filter with an anti-formaldehyde coating to isolate bacteria, eliminate 99% of PM2.5 particles in the air, and filter harmful gases and allergens through a four-layer protection system.
It does not stand out for its design and white finish. Still, it focuses on effectiveness by signalling air quality with the appropriate indicator light (green/yellow/red depending on good, medium, or worrying level) and the Green mode that automatically adjusts the purification power according to the condition of the surrounding environment. “We are proud to offer a product that not only keeps the air clean but also reduces waste and environmental impact through the use of recyclable materials, we believe the device represents a breakthrough in the air quality industry,” said Andrew Hou, President of Acerpure Inc. So we will see in the coming months how Acerpure Pro Vero will be received and whether Acer will be able to open a new category to expand the business and diversify revenues.
